Ephesians 3:7-8

 

Ephesians 3:7-8

The Call to Preach

 

Eph 3:7  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 

Eph 3:8  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 

·         Paul encourages the Ephesians believers (who were shocked by the news of his imprisonment) by reminding them of what the calling of a Pastor looks like

        1.       It is God Who Calls a Minister

a.       The call should be humbling to those it is placed upon

                                                              i.      1 Timothy 1:12-15 

        2.       A Good Minister Understands the Gift of Grace that was Given to Him

a.       No one is deserving of God’s love

                                                              i.      Ephesians 2:4-5 

b.       The glory belongs to Christ alone

                                                              i.      Romans 15:16-18 

c.       The victory is not due to anyone’s ability

                                                              i.      1 Corinthians 2:1-5 

        3.       A Good Ministers is Energized by the Power of the Holy Spirit

a.       Colossians 1:28-29 

        4.       A Good Minister Understands His Place in the Church

a.       The minister’s place in the church is last

                                                              i.      1 Corinthians 15:9-11 

b.       The greatest people in God’s Kingdom are the humblest servants

                                                              i.      Matthew 23:8-11 

         5.       A Good Ministers Understands the Purpose of His Calling

a.       A minister must primarily preach the gospel

                                                              i.      2 Corinthians 4:5-6 

b.       A minister must be willing to preach to all

                                                              i.      Matthew 28:19-20 

c.       A minister should always be holding forth the incredible riches of Christ

                                                              i.      What are some of the incredible riches of Christ?

1.       His Righteousness - 2 Corinthians 5:21 

2.       His Love - Ephesians 3:17-19 

3.       His Holy Spirit - Matthew 3:11 

4.       His Peace - John 14:27