TEXT:  EPHESIANS 3:1-7

Introduction: “For this cause…” For what cause? Chapters 1&2
I. Partaking in God’s plan on earth (vv. 1-4)
A. God’s plan is to use His children to do His will on earth (v. 1; Romans 12:1-3)
B. God’s plan is to use His grace to bring others to Him (v. 2; Luke 21:24)
C. God’s plan is to use His Word to give us understanding (vv. 3-4; Acts 26:15-19; Galatians 1:11-24)
II. Partaking in God’s promise for eternity (vv. 5-6)
A. God works uniquely in each time in history (v. 5a)
B. God’s promise is offered to man by different means (v. 5b; Revelation 20:1-10)
C. God’s provision is offered to man in different ways (v. 6a; Genesis 22:8)
D. God’s pattern is offered to man with similar details (v. 6b; Colossians 1:27)
III. Partaking in God’s power for effectiveness (v. 7)
A. Every believer in Christ is to be His minister to others (II Corinthians 5:17-21)
B. Every believer in Christ has received the gift of God’s grace
1. Spiritual life in Salvation is the gift of God through His Son (Ephesians 2:8)
2. Spiritual gifts are the gift from God through His Spirit to do His ministry  (Ephesians 3:7)
3. Spiritual ministry is the gift of God through His church (II Timothy 1:6; I; Peter 4:10)
C. Every believer in Christ has God’s power at work in them to do His will
D. Every believer must yield to His power working in them for it to be effective