Sermon Tone Analysis

vv.8-9

No one is worthy of God’s grace

Paul never boasts of himself.

He is acutely aware of his unworthiness, as we all should be.

Romans 12:3

The truth is that none of us are worthy of the grace that God has bestowed on us, and that is exactly why it is grace.

Romans 3:10, 23

Romans 3:23

Romans 11:5-6

If we were worthy, there would be no grace involved.

But Grace IS given to all who believe, and that grace is given for a reason.

The Purpose of the Mystery

We are given two reasons why grace was bestowed upon Paul:

To show the Gentiles the “unsearchable riches of Christ”

To show them the “fellowship of the mystery”

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

These things had been hidden “in God”, whom Paul identifies as the creator “through Jesus Christ”

John 1:1-3

The fact that He is the creator sets an important context, as we will see.

As the creator, His riches would be endless.

Every resource is His to command without end.

They are so vast, that we would never be able to discover an end to them.

Romans 11:33

These riches are available to all believers.

As “less then the least of saints”, Paul had no special claim to the riches, yet he shared in them.

What are these riches?

Things of great value are usually rare, that is what causes them to be valuable.

However, in this case the riches are in endless supply.

I think its very valid to ask what could possible be of value to God.

He is the creator of everything that exists.

There is nothing of material value that He cannot simply make more of, so what are the riches?

Perhaps they are comprised of His limitless grace, compassion and love, of sanctifying, comforting, and transforming power, all without limit, and capable of satisfying every need, want, craving, and yearning of the heart, now and forever.

These are certainly things of the highest value.

Just the thought of Him having such riches to offer, elevates Him above all else.

It shows Him as the highest and most glorious.

What we know for sure is that these unsearchable riches are just that...unsearchable.

They are unknowable and incomprehensible to us, but one day we shall surely know them.

For now, what Christians have recieved from Christ is of immeasurable value, and should not be taken for granted.

The Fellowship (or Plan) of the Mystery

So what is God’s plan for this mystery, which is now revealed?

As has previously been discussed, it had been kept hidden until New Testament times.

There was a purpose to Paul’s calling, which was to share the mystery with the Gentiles.

And as with everything God does, there is a purpose to the sharing of this mystery, which is seen in verse 10.

v.10:

The purpose involves the church and “the principalities and powers in the heavenly places”.

God is educating the angels by means of the church!

Angels (both good and bad) are created beings, and they are not all knowing.

Peter said that in the Old Testament angles were curious about salvation.

1 Peter 1:10-12

It is indicated that angels watch the activities of the local church.

1 Corinthians 11:10

Angels even rejoice at the repentance of a sinner.

Luke 15:10

The angels are definitely paying attention to the church, but what are they learning?

According to our text, they are learning the wisdom of God.

The angels certainly have much knowledge of God, but the church is new to them, and they are watching the great depth of God’s wisdom unfold in this new creation...the church.

Likewise, the fallen angels are learning that their leader, satan, has no wisdom.

This is a quite amazing aspect of it, and I couldn’t say it any better then Warren Wiersbe did.

“Satan knows the Bible, and he understood from the Old Testament Scriptures that the Saviour would come, when He would come, how He would come, and where He would come.

Satan also understood why He would come, as far as redemption is concerned.

But nowhere in the Old Testament would Satan find any prophecies concerning the church, “the mystery” of Jews and Gentiles united in one body!

Satan could see unbelieving Jews rejecting their Messiah, and he could see Gentiles trusting the Messiah, but he could not see both believing Jews and Gentiles united in one body, seated with Christ in the heavenlies, and completely victorious over Satan!

Had Satan known the far-reaching results of the Cross, no doubt he would have altered his plans accordingly”

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996).

The Bible exposition commentary (Vol.

2, p. 29).

Victor Books.

God had a great purpose in hiding this truth, and revealing it when and how he did.

vv.11-13

The purpose was carried out through Jesus Christ

This purpose was carried out through Jesus Christ 2000 years ago.

Through His death and resurrection the church, His body was created.

Both Jew and Gentile can become equal members of His body, His family, through faith in Him.

Galatians 3:28

Romans 10:9

A Christian has direct access to God

As a Christian, you have direct access to God, and can approach Him anywhere at any time.

Hebrews 4:16

For this reason, Paul was telling them not to be discouraged because of his suffering.

A Christian should not fear tribulation

Likewise, believers should not fear tribulation.

When we suffer in Christ, we will be glorified with Him.

Romans 8:17

God had a secret, but He is done hiding it.

It is a secret no more, and God wants it to be spread.

He wants us to understand our position in Christ and live up to it, by sharing it with others.

It should be important to us, just as it was important Paul.