Encouragement From A Prison Cell

In today’s passage, we see encouragement come from Paul as he writes to the Ephesians as a prisoner under house arrest. As emphasized by Tyler Briggs in this week’s message, this section of Scripture is written to inspire boldness within us to faithfully live for God and to draw us near to Him for strength to endure whatever we’re facing. Paul reminds us that nothing will stop God from accomplishing what He has purposed.

Tyler’s Main Points

  • Paul encourages the church through the mystery of God, the ministry of Paul, and the majesty of God.
  • Be encouraged by what God has done and is doing through the Gospel.
  • Be encouraged by the perspective and example of Paul.
  • Reflect on the majesty of God.

Key Takeaways

  • Paul clarifies to the Ephesians that his imprisonment is not because of them, a discouragement to him, or any indication that the plan of God for the church is being thwarted.

  • The mystery of the church that was previously concealed has now been revealed– that Jewish and Gentile believers have been united into one body in Jesus Christ.

  • Oftentimes, the further we get from the gift, the more ungrateful we get and the more we forget the goodness of the gift-giver.  

  • Paul wants his audience and us to remember what God has done, is doing, and will do through Christ and in his church.

  • Paul is not discouraged by his circumstances because he never gets over what he’s been saved from and saved for through the Gospel. He personally knew the power of the Gospel and knew the power of the Gospel to save others.

  • The Gospel inspired a high view of God and high value of the lost in Paul and must inspire a similar perspective and practice in us.

  • In his eagerness to share the Gospel, Paul displayed a trust in God’s sovereignty and God’s sufficiency to save the lost.  

  • The outcome of Paul’s ministry is the display of God’s manifold wisdom as the Gospel goes forth– displaying it before the demons and fallen angels in the spiritual realm.

  • The Devil and demons thought they had won in the Garden, in Israel’s disobedience, idolatry, and exile, and when Christ was crucified and buried. In accordance with God’s perfect plan, His victory, surpassing power and glory have been displayed through Christ’s resurrection and the reconciliation of Jewish and Gentile believers to God and to one another.

  • God is not in a back-and-forth battle with evil. Nothing can stop His plans and power from prevailing. The outcome of this reality should inspire boldness and confidence in us to access God’s grace through faith in Him.

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal reflection:

What is your plan this week to carry out Tyler’s applications from this passage? 

  1. Remember who your God is.
  2. Sing of His goodness and grace.
  3. Be bold to share the gospel.
  4. Be confident in your access to God.

Discuss with your community group:

  • Is your life demonstrating a high view of God and a high value of the lost? How can you encourage one another in this area?
  • What struggles or circumstances are you experiencing right now that you can confidently take to God to receive His strength and grace?

Passages Referenced for Further Study
Ephesians 3:13; Philippians 1:21-24; Mark 6:34; Philippians 1:12-14; Ephesians 1:20-21, 2:2, 6:11-12; Romans 3:26.