It's Time to Get to Work

Have you ever signed up for something you didn’t fully understand, only to realize later it was a lot more work than you expected? Following Jesus is a little like that. It’s bigger, deeper, and more meaningful than we could ever imagine. And it requires more from us than we often realize.

In this week's message from our Thrive Together series, we explored Ephesians 3:1-13, the challenge is simple but powerful: We are called to be good stewards of the mystery of the Gospel. And it’s time to get to work.

Protect the Mystery (Ephesians 3:1-6)

Paul begins by talking about "the mystery," something hidden for generations but now revealed...that Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise of Jesus Christ. The Gospel isn’t just for a select few. It’s good news for everyone. God’s plan was never to create an exclusive club. It was to build a family.

Paul understood himself as a steward of this message. It wasn’t enough for him to simply believe it. He felt responsible to protect it, cultivate it, and pass it on faithfully. We’re called to do the same. In a world full of division and distortion, we must protect the unity and clarity of the Gospel, living and proclaiming that Jesus is for everyone.

Protecting the mystery means living like the Gospel really is good news for the whole world, not just for people who look, act, and think like us.

Grow Your Gift (Ephesians 3:7-9)

Paul didn’t see his ministry as a reward. He saw it as a gift and a calling he didn’t deserve but was entrusted with. And he didn’t sit back and wait until he felt "worthy." He grew into it. He prepared. He learned. He put in the work.

You don’t have to be perfect to get started. You just have to be willing.

God has given each of us gifts, talents, and passions for a reason. And He wants us to grow them, not for our own glory, but to advance the Gospel. If you’ve been stuck in "I’m not good enough" mode, it’s time to shift gears. We're not saved because we are holy, we are made holy because we are saved.

You were saved for a purpose. It’s time to start growing into it.

Move with Courage (Ephesians 3:10-13)

Paul reminds us that the church isn’t just on display to the world, it’s on display to the spiritual powers and authorities as well. Your faithfulness matters. Your courage matters. Your perseverance matters. Your faith isn’t just about you. It’s a cosmic testimony to God’s eternal plan. Even when it’s hard. Even when the cost is high. Even when you feel like giving up...move with courage.

If you’re walking a hard road right now, remember, God’s not wasting your struggle. You may be impacting lives in ways you can’t even see yet. And if you’re not facing hardship right now, don’t get complacent. The mission is too important. It’s time to get off the sidelines and get to work.

Your Invitation

Are you ready to get to work?

The Gospel isn’t a secret anymore. The mystery has been revealed. And now, it’s our job to carry it forward with faith, with humility, and with boldness.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Are you living like the Gospel is truly for everyone?

• Are you growing the gifts God has placed in your life?

• Are you moving forward with courage, even when it’s hard?

Want to go deeper? Watch the full sermon here:

Called to the Mystery | Mt. Olive Church

The mission is too important. The time is now. Let’s get to work.