CURRICULUM LESSON FOR TEENS
Title: The Fellowship of the Mystery
Theme: Discovering Your Identity in God’s Hidden Program for Today
Level: Age 16 and older (Spiritually Mature Teen)
Focus Passage: Ephesians chapter 3 verses 1 through 11
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Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Define the word mystery as Paul uses it
2. Understand why the mystery was kept hidden from previous generations
3. Explain what the fellowship of the mystery is and who it includes
4. Recognize the distinct nature of Paul’s gospel compared to the gospel of the kingdom
5. Identify and explain the core doctrines revealed through Paul’s writings
6. Apply these truths to their own walk with Christ in daily life
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I. Lesson Introduction
God kept a secret. Not a secret from everyone forever, but a specific truth that He chose to hide from prophets, angels, and men until the right time. This secret had nothing to do with Israel’s law, their covenants, or the kingdom promised to them. Instead, this secret had to do with something never seen, never foretold, and never even imagined. That secret was the creation of the Body of Christ, a spiritual body made up of both Jew and Gentile, saved by grace alone through faith, with no dependence on the law or earthly religion.
For thousands of years, God’s plan was unfolding through Israel. From Abraham to David to the prophets, every promise was about a nation, a people, and a kingdom that would come. But when Israel rejected her King, something changed. The kingdom did not come. Judgment did not fall. Instead, God did something unthinkable. He reached down and saved His greatest enemy, a man named Saul of Tarsus, and gave him something brand new. Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, was not commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom. He was separated unto the gospel of the grace of God, a message that had been hidden in God until it was revealed through him.
Understanding this truth changes everything. It transforms how we read the Bible. It changes how we live as believers. And most importantly, it reveals to us who we truly are in Christ.
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II. What Is the Mystery
The word mystery in Paul’s writings does not refer to something difficult or spooky. It means something that was previously hidden but has now been revealed. Ephesians chapter 3 verses 3 through 5 explain this clearly. Paul writes that the mystery was not made known to the sons of men in other ages but is now revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. It was revealed first to Paul. It had never been spoken before. It is not hidden in the Old Testament. It is not a continuation of what God was doing with Israel. It is an interruption. A divine pause. A new dispensation called the dispensation of the grace of God.
This mystery centers on a new man, a new creation, not Israel, not the Gentiles alone, but a new spiritual body made up of all who believe the gospel of Christ. It is a body not formed by birth or law or tradition, but by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Paul calls this new body the Body of Christ, and it is the focus of his epistles from Romans to Philemon.
This mystery includes the truth that believers are now complete in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, seated in heavenly places, and awaiting a heavenly hope. These truths are not found in the Old Testament, and they were not known by the twelve apostles during Christ’s earthly ministry. They were kept secret until Paul.
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III. The Fellowship of the Mystery
In Ephesians chapter 3 verse 9, Paul writes that he was given the ministry to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery. This means that the mystery is not just information. It is an identity. It is not only doctrine. It is fellowship. It is not an exclusive truth for scholars. It is a shared reality for every believer.
To be part of the fellowship of the mystery means that you, as a believer in Christ, are not part of Israel, you are not under the covenants, and you are not looking for a kingdom on earth. Instead, you are joined to Christ in heaven, blessed with all spiritual blessings, and made a fellow-heir with every other member of the Body of Christ. Jew and Gentile are equal. Rich and poor are equal. Men and women are equal in spiritual standing. All are one in Christ Jesus.
This fellowship means shared purpose, shared access, and shared position. The fellowship of the mystery is not built on religion, performance, or tradition. It is built on the grace of God and the revelation given to Paul. That is why Paul says in Ephesians chapter 3 verse 2 that this dispensation was given to him for us. If you are saved today, you are saved by Paul’s gospel. You are part of the fellowship of the mystery.
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IV. All the Doctrines Paul Reveals in His Epistles
Paul’s epistles are packed with doctrine that is unique to this dispensation. These truths are foundational for living the Christian life today. They reveal what God is doing now, how we are saved, how we walk, and what our hope is. Below are key doctrines revealed only through Paul.
One. Justification by faith alone. You are declared righteous by God the moment you trust the gospel. This is not a process. It is not based on works. It is not maintained by performance. Romans chapter 4 explains that Abraham was justified by faith before the law. Paul teaches that justification comes without works, without circumcision, and without religious effort.
Two. Salvation by grace through faith. This is the hallmark of the dispensation of grace. Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 and 9 declare that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works. It is the gift of God. This is not a new way to preach the law. It is a brand new message that does not include the law at all.
Three. Spiritual circumcision. In Colossians chapter 2 verses 11 and 12, Paul teaches that believers are circumcised with a circumcision made without hands. This means that when you believe the gospel, the old man is cut away, and you are made a new creature in Christ. This is not physical. It is spiritual. And it happens without you even seeing it. It is a work of God.
Four. Identity in Christ. You are baptized into Christ by the Spirit the moment you believe. You are buried with Him, raised with Him, and seated with Him in heavenly places. This is not something you earn. It is your identity. See Romans chapter 6 and Ephesians chapter 2.
Five. The Body of Christ. This is the new man that God is forming today. It is not Israel. It is not a spiritual version of the kingdom. It is a brand new organism with Christ as the Head and believers as the members. See 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and Ephesians chapter 4.
Six. The heavenly position and hope. You are not promised an earthly kingdom. You are not looking for signs. Your position is in Christ in heaven, and your hope is to be caught up with Him in glory. See Colossians chapter 3 verse 1 and Philippians chapter 3 verse 20.
Seven. The catching away of the Body. Paul reveals the rapture in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 and 1 Corinthians chapter 15. This is a mystery event, not found in prophecy. It is the blessed hope of the Body of Christ.
Eight. The ministry of reconciliation. You are not just saved. You are sent. Every believer is an ambassador for Christ, sent to preach the message of reconciliation, not condemnation. See 2 Corinthians chapter 5.
Nine. Complete forgiveness. You are forgiven all trespasses the moment you believe. You do not need to confess sins to be forgiven. You are already forgiven. See Colossians chapter 2 verse 13 and Ephesians chapter 4 verse 32.
Ten. Freedom from the law. Paul teaches clearly that we are not under the law, not under the covenants, and not required to perform rituals. Grace is not law modified. Grace is law removed. See Romans chapter 6 verse 14 and Galatians chapter 5.
Eleven. Christ in you. This is the heart of the mystery. It is not about going to a temple to meet God. Christ now lives in you. The power of your new life comes from Him living through you. See Colossians chapter 1 verses 26 and 27.
Twelve. The gospel of the grace of God. Paul was given a specific gospel message. It is not the gospel of the kingdom. It is not the gospel preached by Peter in Acts chapter 2. Paul’s gospel is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verses 1 through 4. It is that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. Belief in that message alone saves today.
V. Why Most People Miss the Mystery
Most people miss the mystery because they have never been taught to rightly divide the word of truth. Instead of seeing Paul’s message as unique, they try to blend it with Jesus’ earthly ministry or the promises to Israel. This causes confusion, contradiction, and religious bondage.
People are told to follow the red letters, but the red letters were given to Israel under the law. Others are told to pray the Lord’s prayer, even though it speaks of a kingdom and forgiveness based on works. Still others are taught to tithe, confess sins, keep sabbath days, or look for signs, none of which apply to the Body of Christ today.
Until a believer sees the mystery, they will always be tossed between law and grace, Israel and the Body, prophecy and mystery. But once the truth is seen, the Bible opens up and the confusion clears away.
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VI. How This Applies to a Teen Believer
As a young believer, knowing the mystery gives you confidence. It tells you that you are already accepted, already forgiven, already complete in Christ. You do not need to perform. You do not need to earn God’s love. You do not need to live in fear. You can grow by understanding your position and resting in what Christ has already done.
It also gives you clarity. When you hear a preacher quoting verses that apply to Israel or putting you under law, you can rightly divide the word and know what belongs to you. It protects you from error and helps you walk in truth.
And most of all, it gives you purpose. You are not just here to go to church. You are here to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.
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VII. Common Objections and Confusion About the Mystery
Many Christians today sincerely love the Lord but have never been taught to rightly divide the word of truth. As a result, when they first hear that Paul had a unique message and that the Body of Christ is separate from Israel, they may become confused or even resistant. Some are taught that the Bible is all one continuous message, and they blend the Old Testament with the New without understanding the dispensational changes God introduced through Paul.
One common objection is this: If Paul’s message was so important, why didn’t Jesus talk about it when He walked on earth? The answer is that Jesus came to confirm the promises made to the fathers of Israel. He was born under the law. He preached to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He spoke in terms of prophecy, not mystery.
Another objection is this: Are you saying the rest of the Bible doesn’t matter? The answer is no. All Scripture is profitable. All Scripture is inspired. But not all Scripture is written to the Body of Christ. We can learn from Genesis, Psalms, and Matthew, but we must understand that our doctrine, instruction, and position come from Paul’s epistles.
Others are uncomfortable with the idea that Paul’s gospel is different from Peter’s. But Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapter 2 show clearly that Paul and Peter preached to different audiences. Paul’s message was not a continuation. It was a revelation.
Still others are taught that water baptism, tithing, or Sabbath keeping are necessary. They do not realize that Paul never commands these things to the Body of Christ. Paul never baptized to wash away sins. He never taught tithing as a requirement. He said we are not under the law. These are liberty truths only found in Paul’s doctrine.
The confusion disappears when you rightly divide prophecy from mystery, Israel from the Body, law from grace, and Peter from Paul. It does not mean we ignore the rest of the Bible. It means we understand the part of the Bible that describes what God is doing now.
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VIII. How to Share the Mystery With Others
Once you understand the fellowship of the mystery, the natural next step is to share it. But many people feel nervous or unprepared to explain these truths to others. The good news is that Paul’s commission is simple. He says in Ephesians chapter 3 verse 9 that our job is to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery. He does not say we must make them believe. Just make them see.
Begin with prayer. Ask God for opportunities to speak the truth in love. Ask for boldness, not pride. Then be ready. When people ask questions about the Bible, church, salvation, or Christian living, those are open doors to introduce what Paul says about those topics.
If someone is confused about salvation, show them 1 Corinthians chapter 15 verses 1 through 4. Emphasize that salvation today is by believing that Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again. Show them that it is faith alone, no works.
If someone is relying on Matthew chapter 6 or the book of Acts for doctrine, gently ask them if they’ve ever noticed the difference between the audience of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the audience of Paul’s letters. Then show them Galatians chapter 2 verses 7 through 9 and explain how Peter went to the circumcision and Paul went to the uncircumcision.
You do not need to win every debate. Your goal is to plant seeds. Share printed tracts, recommend good Bible studies, and speak with clarity and kindness. The mystery is powerful. It clarifies Scripture. It magnifies Christ. It sets people free from religion and confusion.
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IX. Scripture Memory
Ephesians chapter 3 verse 9
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
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X. Review and Discussion Questions
1. What does the word mystery mean in Paul’s writings?
2. Why was the mystery kept hidden until Paul?
3. How does the Body of Christ differ from Israel in terms of promises, law, and blessings?
4. What is the fellowship of the mystery, and how are you part of it?
5. List and explain seven doctrines that are unique to Paul’s epistles and not found in the rest of Scripture.
6. Why do many churches today mix Israel’s law program with Paul’s grace program?
7. What dangers arise when someone tries to follow the red letters or the book of Acts without rightly dividing?
8. How would you respond if someone said, I follow Jesus, not Paul?
9. In what ways can understanding the mystery protect you from religious confusion or spiritual burnout?
10. How can you begin to share the mystery with your friends, family, or other believers in a clear and kind way?
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XI. Follow-Up Study
Read Ephesians chapters 1 through 3. Highlight every time Paul uses the words mystery, grace, body, heavenly, riches, or Christ in you. Then read Romans chapter 16 verse 25 and write a paragraph explaining what Paul means by “my gospel” and “the revelation of the mystery.”
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XII. Conclusion and Encouragement
The mystery is not a side doctrine. It is the centerpiece of what God is doing today. It is the foundation for sound doctrine in the dispensation of grace. It is the answer to confusion in the Bible and the solution to religious bondage in the world. And it is your privilege to know it, walk in it, and share it.
You are part of something that Abraham never knew. Moses never preached it. David never sang about it. Isaiah never saw it. Even Peter did not understand it at first. But you, a 16-year-old believer in this age of grace, have been given access to the hidden wisdom of God, a plan that was kept secret but is now revealed.
You are not part of prophecy. You are part of mystery. You are not under the law. You are under grace. You are not Israel. You are the Body of Christ. You are not waiting to be forgiven. You already are. You are not hoping to be accepted. You already are. You are not guessing about your future. You are sealed and secure.
This truth is not just for teachers and theologians. It is for you. It is for every member of the Body. Your job now is simple. Learn it. Live it. Share it. Make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.