IF
THE CHURCH IS WHATEVER WE WANT IT TO BE,
IT
REALLY ISN’T ANYTHING
Ephesians 3:8-11
The book of Ephesians is the epistle whose
purpose most especially deals with the nature of the church. Contrary to
contemporary belief, however, the message of Ephesians speaks unmistakably to
the point that the church has a definite, God-given identity. As we examine the
administration
that is the church, let us note carefully both its importance and its
character.
AN ADMINISTRATION
SUITABLE TO THE FULNESS OF THE TIMES (EPH. 1:10)
1. An administration.
a. Literally,
“house law.”
b. God’s
household
or home
is the church (I Tim. 3:15; I Pet. 2:5; Eph. 2:19-22).
c. In
short, there is a specific conduct required in God’s house (Eph. 4:1).
2. Suitable
to the
fulness of the times
a. The
church age is the age of the fulness of the times (Gal. 4:4-6).
b. The
church reflects both the purpose of the ages, and the stewardship
appropriate for the age of the ages (Eph. 3:11, 21).
c. The
church is suitable
for the last earthly age, the age where all God’s work has been
summed up in Christ (Eph. 1:10b; Matt. 28:18; II Cor. 1:20).
THE MANIFOLD WISDOM
OF GOD (EPH. 3:8-11)
1. The
church, when properly configured and correctly functioning, is a truly
wonderful sight (Matt. 5:13-16; Eph. 5:25-27).
2. We
might then well ask, “ Is the world marveling?”
3. What
would promote such a appreciation of the church?
THE CHURCH AS GOD
WANTS IT TO BE
1. Called
for a practical purpose (Eph. 1:4; I Pet. 3:8-9).
2. A
people of wisdom and knowledge (Eph. 1:17).
3. The
one body
where Jesus’ authority is truly respected and where His fulness finds its
genuine expression (Eph. 1:22-23; cf. Eph. 2:14-16; 4:4).
4. The
people that are God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10).
5. Those
who can experience amazing things (Eph. 3:20-21).
6. A
church that has both turned from sin and turned to Jesus (Eph. 4:17, 20-24;
5:1).
7. A
fellowship who make the most of their time (Eph. 5:15-16).
8. Disciples
who transform relationships (Eph. 5:21, 22, 25; 6:1, 4, 5, 9).
9. Christians
who are fully armed (Eph. 6:10-17).
When we have a look at God’s great plan for
the church we are surely struck by its godly character and lofty lifestyle. If
it did not have this singular identity, it could not represent the God whose
nature it is to reflect. If the church is merely whatever we want it to be, it
really isn’t anything. If, however, the church is what God wants it to be, it
demonstrates, even to the heavenly realms, the manifold wisdom of the Father.
It would be a shame if we allowed the church to be nothing of true consequence
when it is possible for it to abundantly exceed even our highest expectations.
The suitability
of the church for this the age of the ages, is God’s blessing to the
world, but it is the responsibility of Christians to bring it to life in
practical reality.
Edwin
11/12/00
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