A Prisoner? Suffering?
After reading Chapter 3, I was confronted with the fact that I love being saved. I’m awe struck at God’s love and sacrifice for me. The fact that He adopted me blows my mind. He gives me that same power that raised Christ from the dead - unimaginable. But I’m not sure I’m willing to suffer, to be in chains, to be a prisoner for that matter, to have my life disrupted in even the slightest so that someone else might know and experience these amazing blessings. I have become selfish and controlling with the mysteries that have been revealed. I have failed to shout from a mountain top the wonders of the gospel. I have rejected God’s plan for me to herald the gospel from every corner of my life. That needs to change.
(v.6) Gentiles are heirs with Israel, members together and sharers in the promise of Jesus. I need to tell others that are living apart from Christ that His promises are for them.
(v.8) Paul, the great Apostle, he called himself the least of all God’s people. I have no excuses, even when I think I’m not equipped or ready I can’t be selfish with the message and truth that brings life. Paul describes the message of Christ as unsearchable riches. There is nothing in all the world or eternity more valuable than the truth of Christ. If I knew how to get monetary riches I would be passing it on. Why not the most priceless of truth? I need to share this great message.
(v.9) We are to tell everyone. I tell very few - as if it’s my little secret club. I have to start sharing.
(v.10) Through the church this message would unfold. That’s me! The church is all those followers of Christ. That’s me! I have been brought into the church to share this truth!
(v.12) I get to boldly go before the Father! “Boldly!” Why am I scared or reluctant? I must begin to give this truth away I have the support of the God of the universe!
(v.14-20) The more time I spend with God the more I know Him and will trust Him and the more bold I will become. The more I will be overwhelmed with His goodness, His purposes and His amazing plan for my life. He has a plan that plainly and clearly involves me sharing with the world the riches of Christ’s sacrifice, love and adoption. He can do more through me than I could ever imagine. I have to be willing to be used and I have to start sharing!!
Tim
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Ephesians 3
Posted by Calvary Community at 7:20 AM
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3 comments:
Alright, i'm going to post this in two parts cause my cell phone won't let me post as one comment. Weird, but it will have to do while i'm on vacation...part 1...Hindsight is 20/20! We have something that many never did...the knowledge of Christs life and His gospel of grace and salvation! Paul tells us that this knowledge was not made known to prior generations in the same way as now (v.5). Through Christ, now we freedom to go to God directly...we don't need a priest to pray on our behalf...
Part 2...no, we can go straight to God (v.12)!
Verses 14-15 really stood out to me; 'i kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.' Remember, we are adopted as children of God, and as such we take on His name, the name of Jesus! I just think that is such a cool thing.
Can you fully understand God's love? It is truly amazing, and while we may take hold of it, while we may be filled with His love, i don't think we will ever fully understand it...
Part 3...His love is deeper, greater, so much more than our minds can comprehend. 'it surpasses all knowledge' v.19. Then look at v.20, the God we serve is powerful. Not only does he hear us and act on our behalf, but He does so much more than what we ask Him. So much more infact than we would have even fathomed to ask! What a great God we serve!
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