Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION
To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I
should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Ephesians 3:8

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. Paul’s view of himself is exemplary

a) Less than the least of all the saints
This is true humility!

b) Paul never thought of himself as great in any way

2. Grace of God given

a) By grace we are saved
b) By grace we serve
c) By grace we are sustained
d) Nuances of “grace”

i) We are undeserving
ii) We have been given God’s mercy and favour

e) Ministry was outstanding in Paul’s life

i)his understanding was that he was given grace thus he was able to achieve
ii) He refused to take credit for himself

3. Ministry to the Gentiles

a) This was his focus in this context
b) It was a very difficult ministry!

i) They were idol worshippers
ii) They were in darkness
iii) They lived according to the dictates of their heart (Cf. Ephesians 2)

4. Preaching Ministry

a) Not an easy skill

i) Effective speaking
ii) Power from God to be found

b) Lots of things needed to be skilled in preaching

i) Knowledge
ii) Speaking skill
iii) Teaching skill
iv) Vast content about the Lord Jesus Christ

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. How do we view ourselves?
Do we have a humble attitude towards ourselves?

2. How much knowledge do we have?
How deep is our knowledge?

3. How skillful are we as preachers?
How skilled are we in preaching?

4. Let us be challenged:

a) To improve
b) To have a determination to become effective and fruitful
c) Let us pray for the Lord’s grace to be given to us further

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan