Unity in Christ: The Church's Divine Purpose
Summary
In Ephesians 3, Paul reveals the profound mystery of the Gospel, emphasizing that the Gentiles are now fellow heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. This revelation was hidden for ages but is now made known through the church, showcasing the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Paul, writing from prison, urges believers to focus on the eternal purpose of God rather than his own suffering. He highlights that the church is not merely a place for personal spiritual consumption but a divine instrument to display God's wisdom and unity to the spiritual realm.
Reflecting on this, I realized that my previous understanding of church was limited. I had envisioned it as a place for personal spiritual growth and community, but Paul’s words challenged me to see it as a platform for demonstrating God’s eternal plan. The church is meant to be a living testimony of God’s wisdom, uniting diverse people under Christ’s lordship. This unity is not just for our benefit but serves as a witness to the spiritual forces observing us.
The sermon also delves into the nature of Satan and his influence. Satan, a fallen angel, seeks to disrupt God’s plan by dividing humanity and leading us into sin. However, through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers are cleansed and united by the Holy Spirit, forming one new humanity. This unity is a testament to God’s victory over evil and His plan to restore creation.
As we gather as a church, we are called to live out this unity, demonstrating to the spiritual realm that God’s wisdom and love triumph over division and sin. Our worship and community life should reflect this divine purpose, showing that we are part of God’s grand narrative of redemption.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Mystery of the Gospel: The Gospel reveals that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel, united in Christ. This mystery, hidden for ages, is now revealed through the church, showcasing God's manifold wisdom to the spiritual realm. Our unity in Christ is a testament to God's eternal plan. [09:00]
2. Church as a Divine Instrument: The church is not just a place for personal spiritual growth but a platform to display God's wisdom and unity. It serves as a witness to the spiritual forces, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to unite diverse people under Christ. [13:11]
3. Satan's Limited Knowledge: Satan, a fallen angel, is not omniscient. He seeks to disrupt God's plan by dividing humanity and leading us into sin. However, God's plan, hidden for ages, is revealed through Christ, who unites us by His Spirit. [18:10]
4. Unity in the Spirit: Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are cleansed and united by the Holy Spirit. This unity transcends cultural and national boundaries, forming one new humanity that reflects God's victory over evil. [40:28]
5. Living as a Testimony: Our worship and community life should reflect God's divine purpose, showing that we are part of His grand narrative of redemption. By living in unity, we demonstrate to the spiritual realm that God's wisdom and love triumph over division and sin. [45:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:28] - Introduction to Ephesians 3
- [09:18] - Paul's Mission and Imprisonment
- [10:43] - Rethinking Church
- [12:48] - The Mystery Revealed
- [14:23] - God's Eternal Plan
- [15:18] - The Church's Role
- [18:10] - Understanding Satan
- [20:24] - Satan's Fall
- [22:20] - Spiritual Warfare
- [24:59] - Satan's Influence
- [27:28] - Demons and Spiritual Beings
- [29:39] - The Garden and the Fall
- [32:32] - The Promise of a Deliverer
- [40:28] - Unity in the Spirit
- [45:55] - Living as a Testimony
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 3:1-11
- Isaiah 14:12-15
- Ezekiel 28:12-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul describe as the "mystery" that was revealed to him in Ephesians 3? How does this mystery relate to the Gentiles? [09:00]
2. According to the sermon, what role does the church play in God's eternal plan? How is this different from a common perception of church? [13:11]
3. How does the sermon describe Satan's knowledge and his limitations? What does this imply about his influence? [18:10]
4. What is the significance of the unity among believers as described in the sermon? How does this unity serve as a testament to God's victory? [40:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the revelation of the mystery in Ephesians 3 challenge traditional views of the church's purpose? What implications does this have for how believers should view their role in the church? [13:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Satan attempts to disrupt God's plan? How does this understanding affect the way believers should approach spiritual warfare? [18:10]
3. How does the unity of believers, as described in the sermon, reflect God's manifold wisdom to the spiritual realm? What does this mean for the church's witness to the world? [15:18]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the church's unity and the spiritual forces observing us? How should this influence the way believers live out their faith? [45:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the church. How does the idea of the church as a divine instrument to display God's wisdom challenge or affirm your perspective? [13:11]
2. Consider the ways in which you might have viewed church primarily as a place for personal spiritual growth. How can you shift your focus to see it as a platform for demonstrating God's eternal plan? [11:04]
3. How can you actively contribute to the unity of your church community, knowing that it serves as a testament to God's victory over division and sin? [40:28]
4. In what ways can you be more aware of Satan's attempts to divide and disrupt your spiritual life? How can you strengthen your defenses against these influences? [18:10]
5. Think about a time when you experienced division within a church community. How might understanding the church's role in God's plan have changed your response to that situation? [45:55]
6. How can your worship and community life better reflect God's divine purpose, showing that you are part of His grand narrative of redemption? [45:55]
7. Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate the unity of the Spirit in your interactions with others. How will this action serve as a witness to the spiritual realm? [40:28]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unveiling of the Gospel's Mystery
The Gospel, once a hidden mystery, reveals that Gentiles are now fellow heirs with Israel, united in Christ. This profound truth, long concealed, is now made known through the church, which serves as a testament to God's manifold wisdom. This unity in Christ is not just a human achievement but a divine revelation that showcases God's eternal plan to the spiritual realm. As believers, understanding this mystery calls us to embrace our role in God's grand narrative, living as a unified body that reflects His wisdom and purpose. [09:00]
Ephesians 3:6-10 (ESV): "This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in revealing the mystery of the Gospel in your daily interactions with others, especially those who are different from you?
Day 2: Church as a Manifestation of Divine Wisdom
The church is not merely a venue for personal spiritual growth but a divine instrument to display God's wisdom and unity. It serves as a witness to the spiritual forces, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to unite diverse people under Christ. This understanding challenges believers to rethink their view of the church, seeing it as a platform for God's eternal plan rather than just a place for personal edification. By embracing this role, the church becomes a living testimony of God's wisdom and unity to the world and the spiritual realm. [13:11]
1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to your church's mission of displaying God's wisdom and unity to the world and spiritual realm?
Day 3: Satan's Limited Knowledge and God's Sovereign Plan
Satan, a fallen angel, is not omniscient and seeks to disrupt God's plan by dividing humanity and leading us into sin. However, God's plan, hidden for ages, is revealed through Christ, who unites us by His Spirit. This revelation demonstrates that despite Satan's attempts to thwart God's purposes, the divine plan prevails, showcasing God's sovereignty and wisdom. Believers are called to live in this truth, recognizing that their unity in Christ is a testament to God's victory over evil. [18:10]
Colossians 2:14-15 (ESV): "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty and victory in moments when you feel overwhelmed by division or sin in your life?
Day 4: Unity in the Spirit as a New Humanity
Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are cleansed and united by the Holy Spirit, forming one new humanity that transcends cultural and national boundaries. This unity is a powerful testament to God's victory over evil and His plan to restore creation. As members of this new humanity, believers are called to live out this unity, reflecting God's love and wisdom to the world. This call challenges us to move beyond our differences and embrace our shared identity in Christ. [40:28]
Galatians 3:27-28 (ESV): "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to foster unity within your community, especially with those who are different from you?
Day 5: Living as a Testimony of God's Redemption
Our worship and community life should reflect God's divine purpose, showing that we are part of His grand narrative of redemption. By living in unity, believers demonstrate to the spiritual realm that God's wisdom and love triumph over division and sin. This call to live as a testimony challenges us to align our lives with God's redemptive plan, allowing our actions and relationships to reflect His love and purpose. As we gather as a church, we are reminded of our role in God's story, living as a testament to His victory and grace. [45:55]
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can your daily actions and relationships serve as a testimony to God's redemptive work in your life and the world around you?
Quotes
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus Through The Gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given to me by the working of his power. [00:08:52]
Paul writes these amazing letters from prison and he just says look I've been given a job. God had this plan that just existed forever and now he's chosen me, the worst of the sinners, he's chosen me to be a part of it and that job is to put on display to explain to you the unsearchable riches of Christ. [00:10:16]
So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the Heavenly places. This was according to the Eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord. I know that it's a lot of words, a lot of like things maybe you haven't thought about, maybe even confusing. [00:13:03]
There was a plan of a mystery hidden for ages in God, okay, so there was a plan in God that no one knew about. And Paul's saying look here's this eternal God created the world, Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, they didn't know any of this. The prophets, they didn't know about this. It was hidden in God. [00:13:34]
God's plan was one day I'm going to have the church. No one knew about this. It was hidden in God. He goes one day I'm going to join these people together under the blood of my son. They don't know this yet. And so Paul's saying this was hidden in God for ages. [00:14:20]
Satan is not omniscient. That means all-knowing. Satan is not all-knowing. I think sometimes we just think oh he knows everything, he knows my thoughts. No, he knows what he hears. He's like us, there's a limitation. And same with the demons, they're not omniscient. That's why there were things that were hidden in God. [00:18:07]
Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are cleansed and united by the Holy Spirit. This unity transcends cultural and national boundaries, forming one new humanity that reflects God's victory over evil. Now we're pure in God's eyes, we have his spirit, and now despite our differences, whether it's nationality, you know Jew, Gentile, whatever, it's like it doesn't matter. [00:40:28]
We all have the same spirit and now he created in us one new man and now suddenly we can have fellowship with each other and fellowship with God and it's going back to the garden. And then he says one day like we talked about a couple weeks ago the idea is that people from every nation would join together. [00:40:58]
Church was supposed to display to the rulers and authorities in the Heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God. This whoa you're telling me from Adam to Abraham to Moses all the prophets Jesus all of that came together and and now we are joined. That's why when we take communion sometimes we'll read the Liturgy. [00:44:06]
We want to be a church where in those heavenly Realms God can say, hey have you looked at those guys in EPA not that we're Superior to anyone else. I'm just saying we want to be that group of people that says yeah okay Sam got on my nerves but I don't care. [00:45:25]
I want the angels to see this. I want the demons to see that we're never going to separate because we have the same spirit in US and we're fighting to be one and so if Vince needs anything it's like okay I'll give you the shirt off my back whatever and so the demons look at that and go wow. [00:45:55]
Look at what Christ has done, look at what God's plan was from the beginning, look at the manifold wisdom of God. So I'd like us to just I'd like to close in worship, mercy and here's here's what I want us to do though okay we sang in the beginning and I knew what was coming. [00:46:59]
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