A Journey Through Ephesians… 3:5-9

God did not reveal it (*the plan for Gentiles and Jews to be family) to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 3:5-9*my clarification

I grew up in a very southern Baptist tradition. I love my roots and I am eternally thankful for all I learned in those years. I will forever have nostalgia around Sunday Potlucks, Vacation Bible School, Track cassette tapes for “Sunday Solos” and Brother Kenny standing at the alter as we sang hymnal number 307, “Just As I Am,” until it felt complete.

But one thing I will FOREVER be THE MOST grateful for is the emphasis and URGENCY, really, placed on sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have evangelism in my blood even more than I do a love for my Tennessee VOLS. It runs deep and burns inside me.

(side note: I know street preaching isn’t always the most effective way of sharing the Gospel, but they have my heart forever. They don’t play around. I always try to give a honk and a supportive “fist pump” to each one I see. “JESUS SURE DOES SAVE! YES! Preach it brother!”)

But where have those evangelistic days gone? Tuesday night visitations? Talk tracks for the plan of salvation? Are we forgetting to teach the next generation how to actually LEAD SOMEONE to receive Jesus? No judgement here, I am genuinely asking.

Paul says he was graciously given the “privilege of telling the Gentiles of the endless treasures available to them through Christ.” v.8

Privilege.

In the Greek this translates to phrases like…. Entrustment. Bestowing a gift. A gift of Grace. A reward.

So when I read this morning’s passage I think… geez. Is that how we see telling others about Christ? A gift? A reward? A PRIVILEGE?

I would say the vibe is more, “Burdensome. Awkward. Offensive. Uncomfortable.”

Then I had this realization…I wonder if my posting scripture images on Instagram has somehow taken place of having a face-to-face coffee and explaining our eternal separation from God… and how Jesus’ death made provision for our sin.

I think subconsciously it has.

Paul had this big moment on the road to Damascus. Jesus spoke to him, scales fell from Paul’s eyes, he went blind. It was a whole thing.

And maybe that wasn’t OUR experience … but this is….

Jesus came and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age… Matthew 28:16-20

This. Is. A. Privilege.

WE, TOO, HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO EXPLAIN TO EVERYONE THE MYSTERIOUS PLAN v.9. This isn’t a Paul thing…. it’s an us thing.

Having been on Campus Crusade staff for years, I found this resource helpful. It is basically how we led college students through the plan of salvation. So friend, I give it to you…. maybe as a training tool so you can get some language around sharing the gospel. Or MAYBE it is for you to read and receive for yourself. But friends, we are not exempt from this. “Everyone” needs to hear this mysterious plan.

And we are the messengers.

What a privilege, indeed.