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Understanding the Mystery (Ephesians 3:4-5)

February 17, 2019 Preacher: Bob DeWaay Series: Ephesians

Scripture: Ephesians 3:4-5

When Paul uses the term "mystery," his meaning is not the same as when the pagan mystery religions used the term. In this case, it is about Christ and the fact that the full revelation of Christ and His church comprised of redeemed Jews and Gentiles was not made known until the time of the apostles. This issue is time, not that the content is mysterious and cryptic. God chose to reveal this mystery and did so using human languages that described in objective terms the person and work of Christ. Paul uses terms that show valid communication, not undefined religious feelings. We are to understand because this is revealed and can be understood.

The term "insight" has to do with what is denoted and how the words produce understanding of the truth. We are exhorted to develop a Christian world view that embraces God's revealed understanding of redemption history. The story of Eve's deception in Genesis 3 shows how seductive "connotation" that devalues the precise meaning of Yahweh's words led to the Fall of humans. We apply that to current trends and philosophies that reject well defined theology grounded in the Bible itself.

We show how philosophers such as Hegel perverted God's intention and led to what is now called "postmodern" or "progressive." The result is the devaluation of human life as seen in the destruction of unborn babies.  Francis Schaeffer warned about what happens when the meaning of words is reduced to feelings and impressions rather than revealed truth. We cite Schaeffer and issue a warning to the current generation.

Sermon handout and slides are under the Download tab.