God’s expansive Love
Preacher: Rev Kevin Kim Bible Readings: Ephesians 3:1-21
As we continue our series on ‘Ephesians’, we will learn from chapter 3 this Sunday. Chapter 3 speaks about the mystery of Christ revealed and the second part of this chapter emphasizes Paul’s prayer for spiritual strength. Paul was a minister of a gospel according to God’s grace (v 7). Though he was the least likely to be in this role, God gave him his calling to share Christ with the Gentiles. Paul sought to bring light to everyone, regarding the plan and grace of God. This was part of the eternal plan of God (v11). Our pastor Kevin will invite our congregation to bring light and share Christ like Paul, as God’s expansive love is for everyone to enjoy.
Sermon Text
The book of Ephesians is a rich source of spiritual insights and instructions for us, believers. Among its key teachings, Watchman Nee, a renowned Chinese Christian leader, and author, emphasized the importance of three postures ‘sit, walk and stand’ as vital aspects of the Christian life in his well-known book, “sit, walk and stand”.
Nee explains that Like so many of the apostle’s letter, S Ephesians falls naturally into two sections: a doctrinal (Eph. 1-3) and a practical (Eph. 4–6). [CHART]
The first part deals with our life in the midst of the world; the second with our conflict with the devil.
Thus, we have, in all, three subdivisions of the epistle to the Ephesians, setting forth the believer’s position in Christ (1:1–3:21), his life in the world (4:1–6:9) and his attitude to the Enemy (6:10–24). We may summarize as follows:
EPHESIANS
A. Doctrinal (Chapters 1 to 3)
1. Our Position in Christ (1:1–3:21)
B. Practical (Chapters 4 to 6)
2. Our Life in the World (4:1–6:9)
3. Our Attitude to the Enemy (6:10–24)
In the first section of the letter, we note the word “sit” (2:6) S [6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,], which is the key to that section and the secret of a true Christian experience. God has made us to sit with Christ in the heavenly places, and every Christian must begin his spiritual life from that place of rest.
In the second part we select S the word “walk” (4:1) I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, as expressive of our life in the world. We are challenged there to display in our Christian walk conduct that is in keeping with our high calling.
And finally, in the third part we find the key to our attitude toward the Enemy contained in the one word “stand” (6:11) [Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.], expressive of our place of triumph at the end. Thus, we have:
KEY WORDS IN EPHESIANS
- Our Position in Christ—“SIT” (2:6)
- Our Life in the World—“WALK” (4:1)
- Our Attitude to the Enemy—“STAND” (6:11)
Today, we are going to explore the powerful truths found in Ephesians 3 through the lens of Watchman Nee’s concept of “Sit, Walk, Stand.” Our focus will be on how we can bring God’s light and love into the world using our gifts and talents.
In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul shares with us the mystery of Christ and our role in revealing God’s manifold wisdom to the world. Let’s begin by understanding our position in Christ. Ephesians 3:1-6 says:
“… the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, … This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, …”
Paul speaks of a mystery—a divine secret that has now been revealed. This mystery is that through the gospel, Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel, members of one body, and sharers in the promises of Christ. This was a radical revelation in Paul’s time. The inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s covenant was not just an afterthought but a part of God’s eternal plan.
In his book, Watchman Nee S emphasizes the importance of “sitting” in our position in Christ before we can “walk” and “stand.” Sitting symbolizes rest and trust in what Christ has already accomplished for us. It’s essential to understand that our identity and worth are found in Christ alone.
the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. We are heirs together with Israel, members of one body, and sharers in the promises of Christ. This foundational truth empowers us to use our gifts and talents for God’s glory.
And then in verses 7 to 9, S Paul humbly acknowledges that he is a servant of the gospel by God’s grace and power. He describes his mission to preach the boundless riches of Christ to the Gentiles. Despite considering himself “less than the least of all the Lord’s people,” Paul recognizes the grace given to him to make plain the mystery of Christ to everyone.
Next, let’s consider how we walk out our faith in the world.
Walking in faith involves living out the grace we have received. Paul speaks of his calling to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ. Similarly, each of us has been given unique gifts and talents by God. Our walk is our daily life—how we interact with others, how we use our gifts, and how we reflect Christ’s love in practical ways.
Watchman Nee points out that our walk must be in alignment with our seated position in Christ. We walk in the strength and confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Him. As we walk, we bring God’s light and love to those around us, using our gifts to serve others and to proclaim the gospel.
S In verses 10-12, Paul reveals the purpose of this mystery:
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
God’s intent was to use the church to reveal His manifold wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. This is a profound calling. We, as the church, are meant to display God’s wisdom through our unity in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we have the privilege of approaching God with freedom and confidence.
We must stand firm in our faith. Standing involves being steadfast and immovable in the face of challenges. It means defending our faith against the enemy’s attacks.
As we stand firm, we reveal God’s manifold wisdom to the world. This wisdom is displayed through our unity in Christ, our love for one another, and our commitment to using our gifts for His glory. Standing firm also means not being swayed by the pressures and temptations of the world but remaining true to our calling.
And then Paul prays for the Ephesians generally for four different matters –
• inner spiritual strength
• the indwelling of Christ in their hearts
• the ability to comprehend all the dimensions of spiritual realities
• knowledge of the love of Christ
And then this chapter concludes with a well-know benediction – 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
We are called to be vessels of God’s light and love in the world. Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents by God, not for our own benefit alone but to serve others and to glorify our God. Just as Paul was called to preach to the Gentiles, we too are called to use our gifts to bring the message of Christ’s love to those around us.
On Pentecost Sunday, 19th May, we have filled this body with our gifts and talents. You’ve written your gifts and are called to use these gifts. Let’s see what kinds of gifts we have –
Therefore, let us remember that we are called to bring God’s light and love into the world with our gifts and talents. By understanding our position in Christ (sit), living out our faith (walk), and standing firm against the enemy (stand), we can effectively use our gifts for God’s glory.