How can the church demonstrate God's wisdom to "rulers and authorities"? The Verse at the Center “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 3:10) Who Are the “Rulers and Authorities”? • Ephesians 1:21; 6:12 and Colossians 1:16 point to spiritual beings—angelic and demonic—yet earthly leaders also watch the church (Acts 26:26; 1 Peter 2:12). Both learn about God through the church. What Is “Manifold Wisdom”? • “Manifold” means richly varied, multicolored. • 1 Corinthians 1:24 identifies Christ Himself as “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The church showcases that wisdom. Six Ways the Church Displays God’s Wisdom 1. Gospel Reconciliation • Ephesians 2:14-16—Christ unites Jew and Gentile. • Every worldly barrier comes down inside the body, proving the cross works. 2. Spirit-Empowered Unity • Ephesians 4:3—“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” • Unity under one Lord silences the enemy (John 17:23). 3. Holy, Counter-Cultural Living • Titus 2:11-12—grace teaches us to deny ungodliness. • A pure, honest congregation shows God’s commands are good (Philippians 2:15). 4. Self-Sacrificing Love • John 13:34-35—love marks true disciples. • Forgiving, persevering love reveals the Father’s heart (1 Corinthians 13). 5. Orderly Use of Spiritual Gifts • 1 Peter 4:10—serve one another with your gifts. • Diverse members functioning as one body display divine design (Romans 12:4-6). 6. Persistent Prayer & Spiritual Warfare • Ephesians 6:18—pray in the Spirit on all occasions. • A praying, armored church enforces the defeat of evil powers (Ephesians 6:12-13). Practical Steps for Every Congregation • Build cross-cultural friendships and share meals. • Teach sound doctrine and live it consistently (James 3:17). • Resolve conflicts biblically and quickly (Matthew 18:15-17). • Share testimonies of changed lives (1 Timothy 1:16). • Gather faithfully for worship and the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Result Rulers and authorities—seen and unseen—observe undeniable proof that God’s eternal purpose in Christ is wise, powerful, and unstoppable (Ephesians 3:11). |
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