Welcome!
Today: True transformation!
Passage: Eph 3, Prov 24
6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (Eph 3, NIV 84)
Apostle Paul was so excited to share this great mystery with the gentiles, that they can also now receive this great salvation through Jesus Christ-that they also become part of the family of God!
If Paul was from a gentile background, it was easy to understand his excitement; but why is he so excited about this, when he was from a strong Jewish background?
That tells us of the transformation that Paul went through, as Jesus came into him. Paul became part of the “upside down” kingdom-of Jesus Christ
This change has not yet happened in most of us. We speak change, but don’t have it on the inside. That is why many people do not know Christ as they should!
This mystery was revealed to Paul, like a treasure-chest being open
He was so much pleased to make that great proclamation: “No longer strangers: no more fear. Come one; come all” to the gentiles, like how some children would jump up and down during the baseball or basketball game! He was like “Eureka!”
How do we announce this gospel to others? Are we excited about saving someone from Hell? Most of us are not! That is the (shocking) truth!
Someone said: “when you give a gospel tract, give it like giving a 100 dollar bill”
In our “comfortable” setting, we don’t want to even hear things like that (!)
We don’t know how long our “comforts” will last!
Paul goes on to call himself a servant of the gospel
The gospel-the word of God changes people. This gospel makes people bear fruit and grow in the Lord; bearing fruit and growing, at the same time!
10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, (Col 1, NIV 84)
Paul continues to humble himself, in those verses from Ephesians; the more we humble, the more will the name of Christ be exalted and glorified- the more manifestations of God’s grace we will see
Stay blessed, under His mighty hand!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for this great privilege that you have given us at the cost of your life, while on earth. Thank you for coming down, so that we can come up! Thank you one again, Lord Jesus! Amen
Proverbs for today (Prov 24, verses from NIV 84)
15 Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man’s house,
do not raid his dwelling place;
16 for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,
but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from him.