Selfish Millionaires: Ephesians 6 (Day 7)

Ephesians 6:19-20 (Click here to read all of Ephesians 6)
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. 

You know...Ephesians only has six chapters.  I knew that going into this 7 day study.  And to be honest, I was really wondering how this series would end.  It might sound strange to you, but this journey has been just as much of a discovery for me as it has been for you.  Many mornings I have no direction or no idea where I am going to go with what I write- and then God shows up with His infinite wisdom, and allows His Spirit to speak into my soul.

So, here we are today, on the last day of this study.  As I was reading this book- I found God leading me to one of the very last verses.  Tucked away right before the final greeting, is a little request from Paul.  After pouring himself into the people of Ephesus through this entire book- he ends with one simple request.


Something about his request shook me up a bit this morning.  Something about his request inspired me- and showed me that all the riches and treasures that we have studied through this book are nothing if we do not grasp the passion and the heart of these words.

After all that he had shared with them, Paul understood that it was all meaningless if not founded on this one thing: sharing it with others.  

God has given us treasures, so many glorious treasures.  But at the end of the day, what good are they if they are not being used to glorify God and to make His name known to those around us?  It is no good for us to graduate from starving millionaires into the world of selfish millionaires, tightly holding on to the gifts God has given us for ourselves.  

Rather, we have got to be servant millionaires- ready to give of what we have at a moment's notice.  Driven to live well so that we can boldly and fearlessly proclaim the Source of our riches to those around us. 

With his last words to the Church of Ephesus, this is Paul's final request.  Not that he be removed from his chains or saved from his misery- but that he have the power to boldly proclaim the treasures of Christ every time he opens his mouth.  To me, that in and of itself is another gift we have in Christ: the gift of proclamation. 

I could go on.  I could write some more and try to embellish on this important point.  But to be honest, I think it speaks for itself.  I think what we need more than anything right now is not more words...but just like Paul determined- more prayer.

Prayer that God would give us the heart of Paul for the people around us.  Prayer that we would also be equipped to fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.  Prayer that God would grant us the will and desire to take hold of the riches He has lavished on us and share them unashamedly with the people he has surrounded us with.  Prayer that we, too, would have the courage to allow every word that comes out of our mouths to do nothing but honor Him.

Lord, thank you for the spiritual riches you lavish on us.  Give us the strength to hold them out with open hands...and to lead others to their ultimate Source.  
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Thanks to everyone who has joined me on this 7 day series.  It's been eye opening for me, and has challenged me in so many aspects of my life.  God's word is alive...and it's some powerful stuff.  I look forward to doing some more series as God prompts...maybe 14 days, maybe even 40.  Your support, comments, and companionship have helped me gain the motivation I needed to keep trekking through this study.  Thanks again for your faithfulness in reading.  Please take the time to pass along your favorite post to a friend!