April 26, 2022
Why Be the Best When You Can Be the "Very Least"?
Ephesians 3
Natalie Sampson
Central Truth
The "very least" is actually the best place to be! Step aside and experience the fullness of God.
Key Verse | Ephesians 3:7-9
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, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things.
Ephesians 3
The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is 1 3:6 The words This mystery is are inferred from verse 4 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 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. 8 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, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in 2 3:9 Or by God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family 3 3:15 Or from whom all fatherhood; the Greek word patria in verse 15 is closely related to the word for Father in verse 14 in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Ephesians 3
Have you ever felt like you were given a task and were not equipped, or thought, "He or she is perfect for this?" As a believer, I often feel like there's someone better than I to share God with others!
In Ephesians 3:8, Paul calls himself "the very least of all the saints" to preach to the Gentiles. Paul? The very least of these? That's funny because I think Paul is one of the greatest leaders in the church—ever! Paul wrote almost half of the New Testament books. And if he considers himself to be "the very least," then I am the very, very least.
But that's exactly where the Lord wants us to be: dependent on His power through the Holy Spirit. Age doesn't matter (1 Timothy 4:12). How much Scripture you've memorized doesn't matter (but it does help!). If you accepted Christ yesterday, welcome to the family! You are just as able to be used by God as someone who has been faithful for a lifetime. If you are in Christ, you are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In Ephesians 3, Paul is praying for the church to experience the fullness of God and to be strengthened by the Spirit to do His work. Jesus "came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). We don't have to pray for more of God. Believers are not given a small piece of the Holy Spirit when they accept Christ. We have full access to His power, love, and strength.
Join me in praying like Paul! Pray for less of me, more devotion to Him, and readiness to share the gospel! Pray that we don't get in our own way of experiencing the immeasurable height, width, and depth of God's love. Pray that we can stand firm, rooted and grounded in love. Pray BIG prayers with BIG expectations knowing God is able to do "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). This is the abundant and full life. The "very least" is actually the best place to be!
Discussion Questions
1. Do you feel unequipped, unprepared, or just the wrong person to share the gospel and God's love with others? Identify what makes you feel this way.
2. How does knowing that we have full access to the power, love, and strength of the Holy Spirit change your view of our job as believers to do His work?
3. How have you gotten in your own way of fully experiencing the fullness of God?