Welcome to Week Four of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study: The Mystery of the Gospel. Last week Paul showed us how Jesus tears down walls and unites us as one family. This week, Paul reveals a deeper truth: the gospel is God’s plan from eternity to bring everyone, no matter their background, into His family. And now, we have a role to play in sharing that grace. If you are just joining us, Week 1 covers Paul’s background and why he wrote this letter.
Note for Parents: Read the Bible passage and the devotional thoughts on your own first, and feel free to highlight and make notes as you go. Then gather your family for the Bible study. This week is split into three short days, so you can do one each day or spread them out throughout the week.
Bible Focus
Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:1-13 – “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will give you insight into my understanding of the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.”
Devotional Thoughts
Big Idea: God’s gift in Christ is for everyone, and we are His messengers to share that grace.
After reminding us that Jesus brings peace and unity between people who were once far apart, Paul reveals something amazing: God planned to bring all nations together in Christ from the very beginning, and the gospel now makes that mystery known.
The Mystery
In this passage, Paul speaks from prison about a truth he considers foundational: the mystery of Christ. In earlier generations, God kept hidden His plan to bring Gentiles, basically anyone who was not Jewish, into His family. The gospel now reveals it. God had this plan in mind from the very beginning, and nothing in history surprised Him.
Teaching your kids about the differences between Jews and Gentiles may feel difficult. If you focus on one thing, focus on this: the gospel of Jesus is for everyone who believes.
Paul points out that Gentiles are now fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise. People from every background, Jews and non-Jews, share equally in God’s family through Jesus, and Christ leaves no room for division. God revealed another layer of His plan from the beginning, and including all people in His rescue plan was a huge deal!
God’s Grace
In an ironic twist to the biblical narrative, Paul, who once persecuted Jesus-followers, is the person God chose to spread the gospel to all people. God entrusted him with the mission to preach this mystery. Why would God choose Paul? God’s purposes go beyond our complete understanding, but we do know He chose Paul by His grace.
What is grace? Grace is God’s unmerited favor. Paul’s resume did not earn his calling. God chose him despite his past accomplishments and sinful life as a Pharisee. Through his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ in Acts, Paul came to understand that Jesus is truly God and that God had chosen him as His instrument to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul never boasts in himself. He points to God’s grace, power, and purpose. His confidence comes from Christ, through faith, and none of it comes from his own strength.
The Jesus-Follower’s Response
The gospel saves individuals and expands the church. God’s purpose is bigger than anyone can imagine. Through the church, He shows His wisdom to spiritual rulers and authorities everywhere. The church is part of God’s eternal plan, which makes it much bigger than a local community. Because of Christ, believers have boldness and access to God. Because of Jesus, we can approach Him with confidence and join His mission to spread the gospel to our own neighborhoods and every corner of the world.
Family Bible Study
Each day focuses on a smaller section of Ephesians 3, so your family can slow down and take in the passage piece by piece. These questions are meant to start a real conversation. Feel free to reword them for younger kids and let older ones sit with the harder ones a little longer.
Day One: The Mystery
Read Ephesians 3:1-6 together.
When you hear the word mystery, what do you think about?
What is the mystery Paul talks about in these verses?
How does it feel that God had a plan to save you from the very beginning of time?
Family Activity: Puzzle Plan. Bring out a small puzzle or a few interlocking pieces. Talk about how each piece looks different but fits together to make one picture. God’s plan brings all kinds of people together to make something beautiful, His church.
Day Two: God’s Grace
Read Ephesians 3:7-10 together.
Quick Recap: God gave Paul the responsibility of sharing the gospel with the Gentiles. Why? Did Paul do something to earn that role? Nope. God chose him by grace. Paul did not deserve the job, but God chose him anyway. That gave Paul both confidence and humility.
How did Paul get the job of sharing the gospel with the Gentiles?
What is grace, and when has a parent, teacher, or sibling shown you grace?
Why do we need God’s grace to be saved from our sins?
Day Three: The Jesus-Follower’s Response
Read Ephesians 3:11-13 together
What does Paul say we have because of Jesus?
What is the gospel, and how does someone come to know Jesus?
Who could you share God’s love with this week?
Prayer
God, thank You for showing us the mystery of Your plan to bring all people together through Jesus. We’re amazed that You invite us to be part of Your family and Your church. Help us live with gratitude and confidence, knowing that we belong to You. Give us courage to share Your love with others this week, and remind us that Your grace gives us everything we need to follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Explore More Ephesians Bible Studies
Week 8 – Put On the Armor of God
Discipleship Cliff Bible Studies Hub
Continue Your Discipleship Journey
Bible study is one way to point your kids to Jesus. For simple ways to do it in the middle of an ordinary day, read Everyday Ways to Point Your Kids to Jesus. Looking for more Bible studies, devotionals, and practical tools? Browse Family Resources at Discipleship Cliff.
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