Two Mysteries - Jew; Gentile
A Sermon on Ephesians 3:2-7
Scripture
2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the …
Sermon Description
True unity can exist within the church. Since Christians are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise, harmony can be found between Jew and Gentile. In this sermon on Ephesians 3:2–7 titled “Two Mysteries – Jew, Gentile,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses the general mystery of Christ that is the glorious story of the gospel and the particular mystery of the Gentiles now being fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise just as the Jews. Dr. Lloyd-Jones stresses here the importance that there now is no difference as to membership in the family of God between Jews and Gentiles. There is no longer a need for a Gentile to become a Jewish proselyte since they are now members of the same body. This is important because this mystery had not always been known to the people of God. Paul, here in this text, is pointing out that this mystery has now been revealed and Jew and Gentile are members of the same body. Amidst this glorious message of salvation Dr. Lloyd-Jones also takes time to address a particular fallacy that is believed by some regarding this text and the biblical evidence against it.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul wants the Ephesians to understand the privilege and glory of his ministry so they will not worry about him in prison.
- Paul refers to the "mystery of Christ" which is the message of the gospel - that salvation is through Christ alone. This is a mystery that can only be understood through the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
- Paul wants the Ephesians to contemplate the greatness of Christ and the gospel. He asks if Christ and the gospel are the most absorbing interests in their lives.
- Paul refers to a "particular mystery" regarding the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the church.
- Some teach "dispensationalism" - that God has different plans for Jews and the church. They say the church was a "mystery" not revealed in the OT. But Paul says this mystery was revealed to the apostles, not just to him. And it was revealed in the OT, just not as clearly as now.
- The particular mystery is that Jews and Gentiles are "fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." They share equally in the blessings and promises of God.
- "Fellow heirs" means Jews and Gentiles inherit the same promises and new covenant. "Fellow members of the body" means they are equally part of the body of Christ. "Fellow partakers of the promise" refers to receiving the Holy Spirit and resurrection/eternal life.
- In Christ, the distinction between Jew and Gentile is abolished. They are compacted together in the one body of Christ.
The Book of Ephesians
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.