Young People's Group

Calling and Regard

by Mitchell Tan
June 05, 2019

GREETINGS TO THE EPHESIAN CHURCH

The apostle Paul would consistently greet those to whom he wrote. Through his greeting of the brethren at Ephesus, we can see his special regard for God, the Lord Jesus and the Church.

1. HIGH CALLING AS A SERVANT OF GOD

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God …”
Ephesians 1:1

A. HIS CALLING TO BE AN APOSTLE OF THE LORD JESUS

I. PAUL – THE NAME “PAUL” MEANS “LITTLE”

Paul had earlier changed his name from “Saul” to “Paul”. He saw himself as one who was small in the sight of God. Before the Lord God Almighty, he had a humble perspective of himself.

II. AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST

Paul saw also himself as an apostle who belonged to the Lord Jesus. He was his Master and Lord. The title “Apostle” in Greek means “One who is sent”. The apostle was someone who was sent by the Lord Jesus to be His messenger. There was that authority from Him to be an apostle. Paul sought to serve the Lord Jesus as an apostle with love and faithfulness.

B. HIS CALLING BY THE WILL OF GOD

It was by the will of God that Paul became an apostle. He was once a persecutor and an insolent man. He persecuted the Church of Christ and cast his vote for Christians to be executed. And yet by God’s will, he was saved and transformed by the Lord Jesus. It was God’s will for him to become a servant and an apostle of Christ.

2. HIGH REGARD FOR THE CHURCH

“… To the saints who are in Ephesus and faithful in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:1

A. HE SAW THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS AS SAINTS

The word “saints” in Greek means “the holy ones”. The Ephesians were considered as “saints” by Paul because they had been imputed with righteousness from the Lord. They were righteous positionally in God’s sight. This was a state of being. This was their status as servants of God. Paul had a high regard for the Ephesian Church.

B. THE FAITHFUL IN CHRIST JESUS

The whole Church as a people would be considered as “saints” in the sight of God. However, not all the members of the Church would be considered as faithful. Paul specially addressed those who were considered as faithful. These had sought to be faithful in life and in service. They sought to be faithful in the sphere of the Lord Jesus. They had been faithful to Him because they exercised faith in Him. Paul had a special regard for those who were faithful to Christ. Let’s learn to have a high regard for each other as people that belong to His church. Let’s learn to highly regard those who serve faithfully.

During this week of Junior camp, we have seen many cooks, Com Members and the Pastoral Team seeking to serve the Lord faithfully. We thank God for each one who had sought to serve faithfully. Let’s learn to regard them highly. We are also glad to see many helpers coming to help out. Let’s not just start learning to serve the Lord. Let’s continue to serve and be counted as one of the faithful too.

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