To Me

Ephesians 3:5–8 (NKJV)

5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 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.

Ephesians 3:5-7

Paul reiterates his statement from just earlier that this grace was given to him rather than the sons of men in other ages. Paul was a man born to serve a holy purpose which was specifically designed for him. The Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ and His people if they believe in Christ as well. This gift of grace came by the effective working of His power, and Paul and all his Gentiles converts are the beneficiaries of this great grace.

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Ephesian 3:8

Paul follows up with this self-effacing, humble statement that he, “less than the least of all the saints” was blessed with this spiritual blessing. He is the recipient of the unsearchable riches of Christ, and is preaching that wonderful grace and unsearchable riches as Christ has delivered both to him.

For a minister, the ministry can often feel like a burden or more than one can handle. Paul saw worse treatment than most ministers endure today unless serving in a Godless society. But even in the best of times, minister can be hard, trying, even personally unbearable. However, Paul shows us the example of faith and perseverance that can help a minister go on through the trying times and be successful and healthy. Sure, things are hard for everyone, not just ministers, but God is able to sustain and bless His people even in the midst of hardship and trials, in spite of their shortcomings and failures, even. Trust in God and carry on, even when it seems impossible. His grace is to me, to you, to all who will believe.

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