Looking for the Golden Goose
Aesop, “The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs”
(c. 620-560 B.C.). Aesop was a freed slave from the Isle of Samos.
Introduction: Note the proximity of Samos to Ephesus. In Ephesians, Paul gives his most expanded explanation of Christian riches (ploutos).
I. Commerical Ephesus–the Jewel of Asia Minor
A.   Economics 101 –
1.     productivity/distribution/supply/demand
2.     James 4:13 (city = market)
3.     1 Tim. 1:3; 6:17 (market and uncertainty)
B.     The Story – A man and his wife had a goose which produced a golden egg every day. Lucky as they were, they started to think that they were not getting rich fast enough, so they decided to cut the goose open. But, what they found inside was not what they had expected.
II. Ephesians –
1:7 Â Â – _______________________
1:18 – _______________________
2:7Â Â – _______________________
3:8Â Â – _______________________
3:16 – _______________________
Conclusion:  Looking for the golden goose-a pervasive mentality (Lk. 8:14; 1 Tim. 6:17). May Paul’s explanation of Christian riches (ploutos) guide you today and tomorrow.