Comment: As we
began Ephesians I briefly wrote about the riches we have in Christ; the apostle
Paul describes these riches in the first three chapters. Sadly, most believers
do not consider this heavenly bank account as something to lay hold of in time.
Like the foolish servant who buried his talent and waited for his master to
return. And he was scolded for not putting his riches to work, increasing
the value; Matthew 25:24-30. I reckon there will be much ‘shame of face’
because we did not express from our soul the gift of grace given to each of us
who accepted it from God by personal faith in the Christ/Messiah. As we begin
chapter three, the apostle via the Holy Spirit will remind us again of the
wonderful gift of grace we have in Christ in this current dispensation
(stewardship) of time. Dispensation is the Greek equivalent for ‘stewardship’ and
carries the responsibility of ministry. Ministry is the practical or the
economical use of provision granted to what we know as the ‘church age’.
Devotional: Ephesians 3:1-7 – Revelation can be a bit over
the top these days in church settings so I am not writing about “new revelation”
but I am writing about “revelation” that is already revealed and provided in
the Word of the Living God. Again, we seem to enjoy burying this revealed
revelation for ‘something new’, this new stuff is nonsense; it is over the top! Many New Testament
churches today do not care for the riches of God’s grace, which is no longer a mystery.
The apostle Paul under the guidance of the Holy Spirit explains clearly, that is; if
we are willing to read, we may know and understand the knowledge he has in the “mystery”
of Christ.
In times, past; that is in
other ages, (dispensations or stewardships) the mystery of Christ, who is the
Author of this better covenant and the finisher of personal faith; Hebrews
12:1-2 has opened to the world (all people groups and nations) opportunity to
have personal faith in God. This new dispensation began with the apostles of
Jesus Christ, the cornerstone. It has not ended with new revelation and the prosperity of any
other religious idolatry. The purpose of God’s will is still “all people should be saved”
and one day those of us who hold this truth fervently, will give account.
We will begin looking at the
purpose next week, hopefully by the time we reach the end of chapter three we
will have a greater appreciation of this mystery, which for every saint of God
ought not be a mystery “at all”. A promise of God to Israel who was carried
away in captivity; one which we too can appropriate is found in Jeremiah 29:11-13.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace
and not evil, to give you a future and a hope”. Then you will call upon Me, and
I will listen to you and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me
with all your heart. We ought to effectively use what God has provided, so do
not be a foolish servant of God.
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