Teaching summary
Pastor Leonard Rola teaches on Ephesians 3:7-12, emphasizing how Paul saw himself as the least among the saints yet was supercharged by God's grace to preach the gospel. The message highlights the power of grace in transforming lives, the equality of all believers in Christ, and the miraculous life available through faith. Paul’s writings affirm that believers have boldness and direct access to God, fully qualified to receive His promises. The teaching also corrects misunderstandings about principalities and powers, explaining their historical and theological context.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 3:7-12: "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. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him is."
Romans 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
John 1:12-13: "But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, the will of man, but of God."
2 Corinthians 1:20: "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
Hebrews 10:14: "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."
Romans 8:32: "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Numbers 23:19: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Studying Ephesians 3:7-12
- The Gospel Defines Paul’s Life
- Supercharged by Grace
- The Least is the Greatest
- New Creation Realities and the Power of Faith
- Walking in the Understanding of Grace
- The Blueprint of Creation in Christ
- The Authority of Believers
- Boldness and Access to God
- Conclusion: Walking in the Supercharged Life of Grace
Introduction: Studying Ephesians 3:7-12
Pastor Leonard Rola introduces the teaching by expressing gratitude for the community and inviting listeners to revisit previous studies on Ephesians. He sets the stage for the night's study, focusing on Paul’s message in Ephesians 3:7-12 and the theme of "The Least is the Greatest." He prays for open hearts and transformation through the Word.
The Gospel Defines Paul’s Life
Paul states in Ephesians 3:7: "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." This verse underscores that Paul’s service is entirely defined by the gospel of grace. Everything he does—teaching, preaching, and ministering—is rooted in Christ’s message.
Supercharged by Grace
Paul describes himself as being empowered by grace, echoing Romans 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…" Accepting the gospel brings divine power into believers' lives, allowing them to walk in supernatural strength.
New Creation Realities and the Power of Faith
Receiving Christ means being transformed into a new creation. 2 Corinthians 1:20 affirms that all God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ. Pastor Leonard encourages believers to renew their minds, reject false teachings, and embrace the truth that they are righteous, holy, and blameless before God
Walking in the Understanding of Grace
Understanding grace leads to a victorious life. Hebrews 10:14 says: "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." This truth must be believed and lived out.
The Blueprint of Creation in Christ
Paul explains that Jesus is the foundation of creation. Ephesians 3:9: "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." Christ is the divine blueprint for our lives.
The Authority of Believers
Paul describes how God's wisdom is revealed through the church. Ephesians 3:10: "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." Pastor Leonard clarifies that "principalities and powers" refer to the religious leaders of Paul’s time, not spiritual warfare against demonic forces.
Boldness and Access to God
Paul emphasizes the believer’s direct access to God. Ephesians 3:12: "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." This aligns with Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace…" Believers should approach God confidently, knowing they are fully accepted and loved.
Conclusion: Walking in the Supercharged Life of Grace
Pastor Leonard concludes by urging listeners to live boldly in God’s grace, trust His promises, and walk in faith. He shares personal testimonies of faith and healing, encouraging believers to focus on God’s word rather than circumstances.
God is not a man, that he should lie…" (Numbers 23:19). Pastor Leonard invites everyone to embrace their identity in Christ and live as supercharged believers.