A Christ-Centered Missionary

Have you ever been interrupted in prayer? Many things can cause this—babies crying, microwaves dinging, phones buzzing, doorbells ringing, or sirens sounding. Sometimes my wandering mind just goes elsewhere. I can begin to pray, and then all of a sudden I remember something I need to do or I get lost thinking about a ball game or some problem in the church. Before I know it, I have chased a rabbit for several minutes. Staying focused in prayer is a challenge at times. I have found that prayer walks and Scripture meditation and memorization are helpful for me in persevering in prayer.

Paul appears to begin an intercessory prayer for the church in Ephesians 3:1, but then he goes on a holy rabbit trail and does not pick up the actual prayer until 3:14. Perhaps his digression is prompted as he70 reflects on his position as "the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles" (3:1).

Realize though that Ephesians 3:1-13 is more than a digression. The passage is part of God's inspired Word and contains central themes in the book of Ephesians. Paul speaks of his sufferings, the incorporation of the Gentiles into the people of God, the cosmic nature of the church, the proclamation of the riches of Christ, believers' access to God, and more.

In addition to these key themes, we also find powerful personal application for our own lives. Paul's life serves as an example to believers. Like the Ephesian church, we are also called to love the church and fulfill her mission of making Christ known to everyone. We should acknowledge and appreciate Paul's unique role in redemptive history, but we should not distance ourselves from his mission. God gave Paul the ministry of proclaiming Christ and explaining the unfolding plan of God to people; we as believers have that same purpose.

If we accept that this passage has such application for our lives, then it is appropriate to see this passage as a "missions text." Like the parallel text in Colossians 1:24-29, this passage contains missional language. We read of the Gentiles or "nations" (Eph 3:1, 6,8; see Col 1:27-28), suffering for the sake of the mission (Eph 3:1; see Col 1:24), the administration of grace given (Eph 3:2; see Col 1:25), the revelation of the mystery or the plan of God (Eph 3:4-6; see Col 1:26-27), and the proclamation of Christ who is at the center of the plan (Eph 3:8; Col 1:28). This passage is saturated with Paul's passion for the nations to worship the reigning Christ.

Spurgeon said in a sermon, "Every Christian here is either a missionary or an impostor ... You either try to spread abroad the kingdom of Christ, or else you do not love him at all. It cannot be that there is a high appreciation of Jesus and a totally silent tongue about him" ("A Sermon and a Reminiscence"). Indeed. While not everyone will serve the nations in the same way, every Christian should assume the posture of a missionary and testify to the grace of Jesus. Believing this to be true, and with this missionary passage in view, let us consider six marks of a Christ-centered missionary from the holy digression of the apostle Paul, the greatest of all missionaries.

A Christ-Centered Missionary Follows the Will of Christ

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A Christ-Centered Missionary Follows the Will of Christ

Ephesians 3:1, 13

Paul opens and closes this passage by speaking of his present condition and the associated sufferings. He says he is a "prisoner" (v. 1) suffering "afflictions" (v. 13).

Paul's imprisonment illustrates the nature of a Christian missionary. Jesus called Paul to a special ministry; that ministry involved suffering. Christ told Paul this from the beginning (Acts 9:15-16). And Paul was willing to suffer on behalf of Christ, for the sake of the mission (Col 1:24).

While we do not go looking for suffering, we should not be surprised by it (cf. 2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 5:8-10; 1 John 3:13). It comes with the territory. Baseball players should not be surprised if a baseball hits them, and soldiers should not be surprised if the enemy fires on them. We go looking simply to obey the will of Jesus; yet, we understand that following the Savior's plan might involve suffering—just as He told us (John 15:20).

A Prisoner of the King (3:1)

Strikingly, in verse 1 Paul does not refer to himself as a prisoner of Caesar, but "of Christ Jesus." The will of Christ took Paul to prison. But Paul did not see this imprisonment as thwarting the mission of Christ. They could chain Paul but not the message (Eph 6:20; 2 Tim 2:9).

The most important thing to Paul was not safety, security, and a retirement plan but the mission of the King. He knew he was not imprisoned because of some moral lapse or because he had displeased God in some way; instead, because of his sacrificial commitment to the will of Jesus, he was chained to a Roman soldier, writing this letter from prison. Most important to Paul was the glory of the real King.

Paul was Christ's prisoner. Are you? Do you belong to Jesus Christ? Do you say to the King, "Send me anywhere, only go with me! I'm Yours. Use me!"? While we must always be wise as we take the gospel to hostile places, we must not shrink back in fear, for the sovereign King is over all, and we go in His presence and power.

Elsewhere Paul says, "Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). Let us follow Paul down the Calvary Road, knowing that the King and His mission are worth sacrifice.

A Shepherd of People (3:13)

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Verse 13 speaks of the loving, pastoral heart of Paul. He is the one in prison, yet he appears to want to set the people's minds at ease. He tells his readers/hearers that they should not be overly discouraged by his situation. He reminds them of the big picture. His suffering "hastens the second coming of Christ, which will lead to their glorification" (Arnold, Ephesians, 199). Paul does not want the church to be downhearted, and he wants them to see that his suffering is part of God's grand plan for the end of the age (cf. Col 1:24).

In this we see Paul's amazing care for people and his pastoral skill pointing people to the glory that will be revealed. Suffering will give way to glory, and because of this, believers endure with hope. Keep this in mind, believer. And remind others that the best is yet to come. The King in all His splendor will arrive soon, and then this "momentary light affliction" will seem as nothing in light of the "eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor 4:17).

A Christ-Centered Missionary Understands the Message of Christ

A Christ-Centered Missionary Understands the Message of Christ

Ephesians 3:2-6

Paul speaks now of the administration, or responsibility, he has to communicate the message of Christ, and he expresses his desire for the church to understand this message.

It should go without saying that missionaries are called not only to go, but they are to go with the right message. Many false religions have missionaries. What makes Christian missions distinct is the message about the crucified, risen, reigning, and returning King. We must make sure, as missionaries, that we are not exporting a deficient gospel.

As I travel to the nations, I am always angered and grieved by the prosperity gospel that has taken root in different parts of the world, especially in impoverished countries. All of this is done in the name of "gospel" and "Christ" and "Christianity." But it is not the gospel. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that we understand the real gospel and help others understand it properly. We need to saturate the nations with sound doctrine.

Paul has a unique role in redemptive history. He is given "insight about the mystery of the Messiah" (v. 4). As God's steward (cf. 1 Cor 4:1; 9:17; Col 1:25), Paul's responsibility involves explaining God's intent 73to create a special people, or a "household" of both Jews and Gentiles, through Christ (Eph 2:19; 3:5-6). Paul's role is to explain this "mystery," and the church's role is to "understand" (v. 4) and then communicate it.

This "mystery" was not like Ephesian mystery cults. It was not a mystery of esoteric knowledge, reserved for a secret few. This mystery, this message about Christ, is for all nations. Paul urges the Ephesians to forsake any other pseudo-mysteries and focus their attention on Christ alone (Arnold, Ephesians, 188).

This mystery was "hidden" or "not made known to people in other generations" (v. 5); but now, at this point in history, it can be understood. While the plan of God was present in the Old Testament, parts were unclear or "hidden" in a sense (v. 9). But when Christ appeared, the lights came on, clarifying the nature of the Messiah's death, the fact that Gentiles do not have to become Jews, that Gentiles and Jews have equal access to God, and the degree of nearness one has with God in the new covenant (Arnold, Ephesians, 190). Now these things have been made known. And people should know them and celebrate them!

While we will not "reveal" (v. 5) the message as Paul did, we can "re-reveal," meaning that we teach apostolic doctrine to others. But that implies study on our part. Sometimes the church is too quick to appoint missionaries to the nations. Not every missionary has to be a tremendous theologian, but every missionary does need to have a firm grasp on the gospel. If you are a new Christian, keep exploring the glories of Christ. Study the great doctrines of the faith—creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. Meditate on the atoning death of Jesus and the centrality of the church. A Christ-centered missionary understands (and delights!) in the message of Christ.

We also must make the main thing the plain thing in Christian missions. Our goal in going overseas is not to make people conform to our culture. Our goal is to proclaim the centrality of Christ. Therefore, focus your studies on that which everyone, everywhere needs.

As we meditate on Paul's words today, we are reminded of the faithfulness of Christians who have understood, preserved, and passed on the Christian gospel for generations (2 Tim 2:2). Paul was writing from prison, chained to a Roman guard, and about two thousand years later we can know and worship Christ around the world. Always appreciate the value of understanding the gospel message and making it known to the world.

A Christ-Centered Missionary Is Overwhelmed by the Grace of Christ

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A Christ-Centered Missionary Is Overwhelmed by the Grace of Christ

Ephesians 3:7-8a

The theme of grace permeates Paul's writings. Paul experienced God's saving grace at conversion. The former blasphemer refers to himself as the worst of sinners who experienced an overflow of redeeming grace and mercy from the Savior (1 Tim 1:14-15). But he also experienced God's empowering grace for ministry. He tells the Corinthians,

God's grace had a humbling effect on Paul, and it also had an empowering effect. The same is true here in Ephesians.

Faithful missionaries love grace. Paul's love for grace teaches us at least two lessons about grace. First, God's grace should humble us. Because Paul understood grace, he lived with a profound sense of humble gratitude to God. He knew that apart from grace he would not be doing what he was doing. So he says, "Grace was given to me" twice (vv. 7, 8). He deflects attention away from himself, toward the proper place of praise: the God of all grace.

Paul refers to himself as "the least of all the saints" (v. 8). This does not seem to be false humility but something Paul firmly believes. His position and place in redemptive history does not puff him up; it leaves him to boast only in Christ. He feels privileged to serve the King. Do you? We do not have to serve Jesus; we get to serve Jesus. Notice how Paul refers to himself as a humble "servant of this gospel" (v. 7; cf. 1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 11:23; Phil 1:1). Even though he is an inspired apostle, Paul knows he is following our foot-washing Suffering Servant. Do not forget this.

When you view yourself as the "least of all the saints," you will gladly serve "the least of these" (Matt 25:40). Grace humbles you and causes you to identify with everyone, including the poor and the weak. No one is beneath you. The "least of all the saints" give love, time, and energy to everyone created in God's image. Oh, how we need the grace of God to be worked down deeply into our hearts, as it is here in Paul's heart! Such identity formation comes through long and rich meditation on75 the grace of God, the sinfulness of humanity, and the glory of the cross, and through regular repentance.

Second, we should realize that we need God's grace to empower us. Paul ties "grace" and "power" together in verse 7. The Lord powerfully called Paul on the Damascus Road, and the Lord's power continued to sustain Paul for ministry (Rom 1:5; 12:3; 15:5; 1 Cor 3:10; 2 Cor 12:9; Col 1:29). Arnold points out, "By the time Paul writes this letter, he has had an abundant experience of God's empowering hand upon his life and ministry, in spite of the most difficult circumstances, including sickness" (Ephesians, 193). Indeed, the mighty power of God (Eph 1:19-20) provides sufficient strength for weak, fragile, ordinary people as they make the glories of Christ known.

Bryan Chapell speaks of Christ's servants being "enraptured with grace":

Being enraptured with grace is the nature of Christian calling. Such awe of grace certifies our calling as genuine and energizes it in the face of sacrifice. The truly called are so enraptured by the grace of God toward them that the attacks of others, the difficulties of circumstances, their lack of worldly comfort, and their lack of recognition in the world do not dissuade them from the joy of proclaiming Christ. (Ephesians, 143)

May we never lose the awe of grace or the joy of proclaiming Christ, who is "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

A Christ-Centered Missionary Proclaims the Incalculable Riches of Christ

A Christ-Centered Missionary Proclaims the Incalculable Riches of Christ

Ephesians 3:8b-9

Paul provides the purposes of God's enabling grace. He uses three purpose clauses in verses 8-10; the first two are linked together in verses 8b-9 by the use of "and" as well as their similarity in form and subject (Arnold, Ephesians, 196).

Proclaiming Christ (3:8b)

God empowered Paul to proclaim the "incalculable," or unsearchable, or incomprehensible, riches of Christ. This particular word appears nowhere outside of biblical Greek. When Paul thought about the glory 76of Christ, he made up a word! Arnold says this word is built on the word for "footprint." That word was used literally in Greek literature for a tracker, someone who pursues another by following footprints (Ephesians, 194). It has the sense of "tracing out" or "searching." Other biblical writers convey the incalculable nature of God's attributes as well. Job speaks of the "unsearchable" ways of God (Job 5:9; 9:10). Paul elsewhere describes the "unsearchable" wisdom of God and His "untraceable" ways (Rom 11:33).

Consider how Paul, this former persecutor of Christ, is now consumed with proclaiming the crucified Messiah (cf. 1 Cor 2:1-5). Jesus transformed Paul's life, and Christ and His redemption became Paul's resounding theme. To the Colossians Paul says, "We proclaim Him" (Col 1:28). Paul's all-consuming subject of proclamation was a person: Christ. Is Christ the all-consuming subject of your teaching and preaching?

Some may object that proclaiming Christ every week will get old. Based on Ephesians 3:8, we should not agree. If our preaching is boring, it is not because Christ is boring. His glories are incalculable. As long as we are proclaiming Christ, we should never run out of material, we should never be left without something to talk about, and we should never talk about Him without passion. Proclaim the riches of Christ to your own soul daily, and out of the overflow of your communion with Him, declare His glory to others.

The goal of our proclamation—either in informal evangelism or in public preaching—is not to attract personal praise but rather praise for the Savior. We should desire for people to say, "What a great Savior!" not "What a good sermon."

Let us once again recognize what must always remain central in Christian missions—the Christ of Christian missions. Make the hero of the Bible, of "the mystery," the hero of your preaching, teaching, and evangelism. Jesus changes lives; keep the Life-changer at the heart of your messages.

Shedding Light (3:9)

Paul also had received grace in order to explain the global nature of God's plan of salvation. He was sent to "shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things." Paul has the responsibility of helping those who receive the message of salvation to understand God's truth. Earlier he prayed for 77illumination (1:18), and now he uses the same word to describe his role in illuminating God's plan to converts (Arnold, Ephesians, 195).

What is this plan? It goes back to Ephesians 3:2-6—how the Jew and Gentile are one in Christ. Paul is commissioned to explain this glorious reality (cf. 2:11-22). Paul emphasizes the sovereignty of God in all of this, referring to Him as "God who created all things." This plan was not an afterthought, but part of the Sovereign Lord's eternal purposes.

As we look back over these verses, we are struck by the centrality of Christ and the global nature of Christianity. Both are revealed in Scripture. If someone asks you, "Where did you get your passion for missions?" a proper response is "from the Bible." From cover to cover, there is a missions thrust in the Bible because there is a messianic thrust in the Bible.

We have a global God, and we proclaim the only King of the nations. Let us remember that every tribe and tongue needs to hear of the incalculable riches of Christ. If you are preaching in New York or in a leper colony in Nigeria, remember that everyone needs Jesus. Proclaim Him to everyone; then shed additional light concerning the wonderful plan of God revealed in the Bible for everyone.

A Christ-Centered Missionary Has a High View of the Church of Christ

A Christ-Centered Missionary Has a High View of the Church of Christ

Ephesians 3:10-11

If you have a high view of Christ, you should have a high view of the church. Ephesians contains a lofty view of the church, which we have already observed in 2:11-22. In the next passage Paul prays for God to be glorified "in the church" (3:21). In 4:1-6 he discusses the unity of the church. He goes on to explain how God has gifted His people with spiritual leaders to equip them for ministry (4:11-12). In chapter 5 he says that Christ "loved the church and gave Himself for her" (5:25).

Here in Ephesians 3:10-11, Paul adds another amazing point to our theology of the church with this third purpose clause. The apostle tells us that the church has implications that reach throughout heaven and the entire spiritual realm. The church—made up of Jews and Gentiles—is making known the manifold wisdom of God to "the rulers and authorities in the heavens." I agree with O'Brien, who says that these "rulers and authorities" are probably both bad and good heavenly 78beings, "although the apostle's particular concern is obviously with hostile forces" (Ephesians, 246-47). It seems to me that the angels look on at grace and marvel while demonic forces look on in fear and tremble. The evil forces have already been defeated at the cross, and they await their final subjugation. The existence of the church is announcing that their rule is coming to an end once and for all.

While we have limited knowledge of all of these beings, it appears that they are not omniscient (Stott, Ephesians, 124). Peter seems to allude to this idea when he says, "Angels desire to look into these things" (1 Pet 1:12). Further, we can infer that God intends to make His plan known to them through the church. Stott says, "They watch fascinated as they see Gentiles and Jews being incorporated into the new society as equals" (Ephesians, 124).

There is more going on with the church than meets the eye. If you are part of the church, then you are part of a cosmic sermon that is being preached to spiritual rulers and authorities. Kent Hughes says, "The inescapable conclusion is that the angels watch us because we are part of the mystery! ... We have a far bigger and more observant viewing audience than any of us realize!" (Ephesians, 109).

To be clear, the emphasis here is not on us preaching to unseen powers and principalities. The point is that God is revealing His plan to the powers through the existence of the church (Arnold, Ephesians, 196-97).

According to verse 11, Jesus came and "accomplished," or fulfilled, or achieved, God's plan. Christ is the central character in this plan, and all things will be summed up in Him (Eph 1:10). The crucified and risen Christ is at the Father's right hand, and He will soon come to put all of the hostile principalities and powers under His feet.

So consider how the church is a witness of the glory of Christ. We make known the "multi-faceted" wisdom of God (a related word is used for Joseph's multicolored coat in Gen 37:3, 23). This wisdom is so great that God uses it to proclaim to heavenly beings. His grace and glory are displayed in a diverse people—a many-colored fellowship, a multi-cultural and multiethnic fellowship—who have been called, redeemed, forgiven, made alive, and united in Christ. The angelic host look on at the reconciling work of Christ, "which is the model for the reconciling of the universe when everything in Heaven and earth will be brought together in Him (cf. 1:9-10; Col 1:17-22)" (Hughes, Ephesians, 109).

How such a vision must have encouraged the churches in Ephesus! Can you imagine the people gathering from normal backgrounds, 79leaning in to listen to the reading of this letter—farmers, bankers, metal workers, carpenters, shop keepers, servants, masters, moms, dads, and children? As the readers get to chapter 3, they are told that they are testifying to the heavenly beings! Stunning! Do not underestimate the glory of God in the church.

Christ-centered missionaries have a high view of the church. They see the church as being central to human history. They see that Christ loves His bride. They understand that God's redeemed people—from every tribe—proclaim the incalculable riches of Christ to the nations. And they marvel at how God's people make known to "the rulers and authorities in the heavens His manifold wisdom."

A Christ-Centered Missionary Draws Near to God Through Christ

A Christ-Centered Missionary Draws Near to God Through Christ

Ephesians 3:12

Part of the mystery is that believers can experience a nearness to God that far exceeds that of the old covenant. Christians can boldly approach God because of Christ. In the previous passage Paul said, "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father" (2:18). We do not come to God with a type of arrogant boldness but rather acknowledging that we have "freedom of access" (Arnold, Ephesians, 198). We can come freely, openly, and without constraint (ibid.).

Christ-centered missionaries take advantage of the marvelous privilege of prayer. They live by prayer. They love by prayer. They make the gospel known by prayer.

If you are a Christian, you can pray anytime, anywhere. We can draw near to the throne of grace and find help in our time of need (Heb 4:14-16). We seek God in prayer, through Christ, by the Spirit. We can know that He hears us. He is for us. He is with us. A Christ-centered missionary is never alone.

When Paul returns to what was presumably his initial thought—namely, intercessory prayer—in Ephesians 3:14-21, he asks God to empower the church. That is what we as Christ's ambassadors need. We need God's power to sustain us for the mission.

Let us go on to read what Paul says in the following prayer, but let us pause and give thanks to God for this inspired rabbit trail. The apostle has painted for us a compelling vision of a Christ-centered missionary. 80May the Spirit of God deepen in us a greater love for the Messiah, for the grace of God, for the church, and for this global and cosmic mission!

Reflect and Discuss

Reflect and Discuss

1. If you were imprisoned for your faith like Paul, do you think it would make you stronger or discourage you? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith to face all kinds of challenges?
2. How does Paul's pastoral heart challenge and/or encourage you?
3. Why should missionaries have a solid grasp on the essentials of the faith? How might you grow in your understanding of sound doctrine?
4. How would you explain the "mystery" Paul describes?
5. Are you overwhelmed by Christ's grace? Why or why not? What can you learn from Paul regarding gratitude for God's grace?
6. Why is it right to say the riches of Christ are "incalculable" or unsearchable?
7. Do you think a local pastor should preach Christ in every sermon? Why or why not?
8. In light of this passage, why should one have a high view of the church?
9. Why is this passage an encouragement to pray?
10. Which of the six points of a Christ-centered missionary impacted you the most? Why?