Ephesians 3:7-13
Relax, Read and Reflect (3R's)
Prayer, Lord, open my heart and open my mind and help me learn. G-F-W. Amen
Ephesians 3:7-13 (New International Version)
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although 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, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His 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, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Paul started preaching to gentiles after he received God's grace and became God's servant. God gives all of us opportunities to tell others about Christ, even if we are not preachers or evangelists,(maybe because we are not preachers or evangelists.) With these opportunities he will also provide courage, patience, and anything else you will need. We are all God's servants now, and as such we need to make ourselves available to do God's work. Paul knows that without God's help, he would never be able to do God's work,(verse 8.)God choose him to give the good news of Jesus to the gentiles, and that is a great responsibility. He really thought his role would be minor. He would have probably preferred to convert Jews like Peter was doing. A minor role? When we look at what God wants us to do for Him, do we also think it is a minor role? We may be right, but never forget what a difference God can make. It gets better.
As verse ten points out, we can approach the greatest King of all with freedom and confidence. We can talk and share directly with God! What a joy and comfort this is. Paul knows it, and he is happy about it. He closes by telling the Ephesians not to be discouraged by what is happening with Paul. If he had never preached the gospel, he would not be in jail. Gentiles would not have been converted, and Paul feels this is more than a fair deal. It has been compared to the pain a mother feels during childbirth. It is painful for a while, then you have the joy of bringing life into the world, it is a good deal.
Living for Christ can be painful, and obeying his call is never easy. We need to look at those who suffered and sacrificed before us, and feel honored that we have the opportunity to follow them.
Prayer- Lord, thank you for sending others to sacrifice so that I may know your love and grace. Help me have the courage and strength to take your love to others. Go-Fight-Win. Amen.
Things to do today:
Read Ephesians 3:14-21
Thank God for his grace.
Thank someone for having the love and courage to spread the good news to you.
Prayer, Lord, open my heart and open my mind and help me learn. G-F-W. Amen
Ephesians 3:7-13 (New International Version)
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although 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, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His 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, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Paul started preaching to gentiles after he received God's grace and became God's servant. God gives all of us opportunities to tell others about Christ, even if we are not preachers or evangelists,(maybe because we are not preachers or evangelists.) With these opportunities he will also provide courage, patience, and anything else you will need. We are all God's servants now, and as such we need to make ourselves available to do God's work. Paul knows that without God's help, he would never be able to do God's work,(verse 8.)God choose him to give the good news of Jesus to the gentiles, and that is a great responsibility. He really thought his role would be minor. He would have probably preferred to convert Jews like Peter was doing. A minor role? When we look at what God wants us to do for Him, do we also think it is a minor role? We may be right, but never forget what a difference God can make. It gets better.
As verse ten points out, we can approach the greatest King of all with freedom and confidence. We can talk and share directly with God! What a joy and comfort this is. Paul knows it, and he is happy about it. He closes by telling the Ephesians not to be discouraged by what is happening with Paul. If he had never preached the gospel, he would not be in jail. Gentiles would not have been converted, and Paul feels this is more than a fair deal. It has been compared to the pain a mother feels during childbirth. It is painful for a while, then you have the joy of bringing life into the world, it is a good deal.
Living for Christ can be painful, and obeying his call is never easy. We need to look at those who suffered and sacrificed before us, and feel honored that we have the opportunity to follow them.
Prayer- Lord, thank you for sending others to sacrifice so that I may know your love and grace. Help me have the courage and strength to take your love to others. Go-Fight-Win. Amen.
Things to do today:
Read Ephesians 3:14-21
Thank God for his grace.
Thank someone for having the love and courage to spread the good news to you.
posted by Steve Killam TMTL | 6:18 AM
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