Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ…(Eph. 3:7-8, ESV)
These words from the Apostle Paul have been uppermost in my heart and mind over the last few weeks. I’ve thought about them much with regard to the privilege of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ in far-away lands, and also preaching Christ among us regularly at RCG. Paul fully understood his ministry as a stewardship of God’s grace in Christ (Eph. 3:1-2). And of course as an Apostle, this stewardship had the unique dimension of new revelation that God was giving through Paul (Eph. 3:3-13), which is now recorded for us in his New Testament letters (in connection with all of Scripture).
What’s clear from other NT truths is that this stewardship of God’s grace applies not only to those of us whom God has called and gifted for public preaching ministry, but to every believer. Collectively, we are stewards of God’s manifold grace in Christ. This means that collectively we are to faithfully proclaim and live in the unsearchable riches of Christ. What a privilege! Peter states this explicitly in 1 Pet. 4:10-11:
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Beloved brothers and sisters, this is our identity and calling as God’s people: we are recipients and stewards of His varied grace in the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. And His intention in all the daily details of our lives – the particular joys, burdens, opportunities, griefs, and refreshments – is that we would grow by faith in the knowledge, display, and proclamation of His glorious grace…together.
So what a great privilege God has given to all of us! May we humbly, thankfully, and collectively be faithful stewards of His grace in Christ, for the glory of His great name!
With gratitude and affection in Christ,
Greg