warm-up

Name a chore you love doing. Why do you love doing it?

Do you have skills that you are naturally good at? What are they?

What do you believe is your calling in life? Why do you think so?

word

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord . . . Ephesians 3:11

Throughout the Bible, we see God’s plan and promise to redeem His people. Traditionally, those known as God’s chosen people were the Jews. The Apostle Paul was a Jew. However, through Jesus’ sacrifice, even the non-Jews can be saved and be part of God’s chosen people. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we see that Paul understood the part that God’s people play in His redemption plan for mankind: to preach the gospel.

1
God intended the gospel for everyone.

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:6

Paul shared this unusual insight to the Ephesians: the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ through the gospel. Jesus carried out the salvation that God had planned, not just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. Christ died once for all and was raised to life so that we all could live in Him, become part of His family, and partake in the promises that God has for His people (Romans 6:10). How do we respond to this knowledge? How did the way you live your life change after receiving the gospel into your life?

2
God calls us to preach the gospel to everyone.

7Of 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. 8To 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 . . . Ephesians 3:7,8

It was clear to Paul what his part was in God’s plan for the redemption of mankind: to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. But it isn’t only Paul’s calling to preach; it is ours too. Jesus, in His last words before He ascended to heaven, commanded His disciples to go into the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15). When God called us to preach the gospel, He didn’t call us because of our eloquence or vast knowledge. God gave Paul, who claims to be the least of all saints, His grace to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ and God’s plan. He extends the same grace to us. Share about a time you preached the gospel to someone as you relied on God’s grace.

application

Do you believe that God intended the gospel for you as well? Do you want to receive Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life and become a fellow heir of God’s promise today?

How has God’s calling for you to preach the gospel to everyone helped shape your view of yourself and others? How can you grow in your desire to intentionally preach the gospel every day?

Who among your family and friends needs to hear the gospel? How can you share God’s grand plan for salvation to them this week?

prayer

Thank God for His inclusive gospel that is extended to us Gentiles. Pray that you would appreciate His gospel every day as you live a godly life.

Ask God for the grace to see everyone with eyes of faith to more effective in ministering to others.

Pray that as you preach the gospel to others, your life will be a testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness to those around you. Ask God for open doors to preach the gospel to your family and friends.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
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