The Privilege of Ministry

Ephesians Chapter 3:1-13 different perspective: Paul is in prison in Rome but he recognises himself foremost, as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Here we see again the dual nature of the believer – in this world but not of it. One’s perspective can make all the difference!

Note that v2- 13 are another parenthesis in Paul’s teaching. “For this reason…” is repeated when he gets ‘back on track’ with his prayer in v14. This parenthesis is triggered by his consideration of his being ‘a prisoner of Christ Jesus’. He revels in it!

He refers again to the great ‘mystery’ he has received by revelation from God . The Gentiles also are to receive blessings from God! That is radically different to current thought among the Jews who considered all Gentiles as “dogs” not worthy of God’s attention. As Peter became the apostle to the Jews, Paul has become the apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul has received stewardship of God’s grace to Gentile people. This involves a new revelation : (v3). It is not something he has discovered – but something God has revealed. It was not thought out, developed, argued through – but revealed. God has taken the initiative in choosing Paul for this great work.

Paul has received a ‘ grace- gift’ : (v7), this was a gift to preach. Paul teaches elsewhere that there are many ‘grace - gifts’ (charismata) by which we all can be ministers for Christ Jes us. Indeed, we have all been given ‘grace - gifts’ for the building up of the church (see again 1 Cor 12:11).

Paul has received a ministry : (v7), he considered this to be an awesome privilege, as all Christian service is. It has the greatest dignity and should never be despised. For this work he has received power ( dunamis) – the same power that came upon the disciples at Pentecost – a mighty baptism with the Holy Spirit. He knew how impossible this work would be without that power. How sad it is to see the weakness of the church when (good) men try to do God ’s work without the enabling of His Spirit with power! If Jesus needed the fullness of the Spirit to come upon him at His baptism, before He began His ministry, how much more so do we.

Paul will glory in his suffering for this great cause: (v13), he did not expect his service to be an easy one. To suffer for Christ is not a penalty; it is our glory for it is to share in the sufferings of Christ himself and an opportunity to demonstrate our loyalty to him.

The privilege of ministry : The angels in heaven did not understand this - (v10). The mystery has been revealed and God’s wisdom is now being made known to all creation through the church .

So, Paul has a double privilege – a) he has received this revelation, b) he can proclaim this message, i.e. he has received so that he might proclaim. Such an awesome privilege does not make him proud – rather, it makes him humble (v8). He realizes that his greatness does not lie in himself but in his message. True ministry (e.g. preaching) will never cause one to glory in the preacher but in the Christ who is preached.

The plan and wisdom of God : Gentiles and Jews are fellow heirs of the riches of God. They are fellow partakers of His promise in Christ (v6). This is not an afterthought of God – it was His intention from the beginning – a mystery now revealed to Paul and to all the angelic beings (rulers and authorities in heavenly places). What is the ‘promise’ of the Father? – see again Chapter 3.

We together with Paul, can have boldness and access to God through faith. But like all riches that are ours in Christ, they must be appropriated – taken in. What ‘riches’ have you appropriated for yourself?

We have all been given grace-gifts (charismata) to build up the c hurch but they are of the Spirit’s choosing, not ours. One should be very careful not to step into a ministry that God has not called you to, nor equipped you for.

A personal story: I was a highly-paid schoolteacher in 1979 when I was invited to become a pastor by my denomination’s District Superintendent. I said that would be a great privilege but I would want to know for certain that God was calling me. “What are you looking for – a flash of light from Heaven?” he asked. “Yes!” I replied. “All I’d look for is the witness of the brethren,” he said. I then added that I could not afford to go to seminary, as we had struggled financially for many years before taking on my present teaching position, just two years earlier. To my surprise, he then said that he would not want me to go to seminary but would welcome me as I was! He saw something in me that I was not aware of! A few weeks later, my pastor was leaving the pulpit to go into an itinerant singing ministry. As the only elder with some preaching experience, I spoke at his farewell, following which two men came to me, both retired pastors who knew nothing of my conversation with the District Superintendent, saying, “Brother, you shouldn’t be teaching!

You should be in the ministry!” – the “witness of the brethren”. The next several months, I wrestled with God, afraid to tell my wife of the growing witness within me. Six months later, I told Anne.

To her surprise and contrary to all her feelings about life as a pastor’s wife, my godly wife released me with t he words, “If God is calling you, and you’d better obey!” Read my book Stepping Stones to see something of the amazing journey the Lord has led me on since that day.

I believe our seminaries have done a disservice to the church when they release men/women into the pastoral ministry simply because they graduate top of their class. Going to seminary, passing exams with good marks does not make one a pastor. Such are given to the church by the Lord Himself. Ephesians 4:11 declares, “He gave some as apostles, some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers”. They are Christ’s gift to His precious bride, the church. One should be very careful before assuming a position the Lord may not have called you to.

V 14 : “For this reason…” – Paul continues his prayer of chapter 1: 15-20 and as he had intended at 3:1. He wants them to receive what is theirs by ‘right’ through the atoning work of the cross – and according to God’s riches in glory (v16).

✔ ‘power through His Spirit in the inner man’ .

✔ Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith.

✔ Being rooted and grounded in love.

✔ Comprehension of God’s vast love for us .

✔ Fullness of God.

Wow! Now read again Paul’s prayer in 1:15 -20 and on to 3:14-19. What is your response?

No wonder Paul is again forced to worship!

Note also that Paul ‘bows his knees’ whereas the normal posture for prayer to a Jew is standing – this emphasizes Paul’s earnestness in prayer.