H.B. Charles, Jr. :: Sermon Skeleton: Lessons from a Self-Conscious Preacher (Ephesians 3:1-13)

Lessons from a Self-Conscious Preacher

Ephesians 3:1-13

Theme: Understanding the ministry of the mystery of the gospel

Point: Faithful ministers are careful about how the Lord sees them, how others see them, and how they see themselves.

Outline:

1. Paul was a prisoner for Christ Jesus (Eph 3:1, 13).
   1. Notice how Paul viewed his situation (v. 1).
   2. Notice how Paul wanted the church to view his situation (v. 13).
2. Paul was a steward of God's grace (Eph 3:2-6).
   1. The source of the mystery (vv. 2-3).
      1. Grace (v. 2).
      2. Revelation (v. 3).
   2. The secrecy of the mystery (vv. 4-5).
      1. It was concealed in the Old Testament.
      2. It is revealed in the New Testament.
   3. The statement of the mystery (v. 6).
      1. We are fellow heirs together in Christ.
      2. We are members together in Christ.
      3. We are partakers together in Christ.
3. Paul was a minister of the gospel (Eph 3:7-13).
   1. The means of gospel ministry (v. 7).
   2. The attitude of gospel ministry (v. 8a).
   3. The focus of gospel ministry (vv. 8b-9).
      1. We are to point people to Christ (v. 8b).
      2. We are to point people to the church (v. 9).
   4. The goal of gospel ministry (vv. 10-11).
      1. The church is the place where the wisdom of God is displayed (v.10).
      2. The church is the place where the purpose of God is accomplished (v. 11).
   5. The benefit of gospel ministry (v. 12).