What does Paul say about God and the actions of God in Ephesians 3:7-13?

Paul again lays claim to being a “minister” through “the gift of God’s grace” (Ephesians 3:7, ESV; compare Ephesians 3:1-2). This gift, like the gospel itself, is not granted because of the worth of the recipient, but through God’s grace. Paul underlines this point by describing himself as “the very least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8, ESV).

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There is an interesting progression in Paul’s self-understanding that is discernible as we move through Paul’s letters in the order they were written. Early on, he lays claim to his status as a divinely appointed apostle (Galatians 1:1). Later, though, he introduces himself as “the least of the apostles” and “not worthy to be called an apostle” (1 Corinthians 15:9, NKJV). Here in Ephesians he sees himself as “the very least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8, ESV). Finally, he describes himself as the “chief” (NKJV) or “worst” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15, NIV).

Perhaps this line of thinking here by Paul can help explain this famous quote by Ellen G. White: “The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature.” — Steps to Christ, p. 64.

Paul then continues. In Ephesians 3:10, he writes: “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (NKJV). Who are the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (ESV) mentioned here? How does the church announce God’s “manifold” or multifaceted wisdom to them? Though Ephesians 3:10 does not describe the nature of the powers, it seems best to take them as the evil ones described in more detail in Ephesians 6:11-12. If so, the composition of the church, unifying Jews and Gentiles as once very divided parts of humankind, becomes a ringing announcement to these demonic “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” of God’s plan for the future, “to unite all things in him [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:10, ESV). They are put on notice that God’s plan is underway and their doom assured. The very nature of a unified church signals their ultimate defeat.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

Amen!(0)

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The book of Ephesians does show us “How to Follow Jesus in Trying Times”: 
Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour so that our actions will always speak louder than our words.

With all that Paul writes to us in Ephesians, we are encouraged to say
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272 so that we may live our lives as Jesus would have us do.

Being a prisoner in Rome, Paul found “there is a deeper, divine purpose being worked out in his life”: 
Hymn 316 – Live Out Thy Life Within Me all 
Because He Live – Hymn 526 I can face tomorrow.

Monday shows God’s abundant grace: 
Amazing Grace – Hymn 108, Marvelous Grace – Hymn 109 and 
God Of Grace And God Of Glory – Hymn 607. With this wonderful grace in hand, we must go forth and 
The Son Of God Proclaim – Hymn 411 (Monday).

It is revealed on Tuesday that 
The Church Has One Foundation – Hymn 348 so let us 
Rise Up, O Church Of God – Hymn 615 knowing that I am 
Chief Of Sinners – Hymn 295 just as Paul also claimed to be.

“the immensity of the love of Christ” Ephesians 3:19 is also found in 
Hymn 79 – O Love Of God, How Strong And True, 
Hymn 148 –  O Love, How Deep, How Broad  and 
Hymn 76 – O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.

Just as Paul gives praise to God (Thursday) in his prison cell we may also in 
Hymn 11 – The God Of Abraham Praise, 
Hymn 1 – Praise To The Lord¸ 
Hymn 4 – Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven, 
Hymn 14 – Let Us Praise The Name Of The Lord, 
Hymn 20 – O Praise Ye The Lord, and more hymns 
25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 37, 53, 70, 105, 106, 249, to add just a few.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(1)

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-the-mystery-of-the-gospel-singing-with-inspiration/