Presented January 15, 2005
THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD
Ephesians 3:10
In Ephesians 3:1-12 Paul makes reference to the mystery of God which he has been afforded the opportunity to make known to all. The word mystery is from a Greek word that means a hidden thing, not obvious to the understanding. (Thayer) While that sounds like the same as our word, mystery or mysterious, in the English language, as it is used in the Bible it usually means that which cannot be understood by mortals without the help of God, i.e. to those whom it is revealed to. (Thayer, WS Dictionary, Vine’s) In our text, Paul notes that the mystery had been revealed to him and he made it known to those he was writing to. In vs. 6 he reveals what that mystery was (or involved), “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.” This was the message Paul was given to preach. In vs. 8-10 he notes that “this grace” was given to him to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to explain the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning had been hidden in God. While it was hidden, in vs. 10 Paul notes that God’s intent was “that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church.” Today we want to talk about this.
First, let us notice that the word manifold means, “varied” or “abounding in variety”, meaning that God’s wisdom in broad and all encompassing. Second let us notice that His manifold wisdom is made known by the church. There are some who see in this verse a mandate for the church to proclaim God’s manifold wisdom. While the church certainly is involved in supporting the preaching of the gospel (1 Tim. 3:15 – it is the pillar and ground of truth) that is not what is meant in this verse. What this verse is saying is that the church IS a demonstration of the manifold wisdom of God. So how is the manifold wisdom of God revealed in His church?
I. It is revealed in its origin
a.
In our context both before and after this verse
mention is made of this being a part of God’s eternal plans. VS. 9 speaks of
the “fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the ages has been
hidden in God.
Vs. 11 says, according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
Thus the church was NOT an accident or an afterthought, but rather a part of
God’s plans from the beginning.
b.
We know that the church was prophesied of in the Old
Testament.
Isaiah 2:2-3 speaks of the latter days in which Lord’s house would be
established. Micah 4:1-3.
NOTE that this prophecy pinpointed
1. Time of establishment – the “last days”
2. What was to be established – “the mountain of” the Lord’s house
3. Place of establishment – Zion (Jerusalem)
4. Extent of blessings – “all nations, many people would flow unto it.
Daniel 2:44 pinpointed the time to the Roman Empire (based on the 4 kingdom in
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.)
Also Joel 2:32 - Acts 2 records the fulfillment or culmination of these
prophecies.
c.
Even during the ministry of Jesus, the church
(kingdom) was presented as being “at hand” but not yet here.
1. John the Baptist preached that - Matthew 3:2
2. Jesus taught that – Matthew 4:17 – the kingdom of heaven is at hand. See
also Matthew 16:18 and Mark 9:1, etc.
d.
In addition to this, the time for His coming was
perfect. Galatians 4:4 refers to it as “the fullness of time.” Consider that
during that time frame there was:
1. A universal empire providing the ability to travel freely from province to
province
2. A roadway system that made travel within the empire more easily abailable
3. A universal language making it easier to preach
4. Universal peace – generally, the kingdom had been subdued and without fear
of imminent war, they could live their lives in peace
5. Synagogues were in existence providing a ready audience wherever the first
century. And there was heightened expectation for the coming of their messiah
(who did come but they rejected).
e. ALL of these factors show that God had a hand (and manifold wisdom) in the timing of the beginning of the church.
II. It is revealed in its organization
a. The organization of church is simple – local, autonomous and independent.
i. Paul and Barnabas went everywhere, “appointing elders in every church” – Acts 14:23
ii. Paul instructed the elders at Ephesus to shepherd the flock “among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” – Acts 20:28
iii. Even the 7 churches of Asia recorded in Revelation 2-3 demonstrated this concept of independence. Each church answered DIRECTLY to the Lord who held their lamp stand (their light). Each church had its unique circumstances that were addressed. Yet they all had the same standard that they were measured by “hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
b. When man was not satisfied with this simple pattern, he stated adding to it – with churches pooling their resources, surrendering local oversight and other innovations. The result is hundreds of denominations each teaching different concepts about everything in the Bible. And within a denomination there is bureaucracy, often times the need to expand operations to raise revenues to manage their “works”. Whenever there is scandal (such as the Catholic church), the entire organizational structure is affected and often times damaged.
c. Even among churches of Christ we are seeing more and more violations of God’s pattern – in every area of the work we are to do.
d. But God’s plan for His church reveals a wisdom that is often too simple for man to accept.
III. It is revealed in its worship
a. God’s plan for worship involves the heart in everything we do. (John 4:24) It may not be the most spectacular acts, but in its simplicity – it focuses EVERY member on God and Christ.
b. It involves simple acts that everyone can participate in, anywhere in the world.
i. You don’t have to play an instrument or be a great singer to glorify God in song. In fact the ONLY instrument God is concerned about is your heart – Ephesians 5:19.
ii. Prayers are offered to God in reverence – 1 Corinthians 14:15
iii. The Lord’s Supper is taken each Sunday by all saints present – Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:26
iv. Saints lay by in store as they have prospered – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:8-9. No elaborate collections schemes, tithing, etc.
v. Preaching that is straight from God’s word – not some elaborate, theatrical production – 1 Timothy 4:13, etc.
c. Man has made this more elaborate as well. Appealing to the aesthetic nature in all they do including their buildings. The so-called mega-churches are known for their upbeat, contemporary worship services with rock bands, celebrity testimonials, etc.
d. Yet in God’s word – His wisdom instructed first century Christians as to HOW to worship Him. And some 2000+ years later, we CAN worship Him the same way.
IV. It is revealed in its unity
a. In the book of Ephesians Paul has called for unity. In teaching about the “mystery” he notes that ALL are equal in Christ. After dealing with God’s revealed mystery, Paul urged that everyone work together doing his share so that the body will grow (4:16).
b. As you study the church in the New Testament, every word picture calls for unity: Family, kingdom, body, bride, vineyard, fold, etc.
c. Jesus told His disciples that the way we demonstrate that we belong to Him is by “having love one for another” – John 13:35. Later He prayed for this unity – John 17:21.
d. AND even though, every church is independent and autonomous, we will ALL be judged by the same standard. While we can recognize brethren in other places, it ought to be on the basis of a willingness to speak only as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).
e. Understand that God’s simple plan for unity calls for unity FIRST in attitude which will produce unity in doctrine – Philippians 2:1-4, Ephesians 4:14, etc.
V. It is revealed in its terms of admission
a. In the church God created one plan for all mankind. All enter the church the same way – as they are saved. Acts 2:47, 1 Corinthians 12:13. It matters not you social status, your financial status, your nationality, your ethnicity, your gender, your educational level, or your past. We are all saved the same way and we can all do what God demands. Galatians 3:27
b. God’s plan can be satisfied ANYWHERE in the world. H-B-R-C-B. All can believe. Anywhere there is water you can be baptized
Truly, the manifold wisdom of God is seen in His church. Since the church demonstrates His wisdom, are you willing to submit to Him in obedience and become a part of His body? Why not do so today?
(Based on a lesson by David Padfield)