The Seventeenth Sermon, the Second of the Third Chapter - Ephesians 3:7-9

"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. 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; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 3:7-9

I have previously discussed how Paul had two primary intentions in mind. Firstly, he aimed to illustrate that he was unquestionably chosen to proclaim the gospel worldwide, especially among the Gentiles. In the Church, no one should strive to seize authority; rather, it should be surrendered to God according to His eternal order. Adhering to this divine order is vital to prevent individuals from exalting themselves without a rightful calling. Therefore, it is of utmost significance to note that Paul sought to excuse any hasty actions on his part by emphasizing that he did not thrust himself into the role of an apostle but had the firm assurance that God had appointed him. Additionally, he endeavored to reassure the Gentiles that they should accept the message of their salvation as originating from God rather than from a mere mortal. We should always bear in mind that the forgiveness of sins is far too precious to rest solely on the authority of human beings. Instead, we must be thoroughly convinced that it is God who speaks, allowing us to firmly conclude that whatever is bound on Earth is also bound in heaven.

Considering Paul's past as an enemy of the gospel, one who persecuted Christians and blasphemed God, some might question receiving him as an apostle and granting him due respect. Consequently, Paul addressed these concerns by asserting that the focus should not be on his individual characteristics or merits, but rather on God's elevation of him through His grace and an extraordinary power beyond the reach of ordinary men. While it is essential for individuals to humble themselves as much as possible, recognizing the freely bestowed goodness of God, we must also acknowledge that God's grace transcends all obstacles. Paul stressed that it is God's grace that bestows upon us all things, and we should refrain from boasting, acknowledging that we owe everything to Him.

Now, as Paul mentions in 2 Timothy that he serves as an example for others, we should apply the same principle to our own lives. When we beseech God for anything, we must comprehend that it flows from the wellspring of His boundless mercy and unmerited favor, setting aside any notion of entitlement. Furthermore, we should anticipate that God's benevolence can exceed our comprehension, for His infinite power surpasses our finite understanding. Consequently, for every blessing bestowed upon us by God, it is fitting that we respond with gratitude, exalting His goodness, and offering Him the praise that He rightfully deserves.

Drawing from Paul's example, we learn that we must humbly implore God to work within us solely by His grace, that His name may be glorified, recognizing that there is no inherent merit within us. We should harbor no doubt that God's power transcends our own capacities, enabling us to yield fully to His divine influence and not obstruct His work through doubt or unbelief. Once we have experienced His boundless mercy and limitless power, we should fully embrace these gifts and allow them to work within us to the best of our abilities.

We must refrain from seeking to overshadow His glory or boasting as though we have achieved excellence on our own merit, for everything we receive is a gift from Him. Instead, we ought to render unto Him the honor and praise that are rightfully His alone. To elaborate on this point, Paul adds that this grace was extended to him, even to him, the least among all the saints, emphasizing the nature of this gracious gift.

It is important to recognize that if we intend to give God the reverence He deserves, we must approach Him in complete humility. As long as individuals attempt to claim any credit for themselves, it is as though they are setting themselves in opposition to God and assuming the role of their own judges. God can only receive His full due when we are entirely emptied of all self-importance. Thus, one cannot fully comprehend how St. Paul ascribed all things to God's grace and free gift without considering his previous state of unworthiness and reflecting on the kind of person he had been before.

This is a matter of great significance, as we often find it challenging to withhold something for ourselves. Even though we acknowledge God's deserving of eternal praise, it is often difficult for us to release all the accolades rightfully His. Our inclination toward vanity makes it a struggle to humble ourselves as deeply as God requires. God cannot receive the honor He rightfully deserves unless we are completely emptied of self and acknowledge that we possess nothing on our own. We must become like wretched beings, utterly devoid and dependent on God's boundless mercy.

In this manner, Paul offered genuine praise for all things to God's free gift without pretense, recognizing himself as the least among others. It is essential to note that Paul's humility was not a facade, which is often the case with many who claim to be the least while secretly harboring pride. Paul's humility was sincere, evident in his acknowledgment of his own unworthiness and his refusal to preserve his self-importance.

Furthermore, when Paul stated that he was unworthy even to be called an apostle due to his past actions, he demonstrated the authenticity of his confession of being the least. He would have gladly endured the world's reproach rather than diminish God's goodness. His intent was for his teachings to endure for eternity, underscoring that God had appointed him as a witness to assure us of God's boundless generosity toward us.

Hence, we must present to God the offering of praise that He rightfully deserves by sincerely and steadfastly recognizing that all goodness within us emanates from His grace, generously bestowed upon us. We cannot lay claim to anything on our own, and upon careful examination, we will discover nothing but reasons to bow our heads in humility and contrition. Let us follow the example set by Paul and not allow spite or vanity to hinder us from humbling ourselves among our fellow human beings.

In summary, St. Paul emphasized his indebtedness to God's grace and humbled himself in comparison to the other apostles. We should endeavor to overcome our natural inclination to seek glory and recognition above others and instead embrace the humility exemplified by St. Paul. Jesus Christ's teachings remind us that those who aspire to be exalted by God must first lower themselves.

Let us willingly embrace humility and become like little children. When we do so, it is certain that God will extend His guiding hand to us. Even if He does not grant us grandeur or worldly dignity, He will provide us with what is necessary, as long as we humbly seek nothing more than to be led by His hand.

One might wonder how Paul could refer to himself as a "little one" when he had achieved more than all the others, as he mentioned in 1 Corinthians. Paul was not unaware of the gracious gifts he had received from God, nor did he feign ignorance of his knowledge or the gifts of the Holy Spirit. True humility does not lie in claiming, "I possess no skills, no merit worthy of praise." Instead, when we acknowledge God's blessings and offer Him glory, we should do so with hearts filled with gratitude.

Paul's description of himself as the least among saints related to his previous life before becoming a member of the Church. During his lifetime, Jesus had chosen and instructed the twelve apostles to spread the gospel throughout the world. In contrast, Paul had not been merely a private individual; he had been an outcast, severed from the community of the faithful. Driven by a misguided zeal, he had committed acts opposing God and His Church, acting in ignorance but without excuse.

Thus, Paul's confession of being the least among saints was a genuine reflection, particularly when viewed in the context of his former life. God, who not only uplifts the humble but also transforms them, had miraculously changed Paul. We should marvel at this transformation every time we contemplate it, magnifying the goodness of God and applying it to our own lives. While we should not dwell on our former state with the intention of returning to it, we should reflect upon it to recognize the greater glory of God's grace within us.

Now, let us direct our attention to the gracious gift that Paul speaks of—the proclamation of the incomparable riches of our Lord Jesus Christ through the gospel. It was significant that Paul had been transformed from a wolf to a sheep, but God deemed it insufficient. He elevated Paul to the role of a shepherd, signifying that he had not only changed from a cruel wolf to a humble lamb but had also been exalted to a higher and more profound calling as a herald of human salvation. Paul was entrusted with conveying the immeasurable riches of our Lord Jesus Christ, which transcend human understanding, not because we should refrain from seeking to comprehend them, but because they surpass our capacity to fully grasp.

We can now discern the profound significance of what St. Paul imparts here, building upon his initial point. It is essential to understand that he did not arrogantly thrust himself into the role of an apostle through foolish boldness. Rather, he was divinely called to this position, elevated by the hand of God Himself. Furthermore, let us be assured that this doctrine was not presented haphazardly; it was guided by the Holy Spirit for a remarkable purpose that we will delve into shortly. Hence, we should not think that Paul's words were exclusively intended for those he taught in his time, with no relevance to us. Instead, we must recognize that it was God's design for this labor and teaching to extend to all, including us, who would encounter it. This is a crucial point to bear in mind as we explore the context of this text.

Whenever the gospel is proclaimed to us, it opens the door to immeasurable riches. Even if we apply our entire intellectual capacity to comprehend the blessings offered, we may gain some insight, but we will never fully fathom the extent of God's generosity toward us. Nonetheless, we should be profoundly moved by His goodness and hold it dear. While it may be true that we fear we will never completely grasp it, this should not deter us from pursuing it with fervor. Even if we detach ourselves from the allurements of the world and aspire to the heavenly kingdom, we will have merely scratched the surface of the inexhaustible riches of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This truth should deepen our appreciation for the gospel like never before. Conversely, it would be a grievous indictment of our ingratitude if we were to regard the truths presented in the Gospel as mundane, despite our Lord Jesus Christ revealing the boundless treasures of His goodness.

Furthermore, we must comprehend that once we have embraced our Lord Jesus Christ, we can confidently cast aside all other things as superfluous and redundant. If we, like some, merely mention Jesus Christ as our Redeemer but relegate Him to a lower status among other saints, we effectively diminish His significance. In such a case, we obscure Jesus Christ among lesser matters. Therefore, we must make a concerted effort to contemplate deeply on this text, which proclaims His riches as unfathomable. We should strive to fix our entire minds on this truth and endeavor to grasp the breadth of the blessings bestowed upon us by Jesus Christ. It is certain that the bounds of our faith will never reach its utmost limits. Given this, we should firmly believe, as I mentioned earlier, that our Lord Jesus Christ should be sufficient for us once and for all. In Him, we will discover everything we could ever desire. As soon as we turn away from Him, we may suppose that we have found something worthwhile, but it will prove to be hollow and futile.

Hence, it is imperative that we recognize our Lord Jesus Christ for who He truly is, acknowledging the fullness of His blessings. Undoubtedly, through Him, we attain everything we could ever request from the hand of God. To seek elsewhere is to tread a misguided path, for He has unequivocally declared Himself as the way, the exclusive route through which we gain access to God the Father. By framing His role as that of a guide leading us to God the Father, He provides us with the unwavering assurance that in Him, we will find complete satisfaction for all our needs and secure our salvation through wholehearted trust.

Conversely, when we deviate from this path, whether to the left or the right, we unmistakably reject the manifold benefits offered to us through His divine person. We would indeed merit spiritual destitution should we turn anywhere else for our needs instead of placing unwavering reliance on our Lord Jesus Christ. God has unveiled His boundless benevolence through Him, meticulously considering every facet of our happiness, joy, and ultimate glory.

Let us also draw profound lessons from the example of St. Paul. As God elevates any of us, we should correspondingly humble ourselves, recognizing our profound indebtedness to Him. This principle applies not only to those who might consider themselves as trailing behind others but also to those who bask in positions of prominence. All who find themselves identified as God's children, heirs to His kingdom, and integral members of our Lord Jesus Christ's body, sharing in the glory He has entered into, possess an indelible privilege. Even the Christian who might be perceived as an underprivileged outcast in the eyes of the world is adopted by God into His heavenly family, becoming an indispensable part of our Lord Jesus Christ's body. Thus, even the humblest among us has substantial cause to extol God's boundless grace.

However, those who have been exalted to positions of honor have an even more compelling obligation to offer due reverence to God for His bountiful bestowments that have raised them above others. For example, someone endowed with knowledge and grace to serve the church bears twofold responsibility if they do not acknowledge their heightened debt to God. Similarly, those who, by their strength or wisdom, possess the capability to achieve more than their less fortunate counterparts must approach God with profound humility. They should guard against the swell of pride or arrogance, tirelessly striving to maintain a posture of humility. As each individual receives divine grace through God's abundant goodness, their paramount focus should eternally be to honor God and acknowledge the augmented obligation to Him for His lavish benevolence. This, too, is a pivotal lesson we can glean from the exemplary life of St. Paul.

However, as we delve into the discussion of the incomprehensible riches of Jesus Christ, it's essential to clarify that these riches were unveiled when God's mysteries were proclaimed to those who once dwelled in spiritual blindness. Previously, I expounded on the significance of the term "mystery" as employed by St. Paul in this context. Essentially, all the works of God, when scrutinized with care, have the potential to fill us with wonder. And why is this? It's because they originate from His righteousness, justice, goodness, and wisdom, all of which are concepts of unfathomable depth. When we contemplate God's wisdom, power, or justice, we must recognize that we cannot encapsulate them with definitions as we might do with tangible phenomena in the physical world. God's works, when examined from their divine source, inevitably inspire awe within us.

Consider the myriad phenomena we observe in the natural order—are they not also God's handiwork? Indeed, they are. However, while we may possess a partial understanding of these natural occurrences, our comprehension remains incomplete. For instance, if we were asked how the earth yields its bountiful crops, we might offer some knowledge owing to the commonplace nature of the phenomenon. But should we delve into the underlying causes, our human intellect falters. Can the earth, in isolation, yield such abundant produce? Can it, on its own, revive the seemingly lifeless trees, adorning them with leaves and blossoms once more after the harsh grasp of winter has left them barren? How is it that fruits, grains, and wine provide sustenance to humanity when they themselves lack the essence of life? When we probe the depths of the rationale behind God's wondrous works, we find ourselves peering into an unfathomable abyss. We must humbly concede that God possesses a wisdom beyond our finite reach. Nevertheless, God's works become even more marvelous to us when we encounter causes that surpass the boundaries of our natural intellect and understanding.

For instance, consider the divine decree that willed the sudden proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world. From our limited human perspective, this might appear as a perplexing course of action. Some might question why God chose to extend the call of salvation to the Gentiles, seemingly after having excluded them previously. Reflect upon the world, which endured for an extensive period until the flood brought about its renewal. During this time, God permitted pagan nations to persist in their wayward paths, even as wickedness reached its zenith, inundating the world like a fearsome deluge. Then, unexpectedly, God manifested Himself in an extraordinary manner. Is this not a matter that elicits profound astonishment? To the wicked, to those who spurn God, and to those ensnared by worldly concerns, these events might appear bewildering, so far removed from their grasp that they may even contemplate legal action against God. However, believers are taught to discern that God's wisdom transcends the boundaries of human comprehension.

Furthermore, in this passage from the fourth chapter of 2 Corinthians, St. Paul directs our attention back to the very creation of the world. He suggests that if we find it astounding that God would illuminate those who were spiritually blind and lead those who wandered aimlessly to salvation through the teachings of the Gospel, we should reflect on the act of creation itself. What existed in the formless void, described as "the heavens and the earth," before God's creative intervention? There was no beauty, no order, and no light. Darkness shrouded everything, as described in the account by Moses. Yet, God spoke the command, and light emerged from the darkness.

In a similar vein, when the world was shrouded in spiritual darkness and the Gentiles were bereft of knowledge about salvation, God, through the advent of His only Son, fulfilled the promises He had made through His prophets regarding the gathering of all people unto Himself. This serves as a testament to the fact that His promises were not made in vain. It illustrates how God brought forth light from darkness once again.

Regardless of the circumstances, we must always return to this fundamental truth: the inclusion of the Gentiles in the hope of salvation through the teachings of the Gospel was a divine mystery, and it is referred to as such because God had concealed it. St. Paul emphasized that this mystery had remained hidden throughout all times and ages, veiled in God's own knowledge. When we hear about our salvation, this text should remind us to approach it with reverence and awe, recognizing that it is a work that transcends our finite understanding. To truly grasp it in a way that glorifies God, we must acknowledge its unfathomable nature and dedicate our lives to its study, as the text suggests. Regardless of our approach, the ultimate conclusion remains the same: God did not tailor the work of our salvation to fit within the confines of our limited understanding and human weakness. Instead, He intended to humble us so that we would, in turn, humble ourselves and revere His eternal plan, which remains hidden from us, and commit all our strength and abilities to praise His holy name. This is the pivotal point to keep in mind.

Let us also apply what is conveyed here to each of us individually. St. Paul discussed the arrival of the Gospel to us, who are from the Gentile race, and affirmed that it was a divine secret. Therefore, if we each reflect upon our own paths and ask how we became partakers of the Gospel, how we were brought into the fellowship of the church, we will all confess, from the most prominent to the humblest among us, that the Lord has worked in an extraordinary manner. It is not within the ordinary course of nature for God to transform and recreate us, making us His children and bearers of His image. It is indeed a genuine miracle that should fill us with astonishment and wonder.

In conclusion, when we encounter God's mysteries, it is prudent for us to exercise restraint and acknowledge our limitations when it comes to matters that God has chosen to keep hidden from us. This perspective should be guided by the word "communicate." Even the most knowledgeable among us should recognize the boundaries of our curiosity and resist the temptation to unravel every one of God's secrets. Those who succumb to the arrogance of knowing it all will eventually find themselves bewildered. The higher they ascend in their pride, the more precipitous their fall, and God will ultimately humble them. Therefore, let us learn to embrace what God has chosen to reveal to us. It is fitting for Him to unveil as much of His power and purpose as He deems appropriate. When He opens to us what was once concealed, let us approach it with humility, seeking His Holy Spirit's guidance to comprehend what He intends to teach us through His Word. We should eagerly receive the lessons He imparts through His Holy Scriptures and the preaching of His name. Yet, we should also patiently await His timing to unveil what He deems suitable. Let us not trust in our own understanding and yearn to know more than we should. Instead, let us be content with what He has unveiled, recognizing that His concealment of certain matters is for our benefit, providing us knowledge in measured portions. In this way, we come to understand St. Paul's message: that the gospel was revealed to him, and the Gentiles received their portion through his ministry, so that all people could grasp the truths that were once hidden until God illuminated them.

Similarly, let us grasp the significance of our current circumstances. When God raises up knowledgeable individuals gifted in teaching, it serves as a clear indication of His prevenient mercy towards us, signifying His intention to call us into the inheritance of salvation. Therefore, let us cultivate a teachable spirit. Let us willingly receive instruction through the preached word, without seeking to venture beyond its boundaries. Instead, let us rely on what God has graciously disclosed to us. The path to contentment lies in embracing the boundless goodness He has lavished upon us, as mentioned earlier, for His mercies extend beyond human capacity. Our ingratitude would be inexcusable if our desires and inclinations led us to seek knowledge beyond the divine revelations.

Now, let us collectively humble ourselves before the majesty of our benevolent God, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His forgiveness. Let us beseech His grace to shape our lives in accordance with His holy will and commandments, so that our actions may bear witness to the fact that since He has adopted us as His children, we also honor Him as our Father. Therefore, let us all say, "Almighty God, Heavenly Father, etc."