Good Morning Friends,
“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift
of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less
than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the
Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration
of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should
be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according
to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ.” (Ephesians 3:7-12)
Paul had a clear grasp of the awesome
privileges that were his in Christ – and they are ours, too!
He was a servant of the gospel. He considered
it a gift of God that he could share the good news with others. He considered
himself the least deserving of all of God’s people for that privilege. That
same privilege is ours, not based upon how much we deserve it, but based solely
upon God’s giving us the opportunity. God invites us to be involved in the most
significant task imaginable, to share with others the message of Jesus Christ.
Paul had the privilege of being a part of God’s
object lesson to the heavenly authorities. It’s the church that is the
illustration God uses to show all of the spiritual powers His wisdom, grace,
and love. It’s amazing to consider that God is willing to use us to further His
work among people on earth. It is even more amazing when we realize that angels
and demons watch what God is doing through us and learn more about God’s
character.
Paul enjoyed unhindered access to God’s throne.
He could approach God’s throne with freedom – no one blocking the way, no
intermediary to go through. He could approach God with confidence. He didn’t need
to cower in God’s presence. He wasn’t required to beg in order for God to pay
attention to him. He could approach God with the confidence that God cared and wanted
to hear from him. We have the same kind of access to God that Paul knew!
Those are awesome and amazing privileges for which
Paul gave thanks to God. Those privileges are ours, too. Let’s be sure we take
advantage of the privileges that are ours – and express our appreciation to God
for them.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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