Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."
Text: Ephesians 3:7
THE THEME OF GRACE
Paul’s theology of “grace” is indeed well developed and well employed in his epistles. Let’s take a quick look at the use of the word “grace” in the epistle to the Ephesians.
1. Grace employed as a greeting (Ephesians 1:2)
2. Described as “glorious” (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14)
3. Also described as “rich” (Ephesians 1:7; 2:7)
4. The basis of our salvation (Ephesians 2:8)
5. Also employed as a “dispensation” (Ephesians 3:2)
6. Wonderfully described as a gift of God (Ephesians 3:7)
From first to last, the word “grace” featured very strongly in Paul’s theology. He was most conscious that he was saved by grace. And if he were to be given a dispensation to become God’s special messenger, as one of His chosen apostles, he could not but see the magnificent grace extended to him. How else should a recipient of grace see himself, but as a diakonos?
THE GIFT OF THE GRACE OF GOD
What does the word “gift” mean to you? To the apostle Paul this word “gift” (“dorean”) has at least two special ramifications.
1. It is an undeserved gift.
2. It is a pure gift… without consideration of the merit of the receiver.
That was how Paul saw God’s gift of grace! He could not pride himself in his office as an apostle. No matter how wildly he succeeded in his life and ministry, he knew that all he attempted and accomplished were as a result of God’s gift of grace. Hence, he chose the correct word “diakonos” to describe himself in his role as one who expounded the revelation God gave to him.
A GIFT THAT COMES WITH THE EFFECTIVE WORKING OF GOD’S POWER
When Paul employed the word ‘gift” he also bore in mind another vital truth. The gift of God, if that is true at all, must also be evidenced in power for life and ministry. The following words of the apostle Paul written to the Romans well summarised what he meant when he spoke of God’s power operating in his life and ministry.
In mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of
God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum
I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ.
ROMANS 15:19