Our Personal Resolve (verses 10-11).
Verse 10 starts with a purpose clause: “so that.”  Paul reveals another reason why we engage in Gospel ministry.  We demonstrate the manifold wisdom of God to an audience of holy angels.  The angels Paul talks about here are angels whose righteousness was confirmed when they did not fall with Satan.

The word “manifold” means very varied.  The same Greek root is used to describe crystals in assorted shapes and colors.  Christ, who is Wisdom, made Jew and Gentile one in Him.  God has shown His impartial wisdom in saving us miraculously, and placing us together in the body strategically and beautifully. 

There is something about the Gospel that angels cannot understand without watching it at work in us.  The church has the responsibility to do something even Creation and the human conscience could not do.  It is the responsibility of every member of the body, not just a select few. 

Lest we think this is a periphery purpose, teaching the angels contributes to the glory of God.  It thrills God’s heart when a local body ministers to His angels in this way.  They report back to Him and praise Him on our behalf when we live to do God’s will.  This should be an encouragement to us!

Our purpose fits right in with Jesus’ purpose.  Jesus’ purpose was to save all those the Father gave Him, so that they would spread His name through the whole world.  He was perfectly and entirely successful!
 
Our Honorable Devotion (verses 12-13).
Our personal devotion to God strengthens the spread of the Gospel.  It starts with right relationships, and those in turn are strengthened by our personal devotional life.

“Boldness” means the freedom to say anything and “tell all” to God.  We have liberty of speech, with no reliance on self, when we engage with our Father in prayer.

We also have “confident access” to God.  Jesus has made it possible for us to approach God through faith.  In that environment, we gain a confidence to go out and be a testimony to others.

Paul repeats that his sufferings are on the Gentiles’ behalf (see Ephesians 3:1).  Paul’s sufferings are the Ephesians’ glory because God is always glorified when His people persevere.  We should take this perspective instead of being distracted by others’ tribulation or giving up.
 

•  Every time you do a good work that God re-created you to do, the angels sing praise to God.  Do you give the angels cause to sing? 
• There is no other way for them to learn how the mystery of the Gospel works beside watching you live it out in the church.  Does your life teach them joyfully and accurately, so they can bring a good report back to God?
• If we’re not relating to each other well in our homes or our church, that affects our outside witness for Jesus Christ.  Take an evaluation of your relationships – with a spouse, parents, children, siblings, and your brothers and sisters in the church.  Are any of your relationships hindering your Christian testimony or that of the body corporately?  What do you need to do to make that right, for the sake of the Gospel? 
• Regardless of the degree of a difficult situation, God’s people persevere.  This brings glory to God – when you abide under the pressures of life in a faithful way, therefore showing the flock and demonstrating to your own heart and the angels before God that you are indeed familiar with the manifold wisdom of God in Jesus Christ.  If you are in a difficult situation – keep persevering!

  Cross References to Explore: 

• 1 Peter 1:10-12 – Angels investigate how sinful creatures are made into worshippers.
• Luke 15:7 and 10, Matthew 18:10, 1 Corinthians 11:10, 1 Timothy 5:21, Hebrews 1:14 – Other ways our behavior affects angels.
• John 17:21 – Jesus’ purpose.
• Ephesians 6:19 – Paul’s prayer for confidence in evangelism.
• Luke 18:1 – The only New Testament use of “lose heart” outside of Paul’s writings.

 
A Hymn to Encourage:  “He Leadeth Me”
 
He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be,
still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
 
He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
by his own hand he leadeth me:
his faithful follower I would be,
for by his hand he leadeth me.
 
Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom,
sometimes where Eden's flowers bloom,
by waters calm, o'er troubled sea,
still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
 
Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine,
nor ever murmur nor repine;
content, whatever lot I see,
since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
 
And when my task on earth is done,
when, by thy grace, the victory's won,
e'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
since God through Jordan leadeth me.
 
Quotes to Ponder:
 
“The church becomes the mirror through which the bright ones see the glory of God.”
 
“We should desire to impress pure angels who offer praise to God when glorify God by how we love each other and together spread the Gospel [in] God’s way.”
 
 

Paul continues discussing the resources available to Christians in service of the “mystery.”  What was not formerly understood by everyone is now revealed: God offers the Gospel to all the world.  Paul’s focus shifts back to his person for these verses – but he is also describing you!  All members of the new, unified Christian family have a responsibility to carry out the mission.
 

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Our Third Resource: Giftedness and Enablement
God gives each Christian a gift at salvation and enables them to use it in the spread of the Gospel.  Paul’s understanding and use of his own gift instructs us in three areas:
 
Disposition
Two phrases reveal Paul’s demeanor.  He says, “I was made a minister.”  The word “minister” meant a waiter of tables, which was considered one of the lowest jobs in that culture.  This word is also translated “deacon” and “steward” in the New Testament.  We know Paul had a great influence on the church both then and now through his missionary journeys and penning two-thirds of the New Testament.  Yet he defines himself in the most humble role.

Paul calls himself “the very least of all saints.”  Even in the church, he considered himself last.  God is impartial, and He expects us to be impartial.  When we walk in to church, neither degree, car, clothing, job, house, or socio-economic status matters.  We should consider ourselves last in the line as we are humbly involved in ministry.

Yet Paul’s humble manner never led to inactivity.  In the Bible, humility is a response to receiving grace that we don’t deserve.  It compels us to dedicate our life in service to the Gospel.

You lose your spiritual effectiveness when you lose the spirit of servanthood.
 
Ambition
Paul’s giftedness was a grace given to Him by God at the moment he was born again.  You too were given a superhuman ability to support the spread of the Gospel.  The source of this gift is God and His grace, and our use of it is empowered by God.

We use our gifts to minister to people within the context of the local church.  But internal service is not the ultimate end.  Exercising our gifts strengthens this body, which magnifies God’s glory, and allows us to spread the message of Christ beyond the church.  Everything we do is for this purpose.
Gifts are given “according to the working of [God’s] power”.  This is the same power that Paul experienced firsthand in Acts 9.  It is the same power that we experience when we are born again.  How much miraculous power did it take to change your heart and the direction of your life?  The same power carries us along and enables us to work out our gifts.
 
Illumination
Paul’s gift was “to preach” and “to bring to light” – proclaiming and revealing the message of the Gospel.  Paul’s desire was to use his gift to expose the riches of Christ’s wealth to those who hadn’t seen it yet.  There are multi-faceted layers of beauty in the Gospel to enjoy.  We don’t want anyone to remain in the dark!

Paul makes a Creation reference to reveal spiritual truth.  God has shed spiritual light in our heart, and now we are a tool for Him to do the same for others. 
 

• There is a very unique way God has designed you to support the local ministry of this church.  Do you know what it is?  If not, work with a discipler to find out!  
• When you know how God has gifted you, start ministering!  Our job is to live out our days in obedience to the ability God has given us.  Every day, you can learn a little bit more about how God has designed you to serve the purpose of the Gospel.
• Do you take every opportunity to shine the light of the Gospel?  Every Christian has the ability.  Each is included in the family’s purpose, and is expected to carry the message of the Gospel to the world.  Are you doing your part?  Do you live a unique, joyful, and purposeful life in front of your family, coworkers, and neighbors?  This is our reasonable service – it’s just what we do when we have experienced the power of the Gospel.

Tools for Further StudyCross References to Explore: 

• 1 Peter 4:10-11 – the unique purpose of spiritual gifts.
• James 1:17, Genesis 1:3, Psalm 19:1-6 – God is the Creator of light.
• 2 Corinthians 4:4-7 – We are light-bearers in a dark world.

 
A Hymn to Encourage:  “Lift High the Cross”
 
Lift High the Cross; the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
 
Come, Christians, follow where our Savior trod --
Our King victorious, Christ, the son of God.
Lift High the Cross; the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
 
Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conqu'ring ranks combine.
Lift High the Cross; the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
 
O Lord, once lifted on this glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw men unto Thee.
Lift High the Cross; the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
 
Set up Thy throne that Earth's despair may cease
Beneath the shadow of its healing peace.
Lift High the Cross; the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
 
For Thy blest Cross, which doth for all atone,
Creation's praises rise before Thy throne.
Lift High the Cross; the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.
 
Quotes to Ponder:
 
“Then and now, the man who is genuinely called by God is in constant danger of losing his effectiveness by coming to think of himself as more than a servant.  When he loses his sense of servanthood, at that same time, he loses his spiritual power and influence.”
 
“Paul recognizes that the dramatic intervention that transformed him from being an enemy into a friend of Christ was nothing less than an act of divine omnipotence.”

Ephesians 3:1-13 is a “parenthesis” in Paul’s letter that redefines the content of 2:11-22.  It clarifies what we’ve been given in the mystery of God.  This mystery is essentially taking two separate entities, Jew and Gentile, and making one family out of all who own Jesus Christ as their Lord (1 Peter 2:9).  The single purpose of this one family is to let the whole world know about Jesus (John 17:20-21).
 

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The Second Resource: The Proposal of the Gospel
The tense of the verb “revealed” in verse 5 indicates a past event but emphasizes the present.  This gives it a sense of urgency.  Every Christian should have an urgency that comes from God’s Spirit to spread the Gospel. 
 
Paul carried a divinely urgent message, that there are no more barriers between Jew and Gentile.  This was as revolutionary as Ronald Reagan’s “Tear down this wall” speech, and in fact more so because it had eternal spiritual implications!  This received understandable resistance from the Jews, who had ignored many Old Testament notices that the Messiah would also come to the Gentiles (see Psalm 72, Isaiah 11:10, and Isaiah 49:6 for examples).  As Christians, we should be exclusive in our message (only Jesus can save) but never exclusionary in who we share the Gospel with or welcome to church. 
 
God’s Gospel proposal is that all are invited to His new family.  As fellow heirs, all are welcomed into the same legal status before God.  As fellow members, all are linked together in normal church life with every other soul that is in Christ.  Many believe that Paul coined the word he uses here for “members,” to describe a new type of relationship that had never existed before!  The word “partakers” combines the two ideas.  All are joint sharers of the promise and the gift; all are on the board of directors. 
 
 
There is a reason that God put you in His family and this church.  You have an eternal purpose here.  You should expect to reproduce yourself spiritually and to help others do the same, to get connected with the family.  There is no greater joy than to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world!

• Are you pursuing the one purpose of the unified family God has created? 
• Have you committed to pray to win one soul for Christ this year? 
• What intentional steps is God leading you to take toward that goal?

 
A Hymn to Encourage: 
“Chosen as His Children” by Paul Keew, text drawn from 1 Peter 1:1-2:10.
 
Chosen by the Father’s mercy, set apart to serve His Son,
Sanctified by His own Spirit— Praise the Holy Three in One!
Saved by resurrection power, shielded in His faithful love;
Now no enemy can tarnish my inheritance above!
 
I’m born again!
I’m God’s own chosen child of mercy!
Born again – what love and grace!
Father, keep me walking worthy
‘Til I look upon Your face.
 
Led by wisdom into suff’ring, grieved by many trials below,
Yet rejoicing in His purpose, that my faith as gold may glow.
Granted faith for overcoming, filled with love for Christ unseen;
Even angels cannot fathom what salvation God will bring!
 
Fixed upon this hope completely, as obedient children fear;
For the Holy One who called you purchased you with blood so dear.
Born anew from seed eternal, by His lovingkindness spurred,
Lay aside all tasteless yearnings— crave the true and living Word!
 
Built on Christ, the sure foundation, we are free from guilt and shame;
He is fitting us together as a house to praise His name!
We are chosen as God’s people, called from darkness into light;
O what mercy now entreats us to proclaim His glories bright!

Just as a soldier’s backpack contains everything they need for survival and execution of their mission, Christians have been given adequate resources by God Himself.  As God’s soldiers, we are properly prepared to survive in the field of Christian service.
 

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Ephesians 3:1-13 is the next paragraph in this letter.  We see the same phrase in verses 1 and 14, “for this reason.”  The verses in between are in effect a parentheses in which Paul reiterates many ideas from 2:11-22.  Paul repeats himself often, and it is not a flaw in his writing – we never understand a doctrine fully the first time we hear it.
 
The first resource to be a Gospel influence in our culture is our own person.
 
Assessment
Paul calls himself “the prisoner of Christ Jesus,” not of the Romans, by whose orders he was under house arrest.  He knew that God controlled all his circumstances, and he was always looking for spiritual opportunities.  One author says, “This speaks of Paul’s perspective.  Perspective is everything as Christian Gospel soldiers.  God ordains the twists and turns of life, and within His governance, He weaves into the fabric of the dilemmas divine opportunity.”

Our Lord would never put us in a circumstance where we are useless to the Gospel.  He is already ahead of us and supplying for us.  If we would just be aware and pray for discernment to see the opportunity, He is ready to use us.
We are never prisoners of our circumstances.  They are always overseen by our Sovereign Lord, and even within hardship, there is always opportunity for Christ.
 
Affection
Paul endured affliction for the sake of others.  We need to see fellow believers take advantage of God’s grace as they endure affliction, and our faithful lives are always for the glory of God and so others may see how capable God’s grace has been through our perseverance.
 
Authority
A person of the Gospel must take a biblical view of authority.  Those who are in leadership need to pay special attention to adjust their heart toward biblical authority.  In the framework of Gospel ministry, there is spiritual unity within divine structure. 

Paul views his time to serve the Lord as a gift which he must steward wisely.  The authority is not his own, but has been given to him by God for the benefit of others. 

Any person governed by the Spirit of God dislikes pulling the authority card, and any Spirit-governed person loves, embraces and follows God’s authority structure, so long as the leader is following the Lord and adhering to Scripture.  No one is exempt from authority; everyone follows someone and everyone is leading someone.
 
 

• Assess your own person and heart.  What is your attitude towards affliction in your own life?  Do you consider your circumstances to be of God?  Do you pray to see the spiritual opportunities that God has prepared for you in every situation?
   
• Examine your affection.  Are your works for the glory of God and for others, or are they to gain attention for yourself?  Are you affectionately demonstrating towards God’s flock the greatness of God’s grace in your life?  Have you allowed a situation to sideline you from active duty?  What adjustments do you need to make?
   
• Is your heart in alignment with biblical authority?  Do those who know you best see you submit to God-ordained authority with joy?  Are you attending to your personal gifting and ministry within that structure?

 
 
Cross References to Explore: 

• 2 Peter 1:15, Mark 4:1-25 – the importance of remembering, reviewing, and continued learning.
• Colossians 4:1-4 – always looking for spiritual opportunity for the Gospel.
• 1 Peter 5:4-7 – humility under God’s hand.
• Philippians 1:1-14 – Paul’s afflictions always resulted in the furtherance of the Gospel.
• 2 Corinthians 4:8-15, Colossians 1:24-27 – Paul endured hardship for others’ benefit.
• 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Corinthians 4 – Paul’s authority.
• Hebrews 13:17 – God’s people joyfully submit to biblical authority.

 
A Hymn to Encourage:  “May the Lord Find Us Faithful”
 
God has not given us the spirit of fear,
But has given us the strength to obey
With power and sound mind, with love, the unfailing kind.
O be not ashamed of His way!
 
May the Lord find us faithful;
May His Word be our banner held high.
May the Lord find us faithful
Every day, thought we live, though we die.
 
No man that seeketh after things of this life
Is a soldier who passes the test.
Be faithful, be working, be running, be serving,
Be searching His Word for His best.
 
Living or dying, may honor be Thine.
From this wretched life, You loved and forgave.
A life that is on fire, be only our heart’s desire.
Be faithful from now ‘til the grave.

In this passage, Paul applies the truths from verses 1-10 to a specific problem in the church he wrote to: disunity among those who were already made one in Christ. 
 

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Main Sections:
We were always Enemies of God (verses 11-12).
The Ephesian church experienced two types of alienation.  The first was communal estrangement:  The cultural community of the Jews had great disdain for Gentiles, but this was not to be the heart of those Jews who were now Christians. 

Spiritual:  The Gentiles had been “separate from Christ,” with no true King to govern them.  They had been “excluded from the commonwealth of Israel,” not part of God’s plan for Israel.  They were “strangers to the covenants of promise” given through Abraham and David.  They had “no hope” because true hope only comes from God and through His promises.  They were “without God in the world.”
 
We are now a Spiritual Family in Christ (verses 13-18) .
When we are saved, we’re placed into God’s family together with all other people who have trusted Jesus Christ for salvation, regardless of culture, nation, or background.  We no longer want to be defined by what we came from.  We are all loved the same; there is no favoritism with God. 

Two virtues become realities in the family of God: a settled heart and a new environment.  Note how many times “peace” is used in these verses.  God’s intent for His family is not just proximity but togetherness.  This word for “new” refers to something of a different kind.  When God takes both Jew and Gentile and makes them one, it is something the world has never seen before!

As members of God’s family, we enjoy a new environment in prayer.  What a privilege it is to talk to God as a father!  We could never have access to God without the mediator of Jesus Christ or the Spirit who underpins the ministry of the Son. 
 
Three Metaphors for our Restoration (verses 19-22):
Citizens of a Heavenly Realm – We are no longer primarily Jews, Gentiles, Americans, or any other label.  We are Christians and have a higher citizenship (Philippians 3:20).
Members of a Divine Household – God wants us even closer than citizens of His kingdom.  We are called children of God along with Christ.
Stones in God’s Temple – Christ is the chief cornerstone; the Word given through the prophets and apostles forms the foundation; and each stone is fitted together and perfectly arranged according to God’s blueprint.
 
 

• Where do you place your identity?  Is it located in a social or cultural group?  How can you find your identity in Christ above anything else?
   
• Labels from our past don’t matter anymore when we are saved.  Is there any enmity in your heart towards a fellow believer?  Ask the Holy Spirit to work His unity in your heart so you can work it out in our local church.  This is God’s design for His people!
   
• Prayer is a privilege to be exercised privately and together.  Do you make regular, focused time to talk with your Heavenly Father?  How can you practice this in your life?  Do you meet with your spiritual family to pray?  God ordains the local church to sustain us spiritually.  Praying together is crucial to our unity as a body.
   
• Each stone in God’s Temple is precisely placed and expertly fitted.  That means God puts you exactly where you are for a reason!  Our placement is not of our own will but God’s, and He has a divine purpose for you here.  Do you know it?  Are you living it out?

 
Cross References to Explore: 

• James 2:1-7, Colossians 3:19, Philippians 4:2-3, Acts 15:37-39, 2 Timothy 4:10, Matthew 18:15-20, Galatians 6, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 – Sinful separation even in the church and how to resolve it.
• Romans 2:28-29, John 4:1-42, Romans 4:9-12, Ezekiel 11:19-20 – God cares not about externals but the heart.
• Genesis 12-15 – God’s covenant promises to Abraham.
• Jeremiah 31 – The new covenant.
• Psalm 146:5 – Hope comes from God’s promises.
• Romans 1:19-20 – Gentile separation from God.
• James 4:1-3 – The source of disunity is sin.
• Isaiah 9:6 – One of Jesus’ names is Peace.
• 1 Timothy 2:5 – Jesus as our Mediator.
• Hebrews 4:16, Romans 8:15 – We too are sons with Christ.
• Hebrews 2:11, Romans 8:17 – We have been taken into God’s household.
• Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22-23, Matthew 21:42 – God’s Temple.

 
A Hymn to Encourage:  “Like a River Glorious”
 
Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day;
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
 
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed,
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
 
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
 
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.

Insecurity comes from placing our affections in the wrong place.  The true source of security and contentment is God alone.
 
Main Points:
1. The Status of the psalmist and all believers (verse 1).
 
We are like refugees, dwelling in a foreign land and seeking asylum from the insecurity that comes from persecution.  But refuge can be found, and in one place: God.  This refuge is not elusive; God longs to be sought after.  In New Testament language, we now find security by being “in Christ.”

Anxiety-producing agents mentioned in this and related psalms: the all-day-long nature of our spiritual battle; brazenness of the wicked; living and working with those who can use their tongues to harm you greatly; the inability of humans to be ultimately fair; people who want to do you bodily harm; constantly being in the minority; even those close to us seeking our downfall.

Ultimately, the question that arises in insecure circumstances and that is addressed by the whole book of the Psalms is this: Why are such things allowed in God’s sovereignty?  God’s purposes revealed many times in Scripture are to make us seek Him and to arrange our thinking to correlate with His plan. 
 
2. God alone is the Source of our security.
 
God is an ironic source of security (verse 2).  Human nature tends to put things as the source, but the mere possession of things does no security bring.  Neither is security found in removing the agent that causes insecurity.  It is not a function of insulation or isolation but of knowing God.

God is the exclusive source of security.  David’s “inheritance” language in verses 5-6 refers to the gift of the Promised Land to Israel.  As Joshua parceled out each family’s land, it was taken as a personal and permanent gift from God.  As David had been expelled from his home, he realized that security came not from his home but from the Giver.  Stuff, people, finances, etc. cannot minister security.

God is a personal source of security.  We can only access security through a relational submission to who He is.  The names of God used by David reflect this process: “God” or Hebrew “El” recognizes God’s existence and unique capability as the All-Powerful One.  Lord or Hebrew “Yahweh” or “Jehovah” is God’s covenant name and reflects His character of keeping His corporate promises.  “My Lord” or the Hebrew “Adonai” expresses God’s sovereign right over my own life.  It is not until we reach this level of relationship with God that our soul can prosper.
 
3. The Solution to insecurity – how do we access God’s security?
 
What you say.  David talked to God and reaffirmed what was true about Him in order to align his heart and thinking with God’s perspective.  He also expressed his value of what God values in wanting to be with God’s people (verse 3).

What you do.  David refused to turn to other sources of security (verse 4).  He praised God and cultivated a heart of thanksgiving for good and calamity (verse 7).  He kept his eyes on the Lord (verse 8).

When we find our security in God, we will experience great joy as David did.  God gives us guidance, counsel, and divine instruction when we struggle to submit to His sovereignty.  We are promised bodily resurrection and given eternal life now, a taste of the power of the age to come.
 
Consider these questions as we seek to arrange our attitudes under the truth of God’s Word:

• Where do you place your security?  Is it in your finances, your family, other people around you, national events, or something else?  You are most secure when your affections are placed in God.  How can you trust Him more?
   
• Are there any insecurity-causing agents in your life?  How do you react when faced with these circumstances?  What do you talk about and to whom? 
   
• Prayer is a powerful tool in the search for security.  It can align our hearts with God’s will.  When you pray, reaffirm God’s character instead of questioning or worrying over your circumstances.  Tell God how amazing He is – He loves it, and He is worthy of it!
   
• Do you value God’s people as He does?  How do you show that?  Being in the company of believers is the clearest and most practical way to express your love for God.
   

Cross References to Explore: 
            Psalms 56-60 – other miktams of David that speak about security
            Acts 17:26-28 – the goal of God’s sovereignty
            James 4:8a – God wants to be sought.
            Luke 22:42, Hebrews 5:8 – Jesus learning obedience
            Matthew 25:40 – Serving God’s people shows love for Jesus.
            Job 2:10 – Good and bad come from God.
 
A Hymn to Encourage:  Joy To the World!
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Matthew’s record was written to rehearse the story of salvation and present Jesus as the Messiah.  That Jesus was born with the titles of Savior and King at the same time was unusual – even today, many Jews are looking for a second Messiah to be a strong and conquering king.

How Jesus was demonstrated to be the royal Christ:

• John the Baptist’s declaration in Matthew 3.
• Satan’s temptation in the desert (Matthew 4): trying to tempt Jesus away from the cross to take his domination of the world now.
• The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is also known as the Manifesto of the King.
• Miracles are the Credentials of the King.
• Repetition of the phrase “son of David
• Jesus predicted His kingdom himself (Matthew 24:30-31, 26:64).
• Authority over angels (Matthew 26:53).
• Name of “Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23) and promise of His presence in Matthew 28:19-20.
• He is with us now just as much as when he was enfleshed and walking about the earth.

Matthew’s genealogy places Jesus fully in line with the history of Old Testament Israel and demonstrates the forward movement of God’s saving purpose.  God used both pagans and the righteous to bring about His plan of salvation, even using Christ-rejecters to further the physical line of the Messiah.

The organization of the genealogy (placing names in three groups of fourteen) shows the detail of God’s planning.  The time of preparation was now complete and the time was ready for the Christ to appear as the fulfillment of many prophecies.

The genealogy places Jesus squarely in line with the royal line of David and of Judah. Though “king of the Jews” was posted scoffingly on his cross, it was the truth!

Application Points

The coming of God’s promised Christ changed everything. His presence should transform our lives dramatically.   How does your life show that the Christ has come?

The genealogy of Christ traces much of salvation history.Look through the names and see if you recognize them.Then go back and read their stores in the Old Testament, and marvel at the omniscient sovereignty of God dominating human history!

Christ’s presence is promised to us for a purpose: to proclaim the good news of why He came to all those who are lost.Unbelievers do not need your righteousness; they need Jesus’ righteousness, and to be drawn to it by seeing your humble righteousness in imitation of His.How do your habits, attitude, speech, music, etc. give witness to Christ?

“Christ” is a title meaning “Messiah” or “Promised One.”His divinity, authority, and position gives Jesus the right to say how to be saved and makes Him worthy of utmost respect.God became man to save us from the condemnation we caused ourselves.Have you accepted His claims and demands?There is no other way to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

God raises up all authority and removes them.Parents, as you give your children opportunities to be light in the culture, make it commensurate with their maturity.And teach them to respect everyone in authority as occupying a position that has been appointed by God.

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore:

1 Samuel 2:10, 2 Samuel 7, Psalm 2, Psalm 105:15 – references to the Promised King and Savior.“Messiah” became the designation of a figure representing the people of God and bringing in the promised eschatological reign in time.

Galatians 4:4-5 – the time of preparation for the Messiah

Titus 2:11-15, 1 Peter 2:4-10, 1 Corinthians 6:1-4, Revelation 5:1-10 – New Testament saints are a royal priesthood and are future rulers when Jesus reigns on earth!

A Quote to Ponder:

G. Campbell Morgan: “This genealogy is remarkable.It is Jewish in its outlook, tracing to Abraham, and is Jesus’ legal genealogy resulting from his adoption by Joseph.It overleaps the Jewish boundary of Rahab, Jewish prejudice in the introduction of women; and by this genealogy, the coming of Jesus is connected with the history of the ancient people, and yet it is shown to be distinct from it.For Jesus came miraculously: the system could not produce Him. He came to crown the system and transform it.So came the king, but his name was called Jesus, for the kingdom had disintegrated and had been devastated by sin.And He, Christ, must be born to save his people from their sins.”

A Hymn to Encourage:Look, Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious;
See the Man of sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow;
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.
 
Crown the Savior! Angels, crown Him!
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
In the seat of pow’r enthrone Him,
While the vault of heaven rings:
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crown the Savior King of kings.
 
Sinners in derision crowned Him,
Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him,
Own His title, praise His name:
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame.
 
Hark! those bursts of acclamation!
Hark! those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him! Crown Him!
King of kings, and Lord of lords!

Paying attention to words and phrases repeated in the beginning of Matthew’s gospel reveal his intentions in writing this record of Jesus’ life.

The last two Psalms of Ascent will declare the importance of unity in worship and continual service that is the fruit of true worship.  But before these corporate aspects are possible, every member of the congregation must get his or her heart in tune with God’s desire for His worshippers.
 
Main Points:
Part 1: David’s oath, intentions, and zeal to restore proper worship (verses 1-9).
 
David’s soul was devastated when God’s people couldn’t worship in the way He intended.  The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence among His people, which should be the center of worship.  God should be worshipped in the way He prescribes, a way that mirrors His character.
Our ministry goals should be based in Scripture and accompanied by plans to fulfill them.  Practical action and meaningful ministry will brings about the spiritual maturity and consequently the joy of God’s people.
The full scope of your ministry goals may remain unrealized in your lifetime, but they will be carried on by the next faith-filled generation through discipleship.  David still prepared as much as he could for the building of the Temple, even though he knew he would not build it himself.
 
Interlude:  A prayer for God’s favor (verse 10).
 
Part 2: God’s oath to David and zeal to bless His people (verses 11-18).
 
God responds to a heart that desires to do right and acts on it.  He will bless those who first seek to honor Him, and He will bless them above and beyond what we could imagine!
 God never makes a promise He cannot keep.  We will have His help in pursuing ministry goals that honor Him, insofar as we are unified and serving Him biblically.  He has given us His presence, supply for our needs, sufficient Scripture, a blueprint for our mission, and much more! 
The end of this psalm contains promises of God’s Kingdom to come.  We can rejoice in these if we are part of the King.  You can’t be part of the Kingdom if the King isn’t also a part of you!
 
 
A heart like David’s will receive a similar response from God.  This psalm offers a practical way to experience God’s approval and rewards.
 

• Are you involved in ministry and service in the local church?  Do you do these things for the sake of religious busy-ness or spiritual influence?  Do you seek to disciple and “rub off” on those you interact with?
   
• A wise person considers the future and plans for it.  Do you have spiritual and ministry-focused goals or intentions for 2013? 
   
• Have you been “orbiting” the church too long?  God longs to bless His people in ways we’ve never seen before, but He waits for His people’s readiness.  Could you be a person holding back the work God wants to do in a certain area? 
   
• What devastates your soul?  Where is your spiritual passion or zeal aroused?  How can you act on what God has put within you, and even spread that to other Christians around you?

 
Cross References to Explore: 
            Psalm 24 and 68 also speak of entering God’s presence for worship
            Philippians 3:20-21 – we are members of a Heavenly coming kingdom
            2 Samuel 7:4-17 – God’s promises to David
            Matthew 1 – fulfillment of God’s promises through the Messiah
 
Quotes to Ponder:
author in 1938: “The rule of man has been characterized with irreconcilable ambitions and conflicts of interests. The brains of man have been dedicated to the production of military machines and accoutrements for the scattering of death and desolation among the inhabitants of the earth.  Man has looked for peace and found war; he’s talked of brotherhood and love and has seen hatred and persecution; he’s boasted of civilization, enlightenment, and progress, and the so-called heathen have upbraided him for his godly practices.  He’s spent billions of dollars for war, millions for pleasure, and he has no promise of improvement.  And as it was, so it is, and will be until King Jesus comes back.  There has not been a period since the Fall of Man in which the race has enjoyed or witnessed a condition which prophecy declares shall be obtained in the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ to come.”

Our TV-saturated and digital culture elevates “me” above every other value.  The attitude expressed in this psalm is counter-cultural, as is the disposition of Christ.  Singing doctrine such as these truths redirects our hearts into godly living.
 
Main Points:
The Disposition of our Conversion (verses 1-2). What we no longer are or want to be: proud, arrogant, or ambitious.  We all struggle with these vices, and the battle never ends, but no Christian should be known for pride, haughtiness, or ambition.  Only God’s grace can transform us, changing our sinful tendencies into humility. Pride is self-sufficiency and individuality that is not Christian.  Arrogance is an expression of pride, looking down on others.  Ambition is pursuing what goes beyond God’s will for you at this time, “aspiration gone crazy.” Christians should look with sad pity on the unsaved and with admiration, regard, and respect on the saved, as those redeemed by the Lord and “little Christs.”  It makes God most sad to see His children scoffing and jeering at pagans. When we walk with God, our desires will be in tune with His will, and our activities will not make obedience to God expendable.  God’s will is never mystical because it is recorded in His Word.  We cannot stop worshipping because we suffer from our own ambition that has taken us to a difficult place.
 
The Position of our Conversion (verse 3). David moves from an individual focus to exhorting the nation.  We should declare our journey to others and invite them to come join us.  Being humble, obedient to God’s Word, and trusting in the Lord is a wonderful path to walk!  He’s that good, capable, powerful, and loving!
 

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Application Points 
We can find a lot to apply in these three short verses.  How does your disposition line up with David’s?
 

• Are you known for being proud, arrogant, or ambitious?  Do you long to be seen and exalted?  How do you look at others, whether they are saved or unsaved?
   
• Is there any place in your life where you are pursuing something that goes beyond God’s will for you right now?  Think about relationships that may be drawing you away from obedience to Scripture, decisions where you are ignoring biblical counsel.
   
• Are you simply dependent on God like a little child?  How is this shown in your lifestyle?  Do you worship God by honoring and trusting Him with your finances? 
   
• Do you love God for God Himself or for what you can get from God, or what you feel God owes you?  How can you learn to love God for Himself?
   
• Do you share your faith journey with others?  To whom can you testify of God’s goodness and invite to join you?
   

Cross References to Explore: 
            Matthew 18:1-4 – the humble faith of a child is the greatest in God’s kingdom.
            Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 4:10, 1 Peter 5:5, Matthew 11:28-29 – combating pride.
            Psalm 121 – the Christian’s upward look.
            Isaiah 49:15, 66:13 – dependence on God.
            Proverbs 13:15 – the way of the transgressor is hard.
 
A Hymn to Encourage:  “Like a River Glorious” by Frances Havergal
 
Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious in its bright increase.
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
 
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed,
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
 
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand.
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
 
Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love.
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
 
A Quote to Ponder:
“Before David was weaned, he wanted God only for what he could get from God.  After he was weaned, having learned that God loved him and would care for him, even if it was not exactly the way he anticipated or most wanted, he came to love God for God himself, and that was a better and much more mature relationship.”

Main Points:
Petition (verses 1-2)
A petition is a request given with a begging and needy heart.  This is the attitude we will have when we realize our personal sinfulness before the Holy and Pure Judge.  We need to be aware of how desperate we are.When we find ourselves in the abyss of personal sin, we cry out to God because He is our only hope of receiving help.
 
Confession (verses 3-4)
The psalmist personally and reverentially confesses his sinful state.  If God were to carefully note each of our sins, no one would be able to stand in innocence or bear the sentence.But God longs to forgive!  He offers it freely, but we must receive forgiveness on His terms.  God’s forgiveness is inclusive – it has no limits.  It is present right now for those who want it.  The forgiveness of God is transformational – it leads to godly living.
 
Expression (verses 5-6)
Whoever asks for forgiveness will receive it.  In response, the psalmist now longs for the Lord’s appearing and puts his hope in God’s Word.
 
Exhortation (verses 7-8)
Those who have been forgiven by God want to be a light to their community.  God’s character is always forgiving, and He is capable to forgive even the sins of a whole nation.
 
 

This Psalm may be sobering, but truth from God will always cheer our hearts.  It is good for God’s people to engage in song even when most discouraged.  In the midst of oppression, we can hold onto songs and Scriptures that speak to us of promise, hope, and certainty.
 
Main Points:
First Stanza: The world’s unending pressure to suppress your walk with the Lord (verses 1-4).
 
Pressure from the world will never cease.  There is no perfectly celestial life to be found in a sin-cursed world.  The more mature you are in Christ and the brighter your light shines, the more oppression you will encounter.Perspective depends on our response to oppression.  God promises that His people will never be consumed.  Affliction in the world is temporary compared to eternal glory.  Though the goal of the wicked is only to worsen the cut, we survive because our Lord is righteous, and through Christ that righteousness lives in us.
 
Second Stanza: The undying resolve in your heart for justice (verses 5-8).
 
We should pray for our enemies to come to know Jesus.  But it is okay to desire God’s final judgment on all who reject God and hurt His people.  We can and should take a stand for right without engaging in vigilantism.  Vengeance is in the Lord’s hands.
The righteous long that the wicked will have no honor, no success, and no blessing.  This is quite alright. It is not okay to acquiesce to the culture and applaud wickedness, whether by actively partaking in it or by not judging it in our own lives.
 
Until the kingdom of the world becomes His kingdom, God desires for you to know grace enough to persevere under unending pressure, while you realize an undying sense for justice to be meted out on the earth.  In between these two, God longs to find a gradual, consistent, faithful, joyful, singing, Word-saturated people.
 
 
It is important to keep the right perspective amidst the pressure we encounter in the world.  Use these questions to examine your life and direct your eyes towards God:
 

• How do you experience the world’s pressure?  Is your light shining brightly?  What is your response to opposition?  What truths will give you hope and comfort in the midst of oppression?
   
• Do you have any enemies?  How do you pray for them?  Can you pray for them to come to know Jesus and pray that God would finally right all evil?
   
• Not judging the presence of sin in our own lives is equal to passively blessing it.  Is there any place in your life where you are applauding or partaking in evil?  What kind of television shows, movies, books, music, etc. do you partake in?  Do these honor the surrounding fallen society or God who will not bless sin?

 
 
Cross References to Explore: 
            2 Corinthians 4:7-18 – the Christian’s endurance
            Ephesians 5:7-16 – the Light exposes darkness
            Hosea 11:1, Exodus, Judges, Amos, 1 + 2 Kings, Isaiah 36-37 – Israel’s history of survival
            Matthew 5:45 – pray for your enemies
            Romans 12:17-21 – vengeance is the Lord’s
            Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 – the oppression of Christ and His victory
 
A Hymn to Encourage: When Peace Like a River
 
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
 
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
 
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
 
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
 
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
 
Quotes to Ponder:
 
[Robert] Kidner: “Whereas most nations tend to look back at what they have achieved, Israel reflects here on what she has survived.”
 
Charles Spurgeon: “If this be an [imprecatory prayer], let it stand, for our heart says amen to it.  It is but justice that those who hate, harass, and hurt the good should be brought to naught.  Those who confound right and wrong ought to be confounded, and those who turn back from God ought to be turned back.  How could we wish prosperity on those who would destroy that which is dearest to our hearts as God’s people?  This present age is so flippant that if man loves the Savior, he is styled a fanatic; and if he hates the powers of evil, he is named a bigot.  As for ourselves, despite all detractors, we would revive in our hearts the old practice of Ebal and Gerazim, where those were blessed who blessed God, and those were cursed who made themselves a curse to righteousness.  …Study a chapter in the book of martyrs, and see if you do not wish to read an imprecatory psalm over Bishop Bohnner and Bloody Mary.  It may be that some wretched nineteenth-century sentimentalist will blame you; if so, read an imprecation over him.”
 
“Can it be wrong for us to pray that the efforts of evil persons might be so unsuccessful that in the end, there is nothing at all left of their schemes?  Rather, it is the case that we err by being too tolerant and accepting of evil rather than too firm in our opposition to it.”

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