Today was a great day of overview, preparing for our study of Paul’s 13 letters to believers in this dispensation of grace, also known as the Mystery that was kept secret, by God the Father, until it was revealed to Paul by special revelation.
Ephesians 3:1-7: For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Being able to us the three basic Bible study principles is critical to understanding where we are in the big picture of God’s divine plan to place the Lord Jesus Christ on his rightful throne as Messiah King of the millennial kingdom.
The STHA (Simple Treasure Historic Application) helps us to understand the historical significance of all of scripture.
The PTDA (Personal Treasure Devotional Application) helps us to gain inspirational encouragement from the Holy Spirit as we read the Bible, regardless of Old Testament or New Testament.
The DTDA (Deep Treasure Doctrinal Application) helps us to mature in our faith as we understand what applies directly to us in this dispensation of grace, and what is for our learning, as Paul describes in Romans 15:4: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Knowing our part in God’s divine plan, as the Bride of Christ, the body of Christ, gives us grace and mercy to strengthen us in this incredible time known as the Mystery!