“To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.” (Ephesians 3:8-12, NAS95)
Our Heavenly Father is conducting, as it were, a beautiful symphony of redemptive history. Each section coalesces into a masterpiece of grace. The manifold wisdom of God is unfurling for all to see. Even the angels long to look into what God had planned (1 Peter 1:12).1 What instrument are you in God’s magnum opus?
We know that we are called to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20)2 To do this effectively, we should adopt Paul’s humility. Paul saw himself as the very least of all the saints. He understood that whatever success the Gospel was to have, it would have it by the grace of God.
Over the years, soul-winning programs have come and gone. They usually provide strategies for believers to have enough confidence to actually go out and witness. Unfortunately, many feed into dependence upon man instead of God. Seeking to overcome the fear of man, they unwittingly promote it.
Believers need to depend upon God. “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29, NAS95) So, do not think you need to have all the answers to play a part in this great work. All you need to do is rely upon the conductor. He will give you the cues you need.
We live in a dispensation where the redemptive work of Christ has been made known for all to embrace by faith. Both saved Jew and Gentile are part of the same body, the body of Christ, the Church. Our mission, as the church, is to make disciples of all nations. We can only do that if we preach the Gospel. Therefore, Beloved of God, come boldly to His throne for courage; fear God not man. Have Paul’s attitude, be humble and trust God to save His elect. This we may do by depending on God, alone.
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1 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:12, NAS95)
2Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.(Matthew 28:19-20, NAS95)
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