Servant of God's Grace

 DEVOTION

THE LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS

SERVANT OF GOD’S GRACE

 

Eph 3:7-13

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8 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, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 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, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

NIV

To become a minister of the gospel by the gift of God’s grace given to Paul through the effectual workings of his power is a great gift indeed. The Greek word translated as a servant here is diakonos, which is where we get the word deacon but can also be used as an attendant, or waiter, (at a table or in order menial duties). However, especially it is used for a Christian teacher and pastor, but technically, a deacon or deaconess. To be called into that kind of service and perform the tasks associated with it can only be done by the effectual workings of God’s grace. Paul demonstrates pure humility of this gift, the working of God’s power within him, as he ministers the gospel of Jesus Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. This should give us a clue as to how we should approach our lives as we fulfill our calling in life. Whatever gift we are to use as the Spirit manifests himself within us, that is the effectual working of God’s grace and power, we should administer that gift with pure humility. In doing so, in being humble, we would ensure that we would not boast in any way regarding what we do or are used for the kingdom of God and the common good of all believers. This is a difficult way to live, and in many ways goes against our natural instincts, which were taught to us throughout our lives. Boasting about ourselves is the way of the world, enumerating all our qualifications, our education, our past accomplishments, in essence, our resume. Even in some denominations, those who are licensed to minister must submit a resume for each of their activities, or essentially their accomplishments. But this should not be within the community of faith, Paul makes that clear in no uncertain terms. He is the less than the least. The Greek word is directly translated as far least. Again, this is how we are to see ourselves as we minister the gift of God manifested in us. There are so many far more able to administer the grace of God than we are, yet God has chosen to call us to that very task. Speaking personally, I have no skills, no talent, no formal education, or qualification to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ, but God has all the power, all the strength and it is right for me to depend wholly on the power of the Spirit to both lead and empower me to do that which I have been called. Therefore, I understand the need for humility for I have nothing to brag about in myself. It is interesting how I have witnessed far too many Christians that cannot help from boasting and bragging about their good works, just as the world does. It sounds judgmental but simply is an observation without condemnation. To be humble is to be Christlike, for He humbled Himself onto death on the cross for us. Let us throw aside any self-pride we might see in ourselves and boast in Christ Jesus alone, and simply be a servant of God’s Grace.