#1432. The church is to reveal God’s great wisdom (16/1/26)
- Matt Beaney
- Jan 16
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
In the previous verses, we saw how each of us, like Paul, is called to make God’s mystery and wisdom known through our words.
From Ephesians 3:10-13, we see that it’s not only what we say, but who we are together, as the church, that reveals His wisdom to the world.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.’ (Ephesians 3:10-13)
1. God’s intent for the church
Paul reveals that God has a clear purpose for His church:
‘His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known…’
The church is not an afterthought - it is central to God’s plan. Together, we are called to display His wisdom to the world and the spiritual realm. Our purpose must always be defined by Scripture, not by tradition or preference.
2. The church displays the manifold wisdom of God
The word manifold (Greek: polupoikilos) means multifaceted or richly varied. God’s wisdom is shown in the unity and love of a diverse people - Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rich and poor - all made one in Christ.
Our relationships are to demonstrate that wisdom. In a divided world, the church’s loving unity should shine brightly, showing that Jesus alone breaks down barriers. As Paul later urges:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
When we prioritise unity and love, we tell the world a story of reconciliation that words alone cannot express.
3. Our unity speaks to heaven and earth
Surprisingly, Paul tells us that this witness isn’t just for people - it’s also for the unseen world:
‘…to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.’
These “rulers” refer to demonic powers. They thought Christ’s death was their victory, yet the cross and the church reveal their defeat. Every act of love, unity, and perseverance in the church declares that Jesus reigns and evil is finished.
4. Don’t be discouraged
Paul closes by reminding his readers not to lose heart over his, and their, sufferings. God’s plan is still unfolding, and even Paul’s imprisonment serves that purpose. His hardships lead to the glory and growth of the church.
Paul is encouraging them to see the bigger picture - God’s great plan. Yes, he and they may suffer for their faith, however, God is at work to reveal the wisdom of the cross and His great plan to restore and unite all things.
Paul is prepared to suffer anything in order to help others to know the gospel - that:
‘Through faith in him [in Jesus] we may approach God with freedom and confidence.’
In fact, Paul’s willingness to suffer, he describes as, their ‘glory’ - better translated as ‘for your glory’. In other words, he, like Jesus, is sacrificially serving God for the good and growth of God’s people.
Like Paul, we should understand that any selflessness and sacrifice - any personal death - for Christ will, like a seed thrown in the soil, lead to great fruitfulness.
Response
Do we love and serve our church in a way that displays the wisdom of God?
Do we recognise that unity is spiritual warfare - and that Satan hates it?
Are we discouraged by hardship? Let’s remember that God’s glory often grows through suffering.
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
What about the Christmas period and New Year has inspired you in your faith?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
This week, we continues our Ephesians series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 3:1-13, was entitled: The Mystery Revealed and Our Call to Make It Known.
I would love us all to think more on Ephesians together, and so, why not use our Come to Jesus Daily devotions each day; please ensure that everyone knows about, and knows how to access our daily devotions on the church website or other platforms.
Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
Please read Ephesians 3:1-9: What was Paul’s calling from God and how does he demonstrate great faithfulness?
What is the ‘mystery’ now revealed?
Read Ephesians 3:10-13: We are called to reveal the ‘manifold wisdom of God’ together, what does this mean?
How is what Paul says about our access to God in prayer and worship, the heart and springboard of the gospel and making it known?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How does our love make us effective in mission?
How would praying together lead to more effective mission?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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