How can you actively share God's grace with others, as Paul did? A Steward of Grace: Learning from Ephesians 3:2 “Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you.” (Ephesians 3:2) Paul treats grace as a trust placed in his hands for the benefit of others. Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the same stewardship applies to every believer today. Receive and Recognize the Grace Entrusted to You • Salvation itself is grace received (Ephesians 2:8–9). • Spiritual gifts flow from that grace (Romans 12:6). • “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10) Cultivate a Steward’s Mindset • A steward manages what belongs to someone else; grace remains God’s possession. • This view breeds humility (1 Corinthians 4:7) and urgency (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Ask daily: “How can I pass along what God has deposited in me?” Speak the Mystery Openly • Paul “proclaimed the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3). • Share the gospel plainly: Jesus died, was buried, rose again, and offers forgiveness (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). • “We are ambassadors for Christ … be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) Serve Tangibly • Grace is visible when needs are met (Acts 4:33–35). • Practical ideas: – Provide meals, transportation, or childcare. – Offer skills—tutoring, repairs, financial counsel. – Give generously; “see that you excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7) Suffer Willingly for Others’ Benefit • Paul’s chains advanced the gospel (Philippians 1:12–14). • When trials come, respond with faith and joy; it authenticates the message (2 Timothy 2:9–10). Stand Firm in Truth and Love • “Speaking the truth in love” grows the body (Ephesians 4:15). • Correct error kindly (2 Timothy 2:24–25). • Refuse compromise while maintaining compassion (Jude 1:22–23). Rely on the Spirit’s Power • Grace is shared, not manufactured (Acts 1:8). • Pray for boldness as the early church did (Acts 4:29–31). • Walk in the Spirit to manifest grace-filled fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). Live Ready for Divine Appointments • “Make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5–6). • Keep gospel tools at hand—a brief testimony, a Bible app, a tract. • Stay sensitive to promptings: a neighbor’s comment, a coworker’s crisis, a stranger’s question. Encourage and Equip Fellow Believers • Paul trained Timothy to entrust truth “to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2) • Start or join a small group, mentor a new believer, recommend sound resources. Summary Snapshot Actively sharing God’s grace means: receiving it gratefully, stewarding it faithfully, declaring it boldly, demonstrating it practically, enduring hardship joyfully, standing in truth lovingly, depending on the Spirit continually, seizing moments promptly, and multiplying impact intentionally. The same grace that reached Paul now flows through you “for the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6). |
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