The Blessing of God's Calling

Introduction:

What is the most valuable possession that you have?

I know that some of you will say, your family, your spouses, etc.

I’m not talking about people, but things that you own.

For some of you it may be some piece of memorabilia that you have on display. It’s valuable, but it is also a point of pride for you and you want others to see it.

You don’t lock it in a box and keep it out of sight. It may be valuable but it is also meant to be displayed.

There are priceless treasures all around the world that are owned by royalty and collectors and even nations that are on display with high levels of security because they are both valuable and worthy of putting on display.

Well, tonight we are going to talk about riches that are more valuable than any rock or jewel or treasure that man can create.

Paul speaks of this treasure being on display in the church, so let’s take a look at what he had to say in Eph. 3.

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 realized 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.

1. God's Calling (v.7-8)

Ephesians 3:7–8 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,

a minister is servant or an official charged with an area of responsibility

It was not according to Paul’s own abilities but the gifts God had given him by His grace

2. God's Blessing and Forgiveness (vv. 7-8)

Ephesians 3:7–8 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,

least of the saints

1 Cor 15 Paul had called himself the least of the apostles

He is remembering his approval of the murder of Christians

God’s grace was greater than his sin

3. God's Purpose (vv. 8-11)

Ephesians 3:8–11 ESV

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 realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Preach the Gospel

Bring to Light God’s Mystery to unite all things

Proclaim to the powers and authorities the power of the gospel

The church is the main institution God will do this with

4. God's Equipping (vv.12-13)

Ephesians 3:12–13 ESV

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.

Access to God and His help (v.12)

Even our suffering leads to His purposes (v.13)