Ephesians 3:8–11 (NLT) — 8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. 10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
1. The Church is Heaven’s Strategy
- Jesus is building His Church.
- He is the one walking through the lamp stands.
- He is the one preparing a place for the Church.
- He deeply loves the Church; He is committed to the Church.
- The Spirit is empowering the Church.
- He does not fall on an individual, but on a people.
- He is filling the church with His presence, putting gifts within people, and working within the church.
- The Father is using the Church like a Master Carpenter uses a tool.
- The Father is using the Church to demonstrate His glory.
- He wants the unseen rulers to see His wisdom, His way, and His power.
- The Church is God’s embassy and military fortress.
- God's Embassy: It is where kingdom business is conducted. It is a portal from heaven to earth, representing a different nationality, culture, way of life, and leadership.
- God's Military Fortress: He is using it to wage war against the kingdom of darkness. There is an encampment of God everywhere a church is established.
2. The Strategy has a Process
- Salvation comes
- Sanctuary forms
- Structure builds
- Sending happens
3. The Process involves YOU
- Open your eyes and heart to the role the Lord has for His people, the Church.
- The Church is… the bride of Christ.
- The Church is… the body of Christ on earth.
- The Church is… the embassy of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- The Church is… God’s family is formed by grace.
- The Church is… the pillar and foundation of the truth.
- The Church is… the temple where God chooses to dwell.
- The Church is… the army advancing against the gates of hell.
- The Church is… the lampstand shining light into darkness.
- The Church is… the people called, sent, and empowered by the Spirit.
- The Church is… God’s plan A—and there is no plan B—for reaching the world.
- Devote yourself to what God is doing in the Church.
- Acts 2:42 (NLT) — 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
- See yourself in the process.
- SALVATION - Help the Church reach the lost.
- SANCTUARY - Help the Church provide a resting place for the presence of God and a haven of rest for people.
- STRUCTURE - Look at your own life as a pillar that God wants to build in his house! Each one of us will bring our unique gifts and talents to the table.
- SENDING - This is where the mission really happens. Where is the Lord sending you?