Season 3 Episode 4 God’s Plan for the Church, Part 1

This episode was recorded from The Loft, an amazing studio guesthouse in the small, beautiful town of Hasty, Arkansas.  Click HERE for more information on this Airbnb property (not sponsored). 

Season 3 Episode 4
Ephesians 3:1-13

1) Jesus gave Paul insight into a mystery that was revealed only to him. What is that mystery (Ephesians 3:2-6)?
     a) Gentiles are now members together with Israel, one body, sharers together in the promises of God through faith in Jesus Christ. 
     b) Now through the church, the body of Christ, the manifold wisdom of God will be made known to the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms.
     c) Israel has experienced a hardening in part (towards the gospel of Jesus Christ) until the full number of Gentiles has come in, and then all of Israel will be saved (Romans 11:25-27). Salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious (Romans 11:11-12).

2) Abrahamic Covenant was an everlasting covenant established by God (Genesis 15:1-21). God promised him, land, seed and blessing.
     a) Covenant with Israel under Moses (Deuteronomy 29 & 30)
     b) Covenant with King David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). 
     c) A future covenant with Israel was prophesied (Jeremiah 31:31-37).

3) The new covenant established through Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant established under Moses. How can this be? (Hebrews 8:7-13)
     a) Jesus came in the order of Melchizedek and not the order of Aaron. Why? (Hebrews 7:1-28)
     b) Jesus is greater than Moses. Why? (Hebrews 2:17 - 3:6)
     c) Jesus is the last high priest and the last sacrifice needed for the atonement of sin (Hebrews 10:1-18).

Discussion Question:

Why can we come boldly to the throne of God with confidence in our time of need? (Hebrews 4:14-16)