Bringing the Light to Others - Ephesians 3:7-13

My youngest will still have intermittent fears of being in the dark. There is so much uncertainty within the dark areas of the room. She lacks boldness and confidence in the ability to be in a dark room and fall asleep. But everything is revealed once we turn on a night light for her. God has brought His light through the Gospel to all the world. However, are we being a light of Christ to those around us, and are we being a minister and servants for Him?

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Ephesians 3:7-13
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.
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Although Paul was provided the direct Gospel of Jesus through his revelation with Christ, on the road to Damascus, he described himself as the very least is all the saints. Paul is likely well-known by the other apostles and Gentiles for all his teaching and spreading of God's Word. However, he expresses humility knowing that God can still use someone like him, someone who was persecuting Christians. Paul became a minister of God's grace, someone who executed the commands given to him by God. God's grace was 'given,' meaning it was 'gifted' to everyone. There is nothing we can do to earn it because God's grace was already given.

Paul uses the word 'working' power of God. This word here is used only to describe supernatural or superhuman power. But, the word minister also means 'servant.' Paul was willingly serving God despite being under house arrest. It is only by God's great will and power that we have the ability to overcome sin. It was the superhuman, supernatural power of the resurrection that gives us salvation.

What was the purpose of Paul's calling? He was to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles by bringing the light so that the hidden mystery could be revealed to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were once in the dark about God's promises. When we walk into a dark room, our eyes can slowly adjust, but it will never be a clear picture. It is very hard to search for something in the dark, and at times, what we are looking for may even be ‘unsearchable.’ If we use candlelight, we may see a certain distance, but shadows still block our view. But if we switch on a light, there is an immediate change, and the darkness is no longer present. Everyone has access to salvation by faith alone. The light has been turned on, but we just need to open our eyes to see. We need to open our eyes to God's will in our lives. Are we intentionally keeping our eyes closed and not looking for God's will for our lives? One way we can open our eyes is by reading God's Word.

Additionally, God will provide us with wisdom. Paul says that through the church, manifold wisdom can be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. The word 'manifold' here can mean a painting with many colors, or it can mean a variety of forms. The wisdom we get from God is so intricate, with many facets. God's wisdom looks different in all of our lives, but the wisdom He provides us is varied, and a beautiful masterpiece meant for each of us.

God put all of this in motion for His eternal purpose, and that is for all to live in the Kingdom of Heaven with him, and this is through Jesus Christ, our Lord. And when we have faith and are steadfast in our faith, we can proceed with the boldness and confidence that only God can provide. We are to act in faithfulness to God boldly, and we are called to love one another and be a witness of Christ to those around us. The more we read God's Word and spend time in prayer with Him, the more confident we walk in the footsteps of Christ.

Even though Paul viewed himself as the least of the saints, God used Paul in tremendous ways. God is still using Paul to this day to spread the Gospel to us and today's world. We can be used, and God will provide us with a masterpiece of wisdom through His grace. Then, we will be able to bring the light of Christ to those around us with boldness and confidence.