How Are You Responding To Grace?
BRD REFLECTIONS
Ephesians 3 and Psalm 99 (NIV)
(Jabez Fong Jia En, Zone 4A Core Team Member, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Ephesians 3:7–13 (ESV)
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realised in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
OBSERVE:
Paul emphasises that all the work that he has accomplished for the gospel was due to the gift of God’s grace, which was given through the direct empowerment of God Himself in the life of Paul (v7). Because Paul is aware that all this is the gift of God, Paul recognises that he is the “least of all the saints”. He recognises that his work is not accomplished on his strength but through God’s. (v8) This grace of God is given to bring the gospel to the Gentiles and shed light on what God has been doing in the world (v8-9).
The church’s role is important – to tell the world of God’s work in Christ and bring people from every background into His church by sharing the finished work of Christ (v10-11).
It is Christ’s sacrifice that allows God’s people to have access to the Father (v12), and those who are Christ’s messengers often face challenges as they live faithful lives. However, Paul asks his readers not to be discouraged when they see him suffering for the sake of the gospel, since it is not wasted suffering, but is instead for their good.
APPLY:
Reading this, a few thoughts jumped out immediately at me.
Firstly, I had to ask myself how I am responding to the grace that God has given to me. God has graciously given me grace that I do not deserve. However, this grace is good news which should inspire me to share the good news with others! How am I faring in that mission? Am I being bold in my proclamation of Christ’s accomplished work, or am I simply resting on my laurels, content that Christ has saved me?
Secondly, am I leaning on God, recognising that I am the “very least of the saints”? Have I been proud and complacent, thinking that I can do all things on my own? And when I succeed, do I take the credit, not recognising that it is only through Christ that I achieve all things?
Thirdly, how willing am I to suffer on behalf of others? Paul has faced many challenges for the sake of Christ’s church (2 Cor 11:24-28), yet declares that these weaknesses are something that he boasts in. How willing am I to declare these same things, going to the point of boasting about my suffering especially if it benefits someone else?
DO:
God’s grace has been given to me, and to all those around me as well. As I think about Christ’s finished work, I must be strong and courageous, daring to witness for Christ even in a world that seems to be increasingly hostile to Christian perspectives. To do so, I must not lean on my abilities, but on the strength which God Himself gives to me. As I serve faithfully, let me face any suffering which I encounter with courage, inspired by the love of God and my love for my neighbours who need the Lord.
PRAY:
God of all mercy and grace, I confess that I often fail to be a good witness of your love to the world in need of it. Have mercy on me according to your steadfast love! Remind me again today of the grace which you have lavished so freely upon me and let it propel me into the world as I boldly proclaim your gospel, that all may hear your voice and come to know you. I ask all this in Christ’s name. Amen.
