Ephesians 3:1-13 "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of JESUS CHRIST for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of GOD which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation HE made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of CHRIST) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto HIS Holy Apostles and Prophets by the SPIRIT; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of HIS promise in CHRIST by the Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of GOD given unto me by the effectual working of HIS power.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of CHRIST; 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: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of GOD, according to the eternal purpose which HE purposed in CHRIST JESUS our LORD: in WHOM we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of HIM. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulation for you, which is your glory."
Today's text details the role and character of the "minister" (v.7) of the "mystery" (v.3). It is vital that the bearer of the Good News be properly equipped. Why was this man who ministered the truth concerning the Gospel now in prison ? It is because Paul fearlessly and uncompromisingly proclaimed this mystery to "you Gentiles" (v.1) - if he had limited his ministry to the Jews only, perhaps he might have averted some persecution. But the glorious message was for Gentiles as well, and the Apostle could not keep quiet about this. He realized the necessity of preaching the Gospel to everyone. GOD has no favorites, for HE "so loved the world" (John 3:16 pictured above) !
The LORD entrusted Paul with a "dispensation" to proclaim HIS grace to whoever would hear and heed (vv.2-3), and he was to accomplish this ministry by humbly realizing that what GOD had commanded, HE would enable to be accomplished by HIS grace (vv.7-8). Remember, dear believer, the LORD has called and commissioned each of us to be an ambassador for JESUS CHRIST, beseeching the lost, in CHRIST's stead, to be reconciled to GOD (2nd.Corinthians 5:20-21 pictured above). We are only able to fulfill this ministry by the "effectual working of HIS power" (v.7). GOD is still seeking loyal ministers just like Paul.
Were all the tribulations the Apostle was called upon to bear worth it ? Yes, they most certainly were ! "My tribulations," Paul says, are "for you, which is your glory" (v.13 pictured above). The power of GOD working through Paul's suffering and trials resulted in the edification and encouragement of believers. The Apostle would endure anything, as long as JESUS CHRIST was glorified and others were being saved and built up in the faith. DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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