Ephesians 3:7-13 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Ephesians 3:7-13. Let’s go!
Ephesians 3:7-9 (NIV)
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.
8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
On verses 7-9: When Paul says that he is “less than the least of all God’s people” (v8), he is referring to his infamous past when he tried to destroy Christianity and brutally persecuted Christians. Yet God turned Paul’s life around and made him a messenger of this gospel to the Gentiles.
What can we learn from this? First, no matter what your past, God can transform you into an instrument for God’s glory, if you are willing.
Second, like Paul, have an attitude of humility. Paul calls himself “less than the least of all God’s people” (v8). Elsewhere he calls himself the “worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15-16) . That’s not to say we should be beating ourselves up all the time for our past mistakes and failures. But when we have experienced God’s mercy and grace for our mistakes, it helps from time to time to remember some of those mistakes and to see ourselves as the most undeserving of God’s grace. In so doing it helps us to appreciate and cherish God’s grace so much more.
Third, notice the word that Paul uses twice (once in verse 7 and again in verse 8) to describe the calling God gave him to preach the Gospel. He calls it “grace”, God’s undeserved kindness. Likewise, as followers of Jesus, we are all called to share the gospel. Like Paul, don’t see your calling to share Jesus with others as a burden or an obligation, but as God’s grace, His undeserved kindness to you, that He would choose to use us in spite of us.
Ephesians 3:9-11 (NIV)
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
On verses 9-11: What “mystery” (v9) is Paul referring to? The mystery is that Jesus Christ is for Gentiles as well as for Jews, that the gospel is for all people everywhere. Paul seems to suggest that this revelation is such a mystery that not even the angels in heaven were fully aware of it (v10), but that this was God’s “eternal purpose” all along (v11). Paul says that God wants to make this mystery and this wisdom known through the people of God, the church, and to display it before “the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms”, that is, before angels (v10). Throughout the Bible we see God using angels to teach truth and announce good news to humans. But here, for once, it’s human beings teaching truth and announcing good news to angels.
Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
On verse 12: Through Jesus Christ and our faith in Him, we can approach God with freedom and confidence, instead of with fear and insecurity. That’s because Jesus Christ has washed away all of our sins, so we can stand in God’s presence unashamed, forgiven, and righteous in His sight. So when you approach God in prayer, do so boldly, with joy and with confidence. As Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Ephesians 3:13 (NIV)
13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
On verse 13: Paul knew that his church in Ephesus might lose heart and become worried and fearful because Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel to people like the Ephesians. So Paul tells his church instead to see his sufferings for them in prison as something they could take pride in (“which are your glory”) and as a sign of how much they are loved.
What can we learn from this? When someone goes through pain for you, it can be a sign of how much they love you. Ask any woman who has ever given birth. Ask any parent who has ever made a painful sacrifice for their child. How much a person sacrifices for you can be a measure of their love for you. So if Jesus Christ sacrificed His entire life and went through incomparable pain for you, what does that tell you about how much you are loved? God loves you more than life itself! You are incomparably loved by God. So don’t be ashamed of Jesus Christ, but be honoured by the fact that He gave His life for you.
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me grace when I, like Paul, was less than the least of all God’s people. Thank You for loving me so much that You would sacrifice Your life for me. I am honoured by Your sacrifice and proud to have You as my Saviour and God. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
