Ephesians Series #16
“Marks of an Effective Minister”
Eph 3:1-13
REVIEW
I. Our Wealth and Worth In Christ 1-4
A. Paul blessed God for blessing us with every spiritual blessing 1:3-14
B. Paul prayed for their enlightenment 1:15-23
Hope of His calling
Glory of His inheritance in the saints
Surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe
C. Paul detailed our resurrected life in Christ 2:1-10
You all were individually dead by reason of personal sin
You all were individually driven by fleshly desires raging in the body and mind
You all were individually energized by Satan
You all were individually designated children of wrath by nature
BUT GOD!!!
Made us all alive with Christ
Raises us up with Christ
Seated us with Christ
Made us His special individual workmanship by divine re-creation
D. Paul declared our awesome acceptance and reconciliation 2:11-21
In verses 13-22 Paul focused on the lost as a group, namely Gentiles.
Corporately alienated, separated and rejected.
Gentiles, as a group, were…
Separated from Christ
Alienated by God
Strangers to the promises of salvation
Without hope
Without God (a-theist)
Despised by Jews
BUT NOW, after the reconciliation ministry of Jesus…
We as a group have been brought near to God.
We as a group have been reconciled to God and the Jews.
Both Jews and Gentiles have been transformed into a new Community
This is not just a geographical or political community, but a community formed through a supernatural transformation and rebirth. It was accomplished by the Father bringing us near
It was accomplished by Jesus making peace by His death on the cross. It was accomplished by the Holy Spirit powerfully transforming us.
The result of this amazing reconciliation?
Open and equal access to the Father
Full citizens in God’s kingdom
Beloved children in God’s family
Strategic stones in God’s growing “building”.
INTRODUCTION
There is a great deal of talk today about purpose in life. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback church turned the subject into a number one all time bestselling book outside of the Bible “Purpose Driven Life”. Philosophers have debated the subject for centuries. Why are we here?
As Christians we believe that our purpose has something to do with restored relationship with God. If that is the case then why doesn’t God just snatch us up to His Place as soon as we respond to His call? Why spend more time struggling down here? What is my purpose for staying down here? Paul was so moved by God’s newly created community that he intended to break out in prayer but took a slight detour before he actually got to praying.
“For this reason, I Paul the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the sake of you Gentiles…”
The actual prayer doesn’t resume until verse 14.
Paul’s detour turned into a powerful personal testimony concerning his relationship with the Gentiles. In it we find some essential factors that made Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles so monumental. In this “detour” we find the reason why God leaves Christians down here.
We are left to be a testimony to unbelievers, an encouragement to believers and an irrefutable testimony of God’s power to a surprising audience. God calls every follower of Jesus Christ into ministry. He expects every Christian to be fully engaged in kingdom work.
Paul stands as a shining example of a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. In fact, at the end of his life he could honestly affirm…
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 2 Timothy 4:7
I want to spend the rest of our time highlighting the marks of a meaningful ministry drawn out of Paul’s testimony. I want to address an obvious issue before we even start. This is obviously Paul’s testimony. Wasn't he a specially gifted apostle of Jesus Christ? So weren't things different for him? Just so we are clear from the beginning and I will continue to affirm throughout, all of the principles that I draw from Paul’s life and ministry are applied to all believers somewhere else in the New Testament. These are all elements that should be true of every faithful follower of Jesus Christ today.
E. Paul shared His personal testimony regarding ministry 3:1-13
1. Sound grasp of God's sovereignty and suffering 1
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus
In Scripture, whenever you find a "for this reason", it would do well to try to discover what that reason was. Generally the reason can be found in the immediate context. The Immediate context of this passage has to do with Paul's discussion of God's newly created community of those putting their trust in Jesus Christ. As I mentioned before, Paul was about ready to pray for that community. Being a personal letter, Paul added a characteristic personal touch concerning himself. He called himself a "prisoner Jesus Christ".
But I thought Paul was a prisoner of Rome? Wasn't it the Romans that had him in prison at the insistence of the Jews? And yet, Paul considered himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
It is clear that Paul held a view of suffering based on the sovereignty of God. Even though it was the Romans who put him in prison, Paul understood that it was ultimately because of Jesus Christ that he now suffered in prison. It would have been easy to turn each of these nine elements into a sermon of their own but because of my desire to catch the flow I resisted that temptation. The subject of suffering and the sovereignty or absolute control of God over world events runs all through the Bible. It is clear that God has a purpose for suffering.
It is only when we learn to entrust our souls to a faithful Creator as our Savior modeled will we be able to maintain a positive attitude in the midst of suffering.
The theme of Paul's letter to the Philippians, also written from the same prison experience, is maintaining the joy of the Lord while managing the junk of this world. Paul focused on the purpose of God. Paul was more concerned about what could be accomplished for the kingdom through the suffering rather than his own personal discomfort.
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Philippians 1:12-14
APPLICATION
This is generally not our first response when things turn difficult. Ministry is difficult.
Ministry to and with people is messy. Things do not always go the way we hoped or planned.
Life sometimes it turns plain ugly. If we understand that God is ultimately in charge and that we are committed to His purposes and not our pleasure, our response becomes completely different. Paul understood that fact and therefore was able to view his Roman imprisonment as something orchestrated by Jesus Christ and for Jesus Christ as well as an essential part to the accomplishment of God's eternal purposes. In more than one place, God calls us to rejoice in suffering by considering who allowed it and why. Paul told the Philippians that he considered suffering a gift of God just as much as believing in him was a gift. The first mark of a meaningful ministry is acquiring and maintaining a sound grasp on the sovereignty of God and suffering. Without it, we will be continually fighting God, people and the circumstances of life. We might be engaged in ministry but we will hate every minute of it.
2. Selfless commitment to serve people 1
The prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles
Not only did Paul understand that he was in prison because of Jesus Christ, he understood that he was there because of his commitment to the Gentiles. This was not just a figurative reference to Paul suffering for the Gentiles, he was there literally because of his ministry to the Gentiles. In Acts 22:21-22 we learn that when Paul affirmed his calling to the Gentiles, the Jewish leaders went ballistic and demanded his arrest and imprisonment. In the last letter that Paul wrote, he pictured himself as an offering being poured out for the sake of others. Paul considered himself a selfless servant not only of Jesus Christ but also of the people he was called to serve. Ministry is just that. The word itself means to serve. We will either serve self or serve others. Paul was committed to serve others even though it might involve suffering and imprisonment.
APPLICATION
God's newly created community is all about serving each other. Selfless relationships are key.
In fact, it is that kind of selfless love for one another that is the ultimate badge of those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
Even though most people in our world appreciate selfless sacrifice, it is not the general practice. Paul told Timothy that in the last days the culture would be characterized by those who were lovers of self, lovers of pleasure, and lovers of money resulting in a graveyard of shattered and excruciatingly painful relationships. How do you feel about people?
Are you more interested in being served than in serving? How would you rank your irritation and imposition scale? A life of meaningful ministry starts and is sustained by commitment to selfless service.
3. Special sense of personal calling 2
2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, Ephesians 3:2
Paul was convinced that his ministry was a direct commission of God. He was under assignment. As we saw at the end of chapter 2, God strategically places every believer into the fabric of his new community. That means everyone has a stewardship given to them.
Everyone has a job to do. Everyone has a calling. It may not be a formal ministry but that doesn't make it any less meaningful when God assigns it. God not only calls us into the family of God but calls us to specific tasks as a member of God's family. In fact, the growth of the family is the result of each member properly carrying out their assigned tasks. Membership in God's community is not a spectator sport. It essential that every member be fully engaged in the community and for the community. In what ways are you engaged? By the way, a calling is different than a career. A calling is inseparable from who we are; it is an extension of our very life. Career is what we do. Every Christian has a divine calling.
4. Stimulating and clear communication 3-5
3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Ephesians 3:3-5
I draw this next mark of meaningful ministry from Paul's reference to writing and reading.
This very letter to the Ephesians is an example of the communication aspect of ministry.
It reminds them that he is writing down what God gave to him. He encourages them to go back over what he's written and find greater understanding. He stimulates their interest by letting them know that these revelations were important. These were things that were not even understood or revealed to previous generations. Ministry involves continual communication. These days, there is little excuse for not meaningfully communicating. Use every method available to keep encouraging other people to stimulating communication.
5. Specific message 6, 8-9
The fact that we communicate is important to our ministry but what we communicate is even more significant. Paul was not writing just for writing’s sake. Paul didn't waste a lot of time with small talk. Paul had a specific message from God that filled his ministry. We find that specific message in verse six and then again in verses eight and nine.
6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel 3:6
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, Ephesians 3:8-9
Paul uses the word “mystery” numerous times in this passage. The Biblical concept of mystery is not something that is difficult to know or unknown. The Scriptures employ the term to describe something that has been hidden until divinely revealed.
• In verse 3 it was made known through special revelation.
• In verse 5 it was not understood by previous generations
• In verse 5 it was revealed to the Apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.
• In verse 6 it has to do with Gentiles being equals heirs of God’s promise with Jews.
• In verse 9 it was something hidden in God.
• In verse 10 it is now made known through the church.
• In verse 11 it is according to God’s eternal purpose.
The specific message of the revelation had to do with the creation of this new community of partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus that included both Jews and Gentiles as equal members.
Verse 8 and 9 get more specific concerning Paul's message.
1. Preach the unfathomable riches of Christ
“Preach” means announce, declare, share, proclaim.
“Unfathomable” means unable to be traced out or fully comprehended by the human mind.
“Riches” of course means valuable, abundant, special, rich.
The core message of our ministry is to declare the untraceable riches of Christ. Our job is to explain the unexplainable. We are to spend our life announcing the good news of the infinite Christ and the unending wonder of the blessings available through relationship with Him. You don't need to be a preacher to talk about Jesus. You just need to know Jesus. The trouble today is that people talk about Jesus who don't know what they're talking about or people don't know enough about Jesus to talk about Him.
15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 1 Peter 3:15
Are we ready to talk about Him and what He has done? That is our mission. That is our purpose on earth. That is why God leaves us here.
2. Bring to light the unstoppable rise of the Church of Jesus Christ
But that is not the only reason for us being here. We are also called to enlighten the world concerning God's glorious community the church. What does Paul mean when he says bring to light for everyone what is the plan or the mystery hidden for ages in God? He is talking about the church. There is no society like it. It defies description. That was the core Paul's ministry wherever he went. It's the message of our calling as well. We are to preach the unfathomable riches of Christ. We are to bring to light the unstoppable rise of his newly created community.
6. Serious Humility 8
8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given
Although this should've jumped out and bit me, I didn't see this next mark till later in my study. Paul was not trying to present himself as a superstar here. He made it clear that this ministry was not given to him because he was so great. He was given the privilege of preaching Christ and bringing to light glory of the church in spite of the fact that felt he was the least of all the saints. This isn't the only place that Paul wrote concerning his deficiencies. Human weaknesses are not an issue in the hands of the Almighty God. Humility is a key ingredient not only in ministry but in our relationship with God.
7. Supernatural power and gifting 7
7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.
Paul made reference to God’s specific gifting.
He was given stewardship of God’s grace; power.
He was given special insight into the mystery through revelation of the Holy Spirit.
He was given ministry to Gentiles on the basis of God’s gifting and grace.
He was given special grace to preach Christ.
He was given special grace to bring light concerning the mystery.
Paul had ample human credentials and natural ability.
In his letter the Philippines he made it clear that concerning fleshly accomplishments there were few rivals. And yet he refused to put any confidence in any of that.
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ Philippians 3:7-8
No meaningful ministry will ever occur outside of the supernatural power of Jesus Christ working through a humble committed heart. Paul recognized that anything that was ever done through him was a gift. The authority, the power, the results, the recognition was all a gift to an undeserving servant.
Sometimes I think that natural ability can sometimes mask the absence of supernatural power.
There may be success from a human perspective but failure from an eternal perspective.
A sharp mind may stimulate minds.
A passionate heart may soften hearts.
Persuasive tongue may even stir wills.
But without a genuine moving of the Holy Spirit, true life-change escapes us.
Not by might nor by power but by your spirit says the Lord.
3 I (Paul) was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5
We will spend more time on the subject of spiritual gifting when we get to Ephesians 4.
We will learn that every follower of Jesus Christ has been supernaturally gifted to function in the ministry to which God calls them. Sometimes I wonder where it is today.
8. Stirring motivation of serving an eternal purpose 10-12
In verse 10 to 12 Paul shared a personal motivation has become a brand-new motivation for me and I hope will also be for you this morning. Preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ and bringing to light the unstoppable rise of the church to the world in which we live extends to an unexpected audience.
Verse 10 begins with a "so that". "So that" triggers us to look for a further purpose or a result.
What further purpose results from meaningful ministry to the people around us both believer and unbeliever?
10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenlies.
11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
It is through the church that God has chosen to illustrate and draw attention to God's infinite wisdom and eternal purpose which he carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord. The audience or group to whom that wisdom becomes clear is of great interest. Commentators don't all agree as to the identity of the rulers and authorities mentioned in this passage.
There are four basic choices.
Human rulers and authorities
Elect angelic rulers and authorities
Evil angelic rulers and authorities
Both elect and evil angelic rulers and authorities
The "in the heavenlies" phrase pretty much rules out the human rulers and authorities.
Given Paul's extensive reference to the evil angelic rulers and authorities and principalities in this same letter, I strongly lean toward identifying this group as evil angelic rulers and authorities although there is also biblical reference to the fact that the elect Angels learned from stories of salvation.
So what does this mean? And this is where it gets exciting. God originally created man for intimate relationship and meaningful community. That was the purpose for which we were created. A disgruntled and expelled angelic group led by Satan himself acted from the beginning to circumvent that purpose. He succeeded. Satan seduced the very first man and woman to abandon their glorious dependent relationship on the Creator for a miserable independent reliance on themselves. The result was disastrous and seemingly irreversible.
"But God!" But God had a plan. God had a plan to establish a new community that would live as originally intended in unbroken fellowship with their Creator. In spite of every effort exerted by Satan and all of his sorry soldiers throughout biblical history, that promised community came into being and lives today awaiting the ultimate fulfillment of all of those promises. Every member of that community has a grand purpose. We have a purpose that results from being faithful to our calling to preach the unfathomable riches of Christ in the unstoppable rise of the church.
Our purpose is to live as the triumphant church of Christ not only as an example to a lost world around us but as a thumb in the eye of the demonic rulers and authorities that were determined to prevent it and destroy it.
Even though you may never have a worldwide ministry…
Even though you may never affect a significant number of people in your life…
As a member of God’s redeemed community, you have a chilling effect on another audience.
You are living proof of God’s wisdom in carrying out His purpose of restoring a community of people who willingly love and serve God and each other; a community that will live in harmony through all eternity while the ones who tried to stop it or destroy it spend eternity in the lake of fire. This fact stirred Paul to encourage the church to confidently and boldly approach the Father through faith in the work of Jesus. It also is the motivation for Paul's prayer that God would strengthen the individual members of this community in their inner being so that they will ultimately experience what it means to be filled with the fullness of God who promises to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think to the power that works in and through his citizens, his family, his living stones, his church.
After that, the rest of Ephesians is all about how this new community can live in such a way as to continually frustrate the powers of darkness. It's no wonder that Paul finishes his letter with an urgent admonition to take a stand against the enemy being fully equipped with God's armor and sword.
9. Sensitive encouragement to fellow followers of Jesus 13
Finally, Paul shared an additional motivation for mentioning all of this.
It was to encourage the Ephesian Gentiles who were concerned and disheartened by his imprisonment because of them.
13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.
He didn’t want them to lose heart. The last mark of a meaningful ministry is a sensitivity to the struggles of those we serve. Weep with those who weep. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Peter instructed jurors to be sympathetic toward one another. We are connected. We have a mutual mission; a high calling.
I urge you to review these marks of meaningful ministry during the week and with the help of the Holy Spirit in evaluate your own life. When God establishes his kingdom within us we become different. It is that difference that enables us to live out mission to proclaim and live the truth of the Almighty loving God who created us in Jesus name.
