What We Need to Do (2)

Summary: Paul describes himself as someone unexpectedly chosen for an important mission: to share the good news of Christ with people who were once outside the covenant community. He explains that God entrusted him with revealing a long-hidden plan - that all people, regardless of background, are invited into God’s family with equal standing. This revelation displays God’s wisdom not only to humanity but even to the spiritual realm. Paul sees his work as part of God’s eternal purpose carried out through Christ. Because of this purpose, believers can approach God with confidence and assurance. Paul then encourages them not to feel discouraged by his difficulties, because his suffering is actually serving their benefit and strengthening their faith.   Teaching: Every worker of the church — and what we call “church work” — is ultimately about proclaiming the gospel. And the fruit of the church’s work is winning people to Christ. The “administration of the mystery” in verse 9 refers to salvation itself. God’s plan is to bring salvation to the whole world. The church must not move in the same direction as the world. The role of the church is to stand above the world and transform it. Some people place the church on the same level as the world and claim that the church must learn from the world, but if the church is the body of Christ, and if it is the place where the mysteries and purposes of Christ are richly revealed, then it should be the world that learns from the church. Therefore, the church must remain centered on Christ. When a church loses its focus on Jesus and instead argues that the church should be this way or that way, that is the work of the devil. Within the church, everything must be rooted in Christ, and the words of Christ Jesus are the source of all wisdom. We must learn from Him, and through that wisdom carry out God’s purpose to transform the world. And this work — regardless of structure or system — is ultimately about leading people to faith in Jesus; that is the work of God. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Apr 1, 2026 Ephesians 3:8-13