How to Experience Brazen Christianity

Review of the Mystery Revealed

Last week, we examined the first seven verses of Ephesians chapter 3 and saw a revelation of a mystery. Biblically, a mystery is a truth of God—a glimpse into the mind of God, specifically relating to your life. God has a specific ministry and plan for us. It is something that was hidden but is now revealed, beyond human comprehension, requiring God to explain it.

Understanding a mystery produces an advantage in your life—it radically changes you. Humanity gropes for God in darkness, even if unaware. We were created as worshipers, designed to enjoy God, but sin leads us to seek fulfillment elsewhere. These mysteries fulfill our deepest longings eternally through a relationship with God.

We saw that Gentiles become heirs of the same promises as Israel in the Old Testament. The Old Testament shows sinful humanity under judgment and glimpses of life under God's direct influence—a living God who guards, protects, strengthens, and satisfies. Idols are lifeless, leaving people blind and deaf to true life.

Israel received promises of eternal bliss, a heavenly city, and victory over empires. Ephesians reveals that by pursuing Christ, Gentiles inherit these: forgiveness of sins (worse than any plague), fellowship with believers, a utopian community focused on others, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This echoes Psalm 23: even in the valley of the shadow of death, God's presence brings confidence.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Psalm 23:4

The Result: Brazen Christianity

The direct result of knowing this mystery is brazen Christianity—bold, confident Christians who are unashamed. Brazen means boldly in-your-face about your faith, like David facing Goliath.

This is not merely boldness in evangelism, as in Romans 1:16:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Romans 1:16

Shame comes from not seeing the gospel's power. True brazenness flows from grasping the mystery's benefits.

Eph. 3:8-12: The Unfathomable Riches of Christ

Ephesians 3:8-12 builds on this foundation—all Old Testament promises are yours through Christ.

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through our faith in him.

Ephesians 3:8-12

Ephesians overflows with benefits against sin, for enjoyment and satisfaction. Brazen Christianity is a lifestyle receiving these riches, displaying God's eternal glory—not just gaining converts.

Unfathomable Riches

"Unfathomable" means beyond comprehension. Christ's riches have endless depth, unpacked eternally like Christmas gifts of eternal truths: how to suffer, what sin is, our need for God. In eternity, God unveils His grace forever—no boredom.

These riches include:

• Forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7).
• Kindness leading to repentance (Rom. 2:4).
• Supplying needs from God's glory.
• Assurance, wisdom, knowledge to endure pressure without breaking (2 Cor.).

Moses saw Christ's reproach as greater than Egypt's treasures (Heb. 11). He left royal luxury for desert persecution, valuing disgrace for Christ over worldly comfort. True Christian lives, even in suffering, are "weighty" to God—valuable beyond measure.

Responsibilities of Brazen Christians

These riches demand diligence: gold-mine Scripture like Psalm 119, treasuring God's words in your heart to combat sin.

I have treasured your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

Seek these in the church universal, not the world—avoid friendship with the world, which is enmity with God. Pursue equally yoked relationships with common purpose (Amos 3:3).

Manifold Wisdom to Heavenly Realms

Verse 10 reveals manifold (multi-colored) wisdom made known through the church to rulers and authorities in heavenly places—angels, even demons. Angels behold God's grace in our lives, things they long to see (1 Pet. 1:12). No angel sings "Amazing Grace" personally, yet our salvation reveals new facets of God's wisdom.

This paints Christianity as a lifestyle angels admire—increasing glory to God through your bold, unashamed pursuit of Christ's unfathomable riches.