 |  |
In chapter 3:, Paul speaks of the dispensation of the grace of God given to him for
us. Paul was the minister for the truth of the Mystery according to the gift of the grace of
God, given to him by the effectual working of His power. Although Paul said he was the
least of all saints, this grace was given to him so that he could preach among the Gentiles
the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Then in chapter 4:, we learn that to every one of us, grace is given according to the
measure of the gift of Christ. Each one of us therefore has this gift of grace, whether in
small or greater measure, and we have the responsibility to use this grace as we are given
the opportunity. In verse 29, we are told that one of the practical outworkings of the
grace of God given to us, should be in our speech. No corrupt word should pass our lips.
Our words should edify so that we may minister grace to those who hear us. We may not
be gifted speakers, we may not be preachers, but surely we do speak! And when we
speak, our words should reflect the grace that God has placed in our hearts.
An outline of the 12 references to grace in Ephesians will summarize what we have
tried to set out in our meditation and comments.
Charis (grace).
A | 1: 2. Grace to you.--Salutation.
B | 1: 6. According as He hath chosen us to the praise of the glory of His grace. |
a | 1: 7. Accepted, redemption, forgiveness according to
the riches of His grace.
b | 2: 5. By grace--saved.
a | 2: 7. Raised, seated together in heavenly places,
the exceeding riches of His grace.
b | 2: 8. By grace--saved.
B | 3: 2. The Dispensation of the grace of God. |
a | 3: 7. Paul--minister--according to the gift of grace of God.
b | 3: 8. Grace given to preach.
a | 4: 7. Every one. Given grace according to the gift of Christ.
b | 4: 29. Minister grace to hearers.
A | 6: 24. Grace be with all who love in sincerity.--Benediction.
If our Christian attitude reflects the grace given to us, if we are followers of Paul even
as he was of Christ, then this should be evident in our daily lives, in our speech, in our
manner of life, and in our relationship with others. In Col. 3: 13, Paul is slightly more
explicit. He says:
". . . . . longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have
a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
Words cannot adequately express our thanks and gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for
what He has done for us. How can we reflect such grace in our lives? The last three
chapters of Ephesians is a guide but even so, can we live up to this high standard?
Ephesians 6: 10 says "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might". We are