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Message from Ephesians 3:12 - “In Whom We Have Boldness and Access”

Message from Ephesians 3:12 - “In Whom We Have Boldness and Access”

by John Allen · 76 things on Twos

"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." (Ephesians 3:8-12)
Introduction:
I. The second part of God’s purpose for Paul was to make all men understand the fellowship of the mystery of God.
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" (Ephesians 3:9)
II. The fellowship of the mystery is union of man in Christ.
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" (Ephesians 3:9)
A. The mystery being the church, the body of Christ.
B. The fellowship being the unity, the economy of the church, the dispensation of the church.
III. This fellowship was developed by the God of all Creation.
A. Jehovah God created all things by Jesus Christ (the Word).
B. The church is not an accident because God is her founder, Christ is her foundation and head, and the Spirit is her life and power.
C. The church was not an idea of man but God.
Many local and even international churches have been formed by a man's desire and not God's but the church, the body of Christ was instituted by God Himself and given to Jesus Christ.
The fact that God instituted the church and the fact that Christ is our foundation and head, ought to cause us to value church all the more.
IV. God intends to use us, the church, in different ways, one of which is shown in this verse.
A. God displays His manifold wisdom in the church to all of Creation but specifically the principalities and powers in heavenly places.
B. All of the spiritual realm, both those of Heaven and those of hell, are to know what God has done for man, in man, and with man.
C. The manifold wisdom of God is the numerous ways God has displayed His Gospel unto man.
D. This is to be done so the principalities and powers may know God’s love for man but also may glorify God for the Gospel.
V. The eternal purpose of the eternal God is for man to live eternally through the Son Jesus Christ; for all things to be gathered in Christ (1:10).
"That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:" (Ephesians 1:10)
"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:" (Matthew 25:32)
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" (Philippians 2:9-10)
"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20)
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;" (Revelation 5:9)
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9-10)
A. The church is to be the precursor, the temporal example of the time when all things will be gathered together in Christ.
Satan hates the church because it is a picture of the time when he will have no part of God's creation, of God's Kingdom.
Satan attacks because of his hatred for this picture and for his hatred for Christ our Head.
B. We, as the church, should be united now so we may be the best living example of the unity we will enjoy when Christ rules and reigns for all of eternity from the New Jerusalem.
" Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:" (Ephesians 4:11-15)
Main:
** To this eternal, purposeful Creator, the Christian has boldness and access to Him through Jesus Christ the Son.**
I. This access is to God our Creator, Who is also the Father of the saved in Christ.
"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:18)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)
II. Through Jesus Christ, we are given "freedom of speech with God". This is what is meant by the boldness with confidence.
A. We need not speak to God in a certain way else He reject our prayers.
B. We need not fear to speak with Him about any subject, any burden, any care.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
C. We may come boldly to the Throne of Grace to find help in time of need.
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)
D. We have been given boldness and access so let us come near.
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:19-22)
IV. Through Christ, we have been given what the angels cannot have.
A. The angels do not have salvation.
a. Salvation for Satan and his devils has never nor will ever be offered.
b. God sent forth His Son, Jesus Christ, to save men and not devils.
B. The angels do not have the boldness.
a. Though they have access they may not speak freely with the Lord as we can.
b. Though they have access they are shown only as God's ministers; therefore, they do and say what God gives them.
V. Let us then give God all the praise and worship.
A. We have boldness and access - what a great and loving Savior.
B. God does not just offer forgiveness for sins but reconciliation unto Him, the bringing back into fellowship, the access unto Him.
C. God does not merely acknowledge our existence upon our faith in Him but He grants us access to Him.
Other religions do not have this. They have access to an image of their god but we have access to the Creator.
Other religions do not have the boldness that has been granted us through faith in Jesus Christ the Son.
D. This access is a testimony to His love and not our greatness nor our "love-ableness". What a loving God is He!
E. With God as your Father, you are always welcomed in His presence, you are always welcome Home. Where is Home? Home is wherever our Father is!
Conclusion:
I. Do recognize your need for this boldness and access?
A. God has made every person, throughout all ages, to need Him.
Every attempt to find love, every attempt to find peace, every attempt to find happiness is but a sinner's way to fill the void that only God can fill.
Drugs cannot fill that void, love of and for another person cannot fill that void, sex cannot fill that void, wealth and fame cannot fill that void, education cannot fill that void; only God Himself can fill that void.
B. Along with this void comes the need to access Him in a way that requires freedom to speak.
II. This access comes only through faith in Jesus Christ the Son.
A. If you recognize your need for this boldness and access, then place your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2)
B. Place not your faith in anything or anyone else but Christ.
III. For those who are saved, have you been using the access to God with boldness?
A. "Oh, what peace we often forfeit Oh, what needless pain we bear All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!"
B. Let us continue to use this access through prayer!