What a wonderful class we had this morning! Finally, after four months of not meeting in person, we were able see each other again. We have gotten to an important point in our study of Rightly Dividing The Word, looking at the 13 books of our apostle, Paul, that were written directly to the body of Christ, in this dispensation of grace, known as “the mystery” that was hidden from the foundation of the world.
Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Romans 16:25-27: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
(See Colossians 1:25-29 and Ephesians 3:1-7)
Paul clearly teaches us that the gospel of this dispensation of grace was delivered to him by the Lord himself, not passed down from Peter, James, and John, and the apostles. His letters to Timothy and the churches of Galatia reveal this truth!
1 Timothy 1:16: (read v.11-17) Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Galatians 1:11-12: (read v.11-19) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
We will walk through Ephesians 2 this coming Sunday, focusing on the phrases, Time Past, But Now, and The Ages To Come. Our chart is divided into those three areas of historic significance. “Time Past” encompasses the first five dispensations of scripture: Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise / Patriarchs, and Law. “But Now” focuses on this mystery period of the Dispensation of the Grace of God, aka the Church Age. “The Ages To Come” focuses on the millennium and eternity future. All of this will become clear as we walk through Paul’s letters written to us. All the Bible was not written to us, but all the Bible was written for us.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 2:15