God’s Power Comes By Grace
Ephesians 3:1-13
Know – what the Word says
Main idea of the passage: Paul was allowed to be an instrument of God’s grace by serving and preaching to the Gentiles.
Explanation: Paul uses this opportunity to share with his audience that his calling to the Gentiles was by and for the grace of God. He was a servant to Christ, and thus a servant to the Gentiles, for the grace of God. It wasn’t for his sake, or even for their sake that he proclaimed the gospel to the Gentiles, it was for the sake of God’s grace made manifest in his life and obedience. This grace to the Gentiles wasn’t a secondary thought, but part of the “eternal purpose” of God (Ephesians 3:11) accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Live – what the Word says
Main application of the passage: As believers, we must view our calling and service as God’s grace working and being made manifest in our obedience.
Application: What is your motivation for serving? Is it from compulsion? Is sharing the gospel of Jesus like a chore or a joy for you? God’s grace is made manifest and we are used for His glory when we serve, realizing that even our sacrifice of time and service is a grace gift. We have the absolute privilege of taking the gospel to all nations. When we do so gladly, we become a part of the glorious and eternal plan of God, and sinners of every race, tribe, and tongue are introduced to the Lover of their souls.
Rogers– Lessons by Bucky Rogers, minister to students at Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church, Moore, since 2006. Rogers, originally from Cleveland, Tenn., is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southern Seminary.