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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 161

"To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places."

Text: Ephesians 3:10

THE MANY ROLES OF THE CHURCH

What are some of the roles assigned or associated with the Church? The following ministries easily come to mind:-

1. For the purpose of worship.

2. For the purpose of fellowship.

3. For the purpose of instruction and edification.

4. For the purpose of evangelism.

5. For the purpose of ministering to each other’s needs.

6. For the purpose of giving testimony of our identification as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

7. To defend the Christian faith.

8. As the abode of God Himself.

The above are some of the more obvious roles that the Church has been fulfilling from the first day the Church began (Cf. Acts 2).

AN ESPECIALLY GLORIOUS FUNCTION

In this text, the Apostle Paul adds one more role. This role is difficult to fully comprehend, let alone fulfill. Nevertheless, we must take time to ponder this special role assigned.

“Be made known by the Church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places”

This text is truly profound! How should the church go about fulfilling this? How may the Church make known the manifold wisdom of God to the “principalities and powers in the heavenly places”? Let us ponder the following thoughts. Two may be highlighted:-

1. The Church must seek to understand all that God intended it to be

The church must first seek to understand how God has blessed it (Cf. Ephesians 1), how God has designed all believers to share in Christ’s inheritance (Cf. Ephesians 2-3)

2. The Church must seek to practise all that God meant it to fulfil

a) The Church has potential power way beyond its comprehension. The Jerusalem Church is the most classic example of what one little body of believers can fulfil with the fullness of blessing from God.
b) The powerful and fruitful Church sends the strongest message that will reach to the heavenly places. The angels in heaven rejoice while Satan and his demons glare with hatred at the Church of God.