Introduction:

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. —Ephesians 3:1–13 (ESV)

Don’t lose heart by only focusing on the hard.

37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship. —Acts 20:37–38 (ESV)

Your life is part of something bigger than you can imagine.

Focus on the grace given to you.

Am I a prisoner of Caesar or Christ?

What grace has been given to me?

Share your hard with trusted others in the body of Christ.

Speak more of the grace given to you than the hard.

Life Group Study Questions

If you were imprisoned for your faith like Paul, do you think it would make you stronger or discourage you? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith to face all kinds of challenges?

How would you explain the “mystery” Paul describes?

Are you overwhelmed with Christ’s grace? Why or why not? What can you learn from Paul regarding gratitude for God’s grace?

Where is God calling you to change your mind or the way you’re thinking (repent)? What are the promises you need to believe?

In light of these truths, what is God asking you to do? (James 1:22)