#1429. The mystery now revealed (13/1/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 3:4–5, we ask: How has God worked through history to give increasing revelation on His nature and plans? 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

1. The mystery of Christ

Paul speaks of the ‘mystery of Christ’  - the great truth that had been hidden in earlier ages but is now made clear through the gospel. In many ways, the book of Ephesians exists to explain this ‘mystery’: that through Jesus, God is bringing all things together - especially Jew and Gentile - in one new humanity.

The word mystery (Greek: mystērion) doesn’t mean something we can never know, but rather something once hidden that has now been revealed by God. It’s often said:

The Old Testament is full of glimpses, prophecies, and foreshadowings of Jesus. Now, in Christ, we see what they were always pointing toward.

For example, in Genesis 22, when God provides Abraham with a ram caught in the thicket to die in Isaac’s place, we’re given a picture of the gospel - the substitute sacrifice of Jesus. What was once a shadow has now become clear in Christ.

2. The mystery revealed to the apostles and prophets

Paul says that this mystery ‘has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.’ The truths we have in Scripture - including this letter - comes from that divine revelation. This echoes what Paul has already said:

The apostles and prophets were given unique insight and authority by the Spirit to lay the foundation of the church’s faith and understanding. Through them, God made known His eternal purpose - the saving work of Christ and the uniting of all believers in Him.

Even today, when God gives people gifts of teaching, encouragement, or prophetic insight, their true calling is the same: to make Jesus known and to keep Him at the centre of all we do and teach. A test of any spiritual leader is how much they make Jesus and the gospel the centre and the answer. 

Response

• As we read the Bible, do we look for how it points to Jesus? Every page of Scripture ultimately leads us to Him.

• God wants the mystery of Christ - the gospel - to be clear to us. Do we ask the Holy Spirit to deepen our understanding and love for Jesus as we read?

• Do we listen to teachers who faithfully point us to Christ as the foundation and centre of everything?

Let’s be people who love the mystery now revealed — Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

What about the Christmas period and New Year has inspired you in your faith? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we continues our Ephesians series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 3:1-13, was entitled: The Mystery Revealed and Our Call to Make It Known. 

I would love us all to think more on Ephesians together, and so, why not use our Come to Jesus Daily devotions each day; please ensure that everyone knows about, and knows how to access our daily devotions on the church website or other platforms. 

https://www.communitychurchputney.com/biblestudy

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• Please read Ephesians 3:1-9: What was Paul’s calling from God and how does he demonstrate great faithfulness?

• What is the ‘mystery’ now revealed?

• Read Ephesians 3:10-13: We are called to reveal the ‘manifold wisdom of God’ together, what does this mean?

• How is what Paul says about our access to God in prayer and worship, the heart and springboard of the gospel and making it known? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How does our love make us effective in mission?

• How would praying together lead to more effective mission? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.