Ephesians 3:7-13

Ephesians 3:7-13

I became a servant to this Gospel according to the gift of grace of God that was being given to me according to the working of His power.  This same grace was being given to me – the least of all the holy ones – to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news in the riches of Christ that are impossible to understand and to give light to the arrangements in the plan of the mystery of the God who created all things which has been kept secret from the ages in order that the diverse wisdom of God should be revealed now to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places through the church according to the plan made in advance in the ages which was made in Christ Jesus by our Lord.  In Him we have boldness and access in confidence through His faithfulness.  Therefore I ask on your behalf to not be discouraged in my affliction, which is your glory.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

This passage gives us a neat understand of Paul’s calling – a calling shared by all in the church.  We have been given the opportunity to proclaim good news to a world that is in desperate need to hear good news.  We can help people understand things that are formerly unable to be understood.  We can help rulers and authorities and all kinds of intelligent people come to a place of ruling and understanding beyond their human limitations.  This is indeed a great calling.

How do you approach your calling?  To whom have you been called?

Second Thought:

However, this calling is not a reason to become proud.  If you look at the reason for the calling you will notice something.  We are not called to this for the sake of our own approval.  We don’t have this great message so that we can have a great name.  we don’t do it so people can look at us and be in awe of our brilliance, our speaking ability, or whatever.  In fact, we don’t want people to be in awe at all – for if they are in awe they won’t ever believe that they can do it, too!  Rather, we are in this calling so that the diverse wisdom of God might be known.  It isn’t about our wisdom; it is about God’s wisdom.  It is about putting people in touch with God so that God can impart His wisdom into them.  We are the messengers, but it is God who is the rock-star power with whom people should desire to relate.  It’s not about us, it is about Him.

Do you ever make your calling about yourself?  Do you ever give glory to other people instead of giving it to God, who really deserves it?  Why do we do this?

Third Thought:

At the end of this passage, Paul speaks about confidence and not being discouraged.  The world is a big place, filled with many people who like nothing more than becoming skeptics and naysayers.  It is easy to doubt and even easier to be discouraged.  Paul tells them to not feel doubt and discouragement.  After all, when we live in God we are accruing treasure in heaven regardless of whether or not we are received well in this life.  When we truly focus upon God we are able to overcome the world’s skeptical view of us in every way.

Where do you feel doubt the most?  Where do you feel discouragement?  Why do you feel this way? 

Passage for Tomorrow: Ephesians 3:14-21