Introduction
Today, we will look at some Bible verses where Paul discusses topics that might be new or confusing to many people. Some people know about Jewish history, but most of us don’t. So, let's take some time to answer some basic questions about Judaism in the New Testament to help us understand what Paul is saying. 

Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 3:1-9 (New Living Translation)

"When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning."

Explanation and Reflection
This text is all about two things: the Gospel is for everyone, and we need to share it.

1. The Sacrifice to Reach Others
   Paul talks about how his ministry landed him in prison. Prison! What was the last big sacrifice you made to reach others? What has sharing the Gospel cost you? The reality is that if you share the Gospel, it creates waves, and those waves usually cost you something.
2. The Responsibility to Reach Others
   In our lives, we all have responsibilities. Some people are parents. Some people are employees or bosses. Everyone has responsibilities to friends. We all have roles, and those roles require something from us. If you are a follower of Christ, one of your roles is that of an evangelist. Paul calls this his “special responsibility.” Your special responsibility today is to share your faith. It’s not optional. It’s not when you feel like it. It’s not when it’s convenient. To follow Christ means to reach others with His message.
3. The Privilege to Reach Others
   Paul says, “I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.” When we talk about responsibilities, we also need to talk about privilege. Sharing the Gospel may be hard, but it’s not a burden—it’s a privilege. We are not handing someone bad news that we must; we are handing someone good news that should be a joy. Sometimes we treat sharing the Gospel with another person as if we are giving them a shot of medicine. It’s good for you, but it's hard, and that hurt is the primary thing you will experience. The way of Jesus is a good experience in the next life, but it’s also a good experience in the here and now because it ultimately leads to human flourishing. Therefore, the Gospel is an honor to share.
4. The Humility to Reach Others
   If we are being honest, the hardest thing about sharing the Gospel is usually not about others but about us. Pride gets the best of us. We think things like, “I don’t know what to say. I will look stupid. I don’t want to rock the boat. I don’t think they will ever come around,” and the list goes on. The greatest obstacle to sharing our faith is usually ourselves. Insecurity is a real problem. We are all social beings. We all want to fit in and be accepted. This is a God-given social reflex, but it is something Satan uses against us when it comes to sharing our faith. Most people are okay with us talking about our faith as long as we are gentle, kind, and thoughtful. Yes, there are wrong and harmful ways to do it. Yet if we lead with questions, listen well, show patience, and walk in humility, many people are receptive.

Build genuine, loving relationships with people far from Christ. Then, listen carefully for the Spirit’s prompting when to share. If we have “ears to hear and eyes to see,” God will often reveal opportunities. Those opportunities will usually be messy, uncomfortable, and imperfect. However, God usually does His most remarkable work in unlikely people and situations.

Question of the Day
Here's a question for you to think about and apply:
What’s the biggest obstacle that keeps you from sharing your faith? How can you overcome it?