MINISTERS OF THE GRACE OF GOD

MINISTERS OF THE GRACE OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

MAIN TEXT: Ephesians 3:1-13

KEY VERSE: “Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” — Ephesians 3:7 (KJV)

SUPPORTING TEXTS: Acts 9:1-22; Romans 1:1; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 15:9-10; 2 Corinthians 4:1-7; Ephesians 3:7-8; Colossians 1:23-29; 1 Peter 4:10-11.

DESCRIPTION: This message explains how God's grace calls, equips, empowers, and sustains believers for ministry, teaching them to serve faithfully, humbly, and effectively for the glory of Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Ministry is a divine privilege and responsibility entrusted to people by the grace of God. In Ephesians 3:7, Paul describes himself as a minister of the Gospel, not because he had earned the position through human merit, but because God had given him grace and empowered him by His power. His statement reveals that Christian ministry is rooted in God's initiative, sustained by God's grace, and accomplished through God's enabling power.

The word minister refers to a servant who carries out an assignment entrusted to him. In the kingdom of God, ministry is not primarily about titles, public recognition, personal ambition, or human authority. It is about serving the purposes of God and meeting the spiritual needs of people. Every believer has received grace from God and is called to use the gifts entrusted to him or her for the advancement of Christ's kingdom. Some are called to preach and teach publicly, while others serve through prayer, giving, administration, encouragement, evangelism, and practical assistance.

The grace that calls us into ministry is also the grace that equips us to fulfil our assignments. Without God's grace, ministry becomes a burden of human effort; with His grace, we receive strength to serve faithfully even in difficult circumstances. Therefore, every minister must remain humble, depend on the Holy Spirit, develop the gifts God has given, and remain faithful to the message of the Gospel. Our ultimate goal must be to glorify Christ and help people come to the knowledge of God's saving grace.

1. MINISTRY IS A GIFT OF GOD'S GRACE

Paul declared that he was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace. He did not present ministry as a reward for personal superiority or a position he had obtained through self-promotion. He recognised that God had called and enabled him to carry out the assignment entrusted to him.

This understanding should shape the attitude of every Christian worker. Ministry is a stewardship, not a possession. We must not boast as though our gifts, opportunities, or accomplishments originated entirely from ourselves. Whatever God has entrusted to us should be received with gratitude and used faithfully for His glory.

a) God is the source of our calling (Galatians 1:15-16) – Paul explained that God had set him apart and called him by His grace. Genuine Christian ministry begins with God's purpose and direction. Personal desire may motivate someone to serve, but a minister must seek God's will, remain faithful to Scripture, and allow the Lord to shape the assignment.

b) Grace is not a reward for human merit (Ephesians 2:8-9) – Salvation itself is God's gift, not something earned by works. In the same way, ministry opportunities and spiritual gifts must be approached with humility rather than pride. We serve because God has shown us mercy, not because we are superior to others.

c) Every believer receives grace for service (1 Peter 4:10) – Peter teaches that each believer should minister according to the gift received, as a good steward of God's manifold grace. Every Christian has a responsibility to contribute to the welfare and growth of the body of Christ. No gift should be neglected, and no faithful service should be considered insignificant.

d) God's calling requires faithful stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) – Ministers are stewards of the mysteries of God, and stewards are required to be faithful. God does not merely ask whether we have received a gift; He also expects us to use it responsibly. Faithfulness includes integrity, diligence, sound teaching, and accountability.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 1:12-14). Paul acknowledged that he had formerly been a blasphemer, persecutor, and injurious person, yet the Lord showed him mercy and appointed him to service. He recognised that the grace of Christ had transformed his life and entrusted him with ministry. His testimony reminds us that God's grace can redeem a person's past and make that person useful in His kingdom.

2. MINISTERS OF GRACE MUST UNDERSTAND THEIR DIVINE ASSIGNMENT

A minister of God's grace must understand what God has entrusted to him. Paul knew that he had been called to proclaim the Gospel among the Gentiles. His clarity of assignment helped him remain focused despite persecution, imprisonment, opposition, and misunderstanding.

Ministers must not measure their assignments by comparing themselves with others. God gives different responsibilities to different people, and each person must answer faithfully to the Lord. We should prayerfully identify our responsibilities, study the Word, recognise our gifts, and remain committed to the work God has given us.

a) God calls people for specific purposes (Jeremiah 1:4-8) – Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet to the nations before his birth. His assignment was specific, and God promised to be with him as he carried it out. Although not every believer has the same prophetic calling, every Christian should seek to understand and fulfil God's purpose for his or her life.

b) Ministers must remain faithful to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16) – Paul declared that necessity was laid upon him to preach the Gospel. He understood that his assignment was not simply a career choice but a divine responsibility. Ministers must resist the temptation to replace the Gospel with messages designed merely to attract applause or satisfy popular opinions.

c) God's assignments require obedience (Acts 26:19) – Paul testified that he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Receiving direction from God places a responsibility upon us to respond in faith and obedience. We must not allow fear, convenience, criticism, or personal ambition to lead us away from the Lord's revealed will.

d) Ministers must finish their assignments faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7) – Near the end of his life, Paul declared that he had fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. The goal of ministry is not merely to begin with enthusiasm but to remain faithful until the end. Ministers should continually evaluate their lives and service in the light of God's Word.

Biblical Example: Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8:26-40). Philip obeyed the angel's instruction to travel along the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. There he met an Ethiopian official who was reading the prophet Isaiah. Philip explained the Scriptures and preached Jesus to him. His obedience to a specific divine direction opened the door for the Gospel to reach a man who could carry its message beyond that encounter.

3. GOD'S GRACE EQUIPS MINISTERS FOR THEIR WORK

Ephesians 3:7 connects Paul's ministry with the effectual working of God's power. This means that the assignment God gives is accompanied by His enabling grace. Human education, experience, discipline, and preparation are valuable, but they cannot replace dependence on God.

Ministers must therefore avoid two extremes. One is attempting ministry entirely through human strength, as though prayer and the Holy Spirit were unnecessary. The other is neglecting study, preparation, discipline, and accountability while claiming that grace will do everything. Biblical ministry requires both faithful human stewardship and dependence on God's enabling power.

a) The Holy Spirit empowers Christian service (Acts 1:8) – Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower His disciples to be His witnesses. The Spirit gives boldness, spiritual gifts, and strength to fulfil God's mission. Ministers should depend on Him for effective witness while ensuring that their teaching and conduct remain governed by Scripture.

b) God gives different gifts for the edification of the Church (Romans 12:6-8) – Paul identifies gifts that include prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy. These gifts differ, but all are intended to serve God's purposes. Ministers should recognise their gifts, develop them responsibly, and use them to strengthen the Church rather than to promote themselves.

c) God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) – The Lord told Paul that His grace was sufficient for him and that His strength was made perfect in weakness. Ministers may experience limitations, discouragement, opposition, and seasons of exhaustion. Such experiences should lead them to deeper dependence on God, wise support, and appropriate rest rather than despair or self-reliance.

d) Ministers must equip themselves through diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15) – Paul instructed Timothy to study diligently so that he could rightly divide the Word of truth. Grace does not excuse laziness in preparation. Ministers must study Scripture carefully, develop sound communication skills, maintain integrity, and continually grow in their understanding of God's Word.

Biblical Example: Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-6). God filled Bezalel with His Spirit, wisdom, understanding, and skill for the construction of the tabernacle. His example shows that God can equip people for practical as well as public spiritual service. Every ability that is dedicated to the Lord can become an instrument for accomplishing His purpose.

4. MINISTERS OF GRACE MUST SERVE WITH HUMILITY

The grace of God should make ministers humble. When Paul reflected on his ministry, he did not boast about his achievements as though they made him independent of God. He recognised that whatever he had become was the result of divine mercy.

Pride is dangerous in ministry because it shifts attention from Christ to the minister. A person may begin by serving God sincerely but later become consumed with titles, influence, praise, or control. Ministers of grace must continually remember that they are servants of Christ, accountable to Him for the way they handle their calling and the people entrusted to their care.

a) Ministers must recognise their dependence on God (1 Corinthians 15:10) – Paul declared that by the grace of God he was what he was, and that God's grace toward him was not in vain. He laboured diligently, yet he acknowledged God's enabling work. We must work faithfully without imagining that our success comes from our ability alone.

b) Ministers must follow the example of Christ (Mark 10:43-45) – Jesus taught that greatness in His kingdom is expressed through service. He came not to be ministered unto but to minister and give His life as a ransom for many. Christian leadership must therefore be marked by sacrifice, compassion, and a willingness to serve others rather than exploit them.

c) Ministers must avoid selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3-4) – Paul instructs believers to reject strife and vain glory and to consider the interests of others. Competition, jealousy, and the desire to outshine fellow ministers weaken the work of God. We should celebrate the gifts of others, cooperate wherever possible, and remain content with the responsibilities God has given us.

d) Ministers must remain accountable (Hebrews 13:17) – Scripture teaches that spiritual leaders watch over the souls entrusted to their care and will give account to God. Ministry must not become a platform for unrestrained personal authority. Ministers should welcome appropriate accountability, uphold ethical standards, protect the vulnerable, and lead with integrity.

Biblical Example: John the Baptist (John 3:26-30). When people drew attention to Jesus' growing ministry, John declared that Christ must increase while he must decrease. He understood that his calling was to prepare the way for the Messiah, not to compete with Him. His humility provides a powerful model for every minister who wants Christ to receive the glory.

5. MINISTERS OF GRACE MUST PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL FAITHFULLY

The central responsibility of a minister of the grace of God is to communicate the truth of the Gospel. Paul was entrusted with the message that God's saving purpose had been revealed in Jesus Christ and that Gentiles could become fellow heirs with believing Jews. His ministry was built around proclaiming Christ rather than advancing a personal philosophy.

Ministers must therefore handle the Word of God accurately and proclaim the whole counsel of God with courage and love. They must not manipulate Scripture to gain money, popularity, political influence, or control over others. The pulpit must remain a place for declaring God's truth, calling people to repentance and faith, and equipping believers for godly living.

a) Ministers must preach Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5) – Paul declared that he did not preach himself but Jesus Christ as Lord, while presenting himself as a servant for Jesus' sake. The minister must not make personal fame the centre of the message. Every sermon should direct people towards the person, work, teachings, and lordship of Jesus Christ.

b) Ministers must teach sound doctrine (Titus 2:1) – Paul instructed Titus to speak things that agree with sound doctrine. Biblical teaching protects believers from deception and provides a foundation for spiritual maturity. Ministers must study Scripture carefully, avoid twisting texts, and correct error with patience and clarity.

c) Ministers must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) – Truth must not be abandoned to avoid offending people, but neither should it be delivered with cruelty or arrogance. A faithful minister speaks with conviction while demonstrating compassion, patience, and respect. The aim is to lead people towards maturity in Christ.

d) Ministers must proclaim the Gospel without shame (Romans 1:16) – Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because it is God's power unto salvation to everyone who believes. Ministers may face criticism or rejection, but they must not dilute the message of Christ to gain acceptance. Their confidence must rest in God's power rather than the approval of the crowd.

Biblical Example: Peter and John Before the Council (Acts 4:18-20). When the authorities commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, they refused to abandon their witness. They declared that they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard. Their courage illustrates the importance of remaining faithful to Christ even under pressure.

6. MINISTERS OF GRACE MUST ENDURE HARDSHIP AND FINISH WELL

Ministry is a divine privilege, but it is not always an easy assignment. Paul wrote Ephesians while experiencing imprisonment and opposition connected with his ministry to the Gentiles. His circumstances did not cancel God's calling or make the Gospel powerless. Instead, he continued to serve and encouraged believers to remain steadfast.

Ministers must prepare themselves for seasons of difficulty without assuming that every hardship means God has abandoned them. They should remain prayerful, seek wise counsel, care for their physical and emotional wellbeing, and receive support from trustworthy fellow believers. Endurance does not mean ignoring legitimate needs or refusing help; it means continuing faithfully while relying on God's grace.

a) Ministers must remain steadfast in trials (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) – Paul described being troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down, yet not destroyed. Ministry can involve pressures that test faith and character. God's grace enables His servants to persevere, learn, and continue serving without surrendering their commitment to Christ.

b) Ministers must guard their spiritual lives (1 Timothy 4:16) – Paul instructed Timothy to take heed to himself and to his teaching. A minister's private walk with God matters as much as public ministry. Prayer, Scripture, holiness, rest, and accountability help protect the minister from spiritual neglect and moral failure.

c) Ministers must remain faithful in small responsibilities (Luke 16:10) – Jesus taught that faithfulness in little things demonstrates readiness for greater responsibility. Ministers should not despise quiet seasons or less visible assignments. Integrity in everyday duties builds the character required for sustained service.

d) Ministers must finish their course with faithfulness (Acts 20:24) – Paul considered his life of little value to himself compared with finishing his course and completing the ministry received from the Lord Jesus. His priority was to testify to the Gospel of God's grace. Every minister should seek not merely to become known but to complete the assignment entrusted by God with faithfulness and integrity.

Biblical Example: Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6-8; 4:5). Timothy was encouraged to stir up the gift of God, reject the spirit of fear, endure afflictions, and fulfil his ministry. These instructions reveal that even gifted servants need encouragement and discipline to remain effective. Ministers should strengthen one another and help younger workers develop the courage and maturity required for faithful service.

CONCLUSION

Ministers of the grace of God are people whom the Lord calls, equips, and empowers to serve His purposes. Their ministry is not a platform for pride or personal ambition but a stewardship of the gifts, opportunities, and truth entrusted to them. As Ephesians 3:7 teaches, the grace of God and the effective working of His power enable His servants to carry out their assignments. Every minister must therefore depend on God, remain faithful to Scripture, serve with humility, and proclaim Christ without compromise.

Whether you serve as a pastor, teacher, evangelist, missionary, church worker, or faithful member of the body of Christ, recognise the grace God has given you and use it responsibly. Do not compare your assignment with another person's calling, and do not allow hardship to make you abandon your responsibility. Keep growing in the Word, walking in the Spirit, serving people in love, and remaining accountable to God. May the Lord find us faithful stewards of His grace until we finish our course.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the grace You have given me to serve You and fulfil Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to understand my divine assignment and give me the courage to fulfil it faithfully, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me with wisdom, spiritual gifts, boldness, and strength for effective service, in Jesus name.

4. Father, deliver me from pride, selfish ambition, jealousy, and every attitude that dishonours my calling, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, help me to handle Your Word accurately and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise, in Jesus name.

6. Father, strengthen every minister who is discouraged, weary, persecuted, or facing difficult circumstances, in Jesus name.

7. Lord, help me to use every gift, opportunity, and resource You have entrusted to me for the advancement of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

8. Father, surround Your ministers with wise counsellors, faithful partners, and godly accountability, in Jesus name.

9. Holy Spirit, preserve my life from spiritual carelessness, moral failure, and anything that could bring reproach upon the Gospel, in Jesus name.

10. Father, grant me grace to remain faithful to the end and finish the assignment You have committed into my hands, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall serve the Lord with a grateful heart, recognising that your calling and spiritual gifts are expressions of His grace.

2. You shall receive fresh wisdom and strength to fulfil your divine assignment, and you shall not depend on human ability alone.

3. You shall grow in spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, and the practical skills required for faithful and effective ministry.

4. You shall not be controlled by pride, jealousy, or the desire for human recognition; your service shall point people towards Jesus Christ.

5. You shall remain faithful to the truth of God's Word and proclaim the Gospel with courage, wisdom, compassion, and conviction.

6. You shall receive grace to endure difficult seasons, and hardship shall not make you abandon the responsibility God has entrusted to you.

7. Your gifts shall be used to strengthen the Church, encourage the weak, equip believers, and reach people who need the Gospel.

8. You shall grow in integrity and accountability, and your private life shall increasingly agree with the message you proclaim publicly.

9. You shall become a source of encouragement and spiritual support to other ministers, helping them grow in grace and fulfil their assignments.

10. The Lord shall sustain you as you faithfully serve Him, and by His grace you shall finish your course with faith, integrity, and a testimony that glorifies Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.