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. Ephesians 3:8
We are currently in a series called Treasure Hunt. When I think of the phrase "treasure hunt," I think about children going on treasure hunts with their siblings or friends, hoping to be the first to come across a special hidden treasure. Children are not the only people who hunt for treasure. Adults certainly hunt for treasure, too. Their treasure hunts just look a little bit different. Adults pursue treasures such as careers, relationships, or financial goals and believe that these treasures will bring fulfillment and purpose. The truth is, however, that none of these things that can be viewed as treasures will actually fulfill us. Scripture makes it clear that Jesus is the treasure everyone has been looking for, and only He will bring true fulfillment.
The apostle Paul marveled over the treasure that can be found in Christ in Ephesians 3. In this chapter of Ephesians, he explained, “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” (verse 8). Take a moment to reflect on the truth in this passage of Scripture. There are “endless treasures” available in Christ. Everything we have been hoping for and longing for, my friend, finds its fulfillment in Christ. The longing of every human heart is met in Jesus.
In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul wrote about the treasure that is knowing Christ. He compares his life and what he valued before and after knowing Christ. Before Christ, he was pursuing religious accolades and obedience to Jewish law. After explaining his zeal for religion and accolades before he knew Christ, Paul wrote, "I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ had done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord" (verses 7-8). After Paul met Jesus, what he valued the most became worthless compared to knowing Christ. He found that the treasure he had been searching for was, indeed, Christ.
Still today, Jesus is the treasure. There is nothing greater than Him. He fulfills every longing of every human heart. He deserves every ounce of our time, attention, and affection.
Memorize Philippians 3:7. Let this verse come to mind often. As you reflect on the truth that Jesus is the treasure and everything is worthless compared to Him, pray a prayer of praise to Him, praising Christ for who He is and all He has done for us.
Philippians 3:1-11
1Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!
5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
©2024 Sagebrush Church
