You are here: Home >> Other >> Word and Topic Studies PDF of article

New Testament "Mysteries" or "Secrets"
 

As used in the New Testament, this word doesn't refer to something that is "mysterious" or "cryptic," but rather to something that needs to be revealed by God, in order for us to understand it. These are revealed "secrets" from God, which are intended for influencing our lives and attitudes.

It may be interesting to note that certain man-made religions have "mysteries" or "secrets," which are revealed only to those who have attained various "levels" in their religious systems. God's "mysteries," however, are open for all who are willing to accept them!

 

A. God's Plans

  1. The Mystery of God - Revelation 10:7 (read 10:5-7)
  2. The Mysteries of the Kingdom of God/Heaven - Matthew 13:11 (read 13:3-23, or further); Mark 4:11 (read 4:3-20, or further); Luke 8:10 (read 8:5-15)
  3. God's Will Concerning Christ - His Authority Over All - Ephesians 1:9 (read 1:3-14)

 

B. Christ and Salvation

  1. The Mystery of Godliness - 1 Timothy 3:16
  2. God's Will Concerning Christ - Both Jew and Gentile are Brought Together Under Him - Ephesians 3:3-4, 9 (read 3:1-12)
  3. The Good News About Jesus Christ (through whom the Gentiles can be saved) - Romans 16:25 (read 16:25-27)
  4. Jesus Christ and the Cross - "Foolishness" from the World's Perspective, but "Wisdom" from God's Perspective - 1 Corinthians 2:1, 7 (read 1:18-2:16)
  5. The Need to Explain This "Secret" (the Good News About Christ) to Others - Ephesians 6:19 (read 6:19-20) [an example]

 

C. Christ and His People

  1. Christ in Us, His People - Colossians 1:26-27; 2:2 (read at least 1:24-2:5)
  2. Christ in Us - The Need to Proclaim This Truth - Colossians 4:3 (read 4:2-6)
  3. Christ and the Church - Illustrated in Jesus' Appearance to John - Revelation 1:20 (read 1:9-20)
  4. Christ and the Church - Illustrated in Marriage - Ephesians 5:32 (read 5:2-33)
  5. What About the Nation Israel? - Romans 11:25 (read 11:11-32)

 

D. Two of the "Secrets" of Life

  1. Life Now: Learning How to Live with Contentment - Philippians 4:12 (read 4:11-13)
  2. Life In the Future: The Nature of Our Resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:51 (read 15:50-57, or more of the chapter)

 

E. Issues Related to Sin and Evil

  1. Lawlessness - 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (read 2:1-12)
  2. Babylon - Revelation 17:5, 7 (read ch. 17)

 

F. What Value Do Mysteries Have?

  1. When People Don't Understand Them: Minimal Value - 1 Corinthians 14:2 (read 14:1-5, or further)
  2. When People Do Understand Them: Still No Value for Those Who Lack Love - 1 Corinthians 13:2 (read 13:1-3, or further)

 

G. The Role of Leadership - Faithfully Protecting / Keeping These Revealed Secrets

  1. "Servants of Christ," Who Are Entrusted With Them, Must Remain Faithful to Them - 1 Corinthians 4:1 (read 4:1-5, or further)
  2. How "Deacons" Must Treat Them - 1 Timothy 3:9

Dennis Hinks © 2001
041230