Pondering on Ephesians 3:8-13 - What is the purpose of the Church?

Pondering for August 23 – The purpose of the Church – Ephesians 3:8-13

Key Memory Verse:  Ephesians  3:10 NASB - "10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places."

Application:  We should boldly and confidently pray and live knowing that God’s eternal kingdom purpose is being worked out through us.

Eph 3:8-13 NASB - "8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of the Messiah, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things;

10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities[1] in the heavenly places.

11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose, which He carried out in Messiah Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory."

I.  The task of the church is to teach the unfathomable riches of the Messiah Jesus.

            A.  Unfathomable riches of the Messiah Jesus

B.  Mystery

C.  Manifold wisdom

II.  Why?  What does this accomplish?

            A. Gives God glory before the angels of heaven

            B. Gives God glory before the fallen angels

            C.  This fulfills the eternal purpose of God in creation

III. Application –

            A.  Boldness

            B.  Confidence.

            C.  Don’t lose heart. 

Notes

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[1] Col 2:13-15 NASB - "13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."

Eph 6:12 NASB - "12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."

1Pe 3:21-22 NASB - "21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him."