In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ …
Summary: Paul’s transition to the next section of his letter prompts questions about who the letter is written for and what it means to believe in Jesus.
Oh really?
Who is Paul talking to? Why does he think they will be able to “understand [his] insight into the mystery of Christ?” What is the “mystery of Christ” that he is talking about?
To answer the first question, Paul is writing to people who already believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This is important, because the tone of this letter is directed to believers, not unbelievers.
Ask yourself this: Would an unbeliever reading this letter be able to understand the mystery of Christ?
Mmmm … maybe.
Yet, the purpose of Paul’s letter to the believers in Ephesus is not to persuade us to believe in Jesus. The letter presumes that we already believe. This is not like John’s Gospel account where he says:
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
Unlike Paul, John was clearly writing for the unbeliever. The prerequisite for understanding Paul’s insight into Christ is believing (A) that Jesus is God and (B) that Paul is speaking for Jesus. As we discovered in “Ephesians 3:3 – On the Road,” Paul was changed when he encountered the Living God personally.
I am reminded of the “royal official” from Capernaum. When his son was near death, he traveled to where Jesus was near Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ response to him is telling. He said, “Unless you people see signs and wonders … you will never believe.” (John 4:48)
Why did this royal official go to see Jesus in the first place? Didn’t he believe enough to go seek out the Lord? Who did he think he was going to see? A traveling magician?
As the story continues, Jesus tell the official his son will live. The official then returns home. (Was that an act of faith?) On the way, his servants come to meet him with the news that his son is better. When he learns that his son got better at the same time as Jesus said he would, the Bible says, “…he and his whole household believed.” (John 4:53)
Believed what? What did they suddenly realize was true? What was it they believed? Do we have to wait until we believe as he did before we read Paul’s letters, or can we come to God’s word with the same tentative faith we see in the “royal official?”
Jesus dealt kindly with the royal official, just as he deals kindly with everyone who comes to him. Mark tells the story of another father whose son was ill. He says to Jesus:
“… if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
(Mark 9:22-24)
Perhaps, like me, you find yourself in the same position as the boy’s father, living with a mix of belief and unbelief. Like him, it is wise to pray, “help me overcome my unbelief!”
Application: Pray for faith.
Food for Thought: What signs should we look for in ourselves to indicate that we really believe?
What signs should we look for in ourselves to indicate that we really believe?
So many signs. Tears ( sweating from the eyeballs ), joy, kindness, understanding, wonderful emotions with anything for the Lord. But the sign of a loving relationship is my favorite.
Tim,
Well said!
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Good response T.
The fruit of the Spirit is one sign (Galatians 5: 22 – 23). Fruit in life and ministry is one way Jesus told us to recognize others (Matthew 7: 15 – 23: John 15: 1 – 8). But most important is a relationship with Jesus based on faith. The works can be produced by an unbeliever without faith. But faith that produces works shows that we really believe (James 2: 14 – 26). Is there a hunger for Jesus? His word? Are we willing to repent of sin? Our we able to forgive? Is our heart soft and pliable clay for the Holy Spirit to do His work?
Thank you, Rich.
Well said!
I was just reading about Gideon this morning where he “tests” God using the fleece (Judges 6:36-40). Gideon believed, but he still wrestled with unbelief. It is encouraging to me that God is willing and able to work with clay like Gideon and myself even though we wrestle with questions about what is going on.
05-07-2023, What signs should we look for in ourselves to indicate that we really believe?
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Life in Christ for me began with an unexplained strong feeling of freedom, peace and joy. Spending time with God becomes the priority, as we find He is the source of strength for this new being we have become.
Bible studies, prayer, worship services, Christ centered conversations, music, and activities all have value while concerns for the things of this world fade. We begin to see God’s Sovereign hand in everything as He takes care of our needs and we begin to develop a desire, and find pleasure as we serve the needs of others before ourselves, as we continue in the process of being transformed by God into the instrument as determined by God.
Ron
An ‘unexplained feeling’ is a very accurate description. We have to learn to “see” on a spiritual level. Very different from the physical.