As a prisoner for the Lord,
Summary: As Paul begins the fourth chapter of his letter, he reminds us that he is a prisoner “for the Lord.” To put this in perspective, it is helpful to reflect on Paul’s life and what it might have been like had he not met Jesus.
Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with these words:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God …”
His immediate reason for writing was to encourage the believers in Ephesus, yet two thousand years later, his words encourage all believers.
Why?
It is helpful and important to remember who Paul is and who he was.
He started life in the city of Tarsus. He was the son of an upscale Jewish couple who lived in a metropolitan city. They had high hopes for their son, and they had the means to help him make his mark on the world. He was given an excellent education in Jerusalem and eventually studied at the feet of Gamaliel, “a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people.” (Acts 5:34) By his own admission, Paul was “as zealous for God” as anyone (Acts 22:3).
The trajectory of Paul’s life at that point was to follow in Gamaliel’s footsteps. Paul was groomed to be a teacher of the law and a respected leader in Jerusalem. If he had continued along the path he was on, he might have ended up being the most respected Jew of his generation.
Think of what goes with that title in the culture of the day. Power, influence, money, and prestige were all the things a person like Paul could expect in the future. He was going to have it all — all that the “world” had to offer.
And then he met Jesus.
When that happened, Paul’s life was turned inside out. Instead of caring for himself, he changed. Instead of trying to impress the Pharisees, he wanted to impress Jesus.
And what did Jesus want?
As foretold by the prophet Isaiah, he wanted to be “a light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6) because that is what his Father wanted him to be. (John 5:19, 8:28)
Now, instead of doing what his human father wanted him to do, Paul was doing what his heavenly Father had called him to do. He was standing against the very people who had raised him and taught him everything he knew about the Law. Now, instead of enjoying human honor and prestige, Paul was a prisoner.
Paul couldn’t care less about prestige, power, or money. He is striving for something much more valuable: He wants to impress Jesus. Because he now serves the Lord, he is concerned for the Lord’s sheep; you and me.
It doesn’t matter that we don’t live in Ephesus. It is not important that Paul’s words were written thousands of years ago. The truth is still the truth, and the truth is that Jesus cares about you and me. Because Jesus cares, Paul cares.
As we continue through this letter from Paul, remember; he is writing to you. This is personal. He cares about you and wants you to be with him and our Lord in Heaven.
Application: When you read Paul’s words, think of him as a big brother or a loving uncle who wants the very best for you.
Food for Thought: What can we learn from Paul’s attitude about being a prisoner for the Lord?
What can we learn from Paul’s attitude about being a prisoner for the Lord?
That Paul was joyful in persecution, Faithful in suffering, steadfast in hardships, unwavering dedication for the gospel of truth, yet humble knowing that he didn’t deserve grace….. I could keep going on in short he tried to live as an example and write to others how to do the same. Be a reflection of the Son, the one whom God is well pleased with, our Lord, and Savior, our Redeemer, Jesus.
Thanks Tim!
There is something about Paul that is a challenge for me. He operates in two realms at the same time. His mind is highly logical, but at the same time he submits to the Lord like a small child submits to their parent. There is an unquestioning, obedient faith in the Lord that guides his every step.
I love T’s comment and don’t have much to add. His attitude in prison and and hardship is inspiring. It shows that his relationship with Christ was real and that he was being led by the Spirit. He serves as a model, along with the rest of the disciples and church leaders, of perseverance and purpose.
I don’t think I’ve been in prison. But thank you for the kind words pastor Rich. You forgot to mention how humble I can be, there even a picture of me under the definition of humble in the dictionary.
😊
Thanks Tim!
I already have your picture up next to Moses! 🙂
Rich,
Thanks. I agree, the absence of pretense in Paul’s letters precludes discounting Paul’s message on superficial grounds. His faithfulness in living what he teaches adds more support and credibility. These factors and others combine to make his words very convincing.
06-10-2023, What can we learn from Paul’s attitude about being a prisoner for the Lord?
As with Paul, believers were all once prisoners of this world, servants of this world. We have responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit who has given us the power to see and turn from the insanity of this evil world.
Turn our backs to the world, surrendered our will to God, and now moment by moment, daily choose to live obedient to His will over our own as we are transformed into the image of Christ who dwells in our hearts.
We have chosen to confine ourselves to living according to God’s will, the greater our confinement to this, the more like Christ we become, the more like Christ we become, the greater confinement we seek.
We now live in a cycle, confining ourselves as prisoners of Christ, looking forward to the day we will be fully sanctified.
Colossians 2:6, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 2.14-15, Romans 8:29. Romand 9:20-21
Ron,
Thanks! Your description of the process is quite accurate. Sometimes it is hard to live “moment by moment,” as we endure attacks from the minions of the evil one. Thank God for God and his Son, Jesus Christ, by whom we are saved and by whose power through the Holy Spirit we can live each day — even when we don’t feel our best.
Amen!