7 “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.

8 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,

9 and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things;

10 that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and
powers in the heavenly places.

11 This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized
in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through
our faith in him.

13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.”

Ephesians 3:7–13 (RSV)

I. Eternal Purpose

1. Through Christ, We Have Freedom

28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28–30 (RSV)

“Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (RSV)

15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:15–16 (CSB)

“knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7b (RSV)

II. Eternal Plan

1. His Cosmic Plan

2. The Manifold Wisdom

10 “that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 3:10 (RSV)

A. The Multi-Facet Church

10 “This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.”

Ephesians 3:10 (CSB)

B. The Purpose of the Church

III. Eternal Endurance

1. We endure by and for God

11 “Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.

13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:11–13 (RSV)

2. We endure for Others

“So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.”

Ephesians 3:13 (RSV)