How can Ephesians 3:21 inspire our daily worship and service to God? Setting the Context of Ephesians 3:21 “to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21) Paul’s doxology crowns the first half of Ephesians with a clear, unchanging goal: God’s glory. It frames every act of worship and service for believers today just as surely as it did for the first‐century church. Seeing God’s Glory as Our Daily Priority • God’s glory is not an abstract concept; it is the rightful spotlight on His character, works, and worth. • Scripture repeatedly fixes our purpose here: – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) – “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name.” (Psalm 29:2) • When Ephesians 3:21 says “in the church and in Christ Jesus,” it reminds us that every believer, united to Christ and gathered in His body, shares this calling. Worship That Fills Every Moment • Worship is far more than a Sunday event; it is a lifestyle response. • Colossians 3:17 urges, “whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Ordinary routines—work, meals, conversations—become holy ground when offered back to God. • Continuous praise keeps our hearts tender and our witness vibrant (Hebrews 13:15). Service Rooted in Christ and the Church • Glory rises from both “in the church” (our gathered ministry) and “in Christ Jesus” (our personal union with Him). • Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies “as living sacrifices… your spiritual service of worship.” • Gifts and abilities find their highest purpose when directed toward building up fellow believers: – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another… so that in all things God may be glorified.” (1 Peter 4:10-11) Generational Vision of Faithfulness • “Throughout all generations” propels us to think past ourselves. • Faithful worship and service today cultivate a spiritual legacy—children, neighbors, and new believers who will in turn magnify His name. • Psalm 78:4 models this heartbeat: “We will not hide them from their children; we will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD.” Living Forever-Minded Today • “Forever and ever” lifts our eyes to eternity, steadying us when service feels unnoticed or hard. • John 15:8 assures us that fruit borne now echoes into eternity, bringing the Father glory. • Holding the eternal perspective guards us from burnout and fuels joyful perseverance. Practical Steps to Keep Glory Central 1. Begin each day by reading a short passage and intentionally ascribing glory to God for specific attributes revealed there. 2. Memorize Ephesians 3:21; recite it when transitioning between tasks to realign your heart. 3. Evaluate weekly activities: which ones uniquely display God’s character of love, holiness, or truth? Lean into those. 4. Serve in at least one church ministry that exercises your spiritual gifts, remembering His glory is manifested “in the church.” 5. Share one testimony each week—at home, work, or online—highlighting how God met you. This passes glory to “all generations.” 6. When discouraged, read Revelation 5:13-14 to glimpse the unending chorus of glory and renew present resolve. Conclusion: A Life Echoing “Amen” Ephesians 3:21 ends with “Amen,” a confident affirmation that God’s glory is certain. Joining that “Amen” daily—through wholehearted worship and faithful service—aligns our lives with heaven’s constant refrain and lets His radiant glory shine through us here and now. |