WORD OF
TRUTH REVEALED THROUGH THE APOSTLES I. TEXTUAL THOUGHTS 1. Ephesians 3:4-5; Colossians 1:25-26 - God's plan for loving
and saving people was hidden, a
mystery, for a long time. 2. Matthew 13:10-11,16-17
- The plan was partially revealed by Jesus to His apostles. 3. John 14:23-26 - The
gospel plan was completely revealed by the Holy Spirit to the apostles 4. Ephesians 3:6-10; Colossians 1:25-27 - The apostles were,
and the church is, to reveal the word of
truth, the gospel, to all the people of the world. II. MAIN THEME - God's plan to love and
save people was revealed in many ways. 1. The mystery of God
(the word of truth) was revealed in this order: a. Through
Jesus, God's son, the message was made clear - John 1:1; Revelation 1:1-2 b. Jesus taught
his disciples (the twelve apostles) - Matthew 28:16-20; Galatians 1:11-12 c. The Holy
Spirit reminded the apostles about what Jesus taught them - John 14:25-26; 15:26-27;
16:7-15; 2 Peter 1:19-21 d. Therefore,
Jesus and the apostles are our foundation for learning - Ephesians 2:19-20 2. The Holy Spirit made
the mystery known through: a. The apostles
- John 14:25-26; John 20:19-23; 1 Peter 1:10-12 b. The hearers
of the gospel - 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Ephesians 4:20-21 c. The death,
burial, and resurrection story of Jesus - 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 d. The
confirmation of the message with signs and miracles - Hebrews 2:3-4 3. The apostles revealed
the mystery of God through: a. Preaching -
Acts 2:22f; 3:18f; Ephesians 6:19-20 b. Their
lives - 2 Corinthians 4:7-13; 1
Thessalonians 2:1-12 c. Their
prayers - Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 1:5-12 d. Their
deaths - Acts 12:1-2; John 21:18-19; Philippians 1:19-24 III. APPLICATION 1. Read and understand
the apostle's insights into the gospel
- Ephesians 3:4-5 2. Receive, stand in, and
hold on to the gospel - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 3. Pray that the brethren
respond in a like manner to the message of salvation - Ephesians
1:13-19; Colossians 1:9-12 4. Look for and expect
the Spirit of God to give you growing insights into the gospel - Romans 8:15-16; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 5. As you grow in your
understanding of the gospel, share it with others - Ephesians 3:10 IV. MEMORY VERSE
- Ephesians 3:4-5 |