Glorified By Service—Ephesians 3:7-21
“Paul lists five required attitudes necessary for churches or individuals to glorify God through service.”
Do you ever think about what activities in your daily life will really “count” for eternity? Paul writes to the church in Ephesians 3:7-21 to explain that attitude more than action makes for effective service to God. In fact, Paul lists five required attitudes necessary for churches or individuals to glorify God through service:
Ask God for the desire and power to do His will. Paul says he was ” made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God ” (Ephesians 3:7). Grace is the desire and power to do God’s will. Have you ever lacked desire to do God’s will? Or lacked the power to overcome your spiritual obstacles? Then you needed to ” go boldly unto the throne of grace ” to ” find grace to help in time of need ” (Hebrews 4:16). Ask God today for the desire and power to do His will.
Humble yourself in the sight of God . God gives grace to those who humble themselves (James 4:6) and He exalts them “in due time” (I Peter 5:6). But He stands opposed to those who live in pride. Do you want His grace or opposition? Paul chose humility. He considered himself the “least of all saints” (Ephesians 3:8). He admits he doesn’t know it all (Philippians 3:12). Likewise, to glorify God you must develop two vital characteristics of humility: (1) cease trusting in your own flesh; and (2) focus with intensity on God. King Jehoshaphat exemplified these traits when he prayed, ” we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee ” (II Chronicles 20:12). Of course, Jesus set the ultimate example of humility (Mark 10:45).
Think upon the Awesome Majesty of God . The word “Hallel” in Hebrew can mean “Wow!” “Hallelujah” then can mean “Wow! Look at God!” Paul said “Wow!” to the ” unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8) and the “riches of His glory” (Ephesians 3:16). Isn’t it exciting to know that Christ has the ability ” to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think ” (Ephesians 3:20)? What about God makes you say, “Wow!”?
Live with a confident purpose . Paul knew each of us plays an important role in the purpose of God (Ephesians 3:11). He even saw God’s purpose in times of suffering (Ephesians 3:13). Maybe you’ve asked, “Why is this happening to me?” But you can rest assured that what brings God the most glory also brings about His best good in your life. You can have the boldness and confidence which comes from knowing you have free access to God through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:12) no matter your circumstances. Paul purposed to show forth the wisdom of God and His plan to the “principalities and powers” (Ephesians 3:10). Are you living as a demonstration of God’s wisdom, grace, and power so that the angels and others can see clearly the evidence of His hand in your life?
Practice heartfelt intercessory prayer . When someone asks you to pray for them, do you pray in specifics or generalities? Because Paul loved the Philippians he prayed for them to: (1) be mighty in Spirit (Ephesians 3:16); (2) yield to the authority and control of Christ (3:17); (3) be firmly established in faithful love and service to God (Ephesians 3:17); (4) be “overwhelmed” with an understanding of God’s love (Ephesians 3:18); and (5) overflow with the presence of God (Ephesians 3:19). Won’t you try praying that for someone about whom you care?
Focus on these servanthood attitudes in your church, your family, and your personal life and you WILL count for Jesus and make a difference for eternity!
This devotional first appeared September 6, 1998 in the Advancer, a Sunday school teacher’s guide published by the Baptist Publishing House . It is gratefully reproduced here with permission from the publisher.