Ephesians 3:1-7
Introduction
Welcome, everyone! Today, we delve into a profound topic: the weightiness of stewarding God’s grace. Based on Ephesians 3:1-7, we explore how believers can manage and share the immense grace bestowed upon us by God. This sermon challenges us to reflect on our role in God’s grand plan and how we can live out His grace in our daily lives.
Understanding God’s Grace
What is God’s Grace?
God’s grace is His unmerited favor towards us. As believers, we have been given spiritual blessings in Christ. This grace is not something we earned; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 3:1-7 highlights the mystery of Christ revealed to Paul, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles are fellow heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The Story of Grace
The speaker shared a personal story from his childhood in Nigeria, where his father showed him unexpected grace despite poor academic performance. This story illustrates how difficult it can be to accept grace when we are accustomed to punishment. Similarly, God’s grace towards us is often hard to comprehend because it is so freely given, despite our unworthiness.
The Weightiness of Grace
Why is Grace Heavy?
The Bible describes God’s grace as rich and abundant. It is a heavy gift because it transforms us from being dead in our trespasses to being alive in Christ. This transformation is profound and weighty, as it changes our identity from enemies of God to His beloved children.
Sharing the Weighty Gift
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was written to a multicultural church experiencing suffering. Despite his imprisonment, Paul focused on sharing the grace of God with others. He saw his suffering as secondary to the stewardship of God’s grace. This teaches us that our challenges and tribulations do not define us; God’s love and grace do.
How to Steward God’s Grace
Sharing Grace with Others
Believers are called to share the weighty gift of God’s grace with others. Paul emphasized that the stewardship of God’s grace outweighs any suffering we may face. By focusing on God’s purpose and the grace given to us, we can share this gift with others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Living in Light of God’s Purpose
Paul recognized that the management of the mystery of the gospel was a gift from God. He understood that his ability to share the gospel was not by his own strength but by the power of God. As believers, we must also recognize that our ability to steward God’s grace comes from Him. We are called to live in humility, acknowledging that everything we have is by God’s grace.
Life Application
Applying Grace in Daily Life
1. Reflect on God’s Grace: Take time this week to meditate on the grace God has shown you. Remember that you did not earn it; it is a gift.
2. Share Grace with Others: Look for opportunities to share God’s grace with those around you. This could be through acts of kindness, sharing your faith, or simply showing love to someone in need.
3. Live in Humility: Recognize that everything you have is by God’s grace. Let this humility guide your interactions with others, fostering unity and love.
Questions to Ponder
1. How can I better understand and appreciate the grace God has given me?
2. In what ways can I share God’s grace with others this week?
3. How can I live in humility, acknowledging that everything I have is by God’s grace?
Conclusion
Stewarding God’s grace is a profound responsibility that requires us to share it with others, live in light of God’s purpose, and depend on His strength. As we reflect on the weightiness of this gift, let us be challenged to live out God’s grace in our daily lives, bringing glory to Him in all that we do.
