Kingdom Tension Part 7
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Tension,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
This week in our ‘Kingdom Tension’ series, we are going to talk more about what it means to be the church and how the mission of the church places us on the front lines of the spiritual battle.
Ephesians 3:10-11 (NIV)
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The church is not just a place where Christians get together on Sundays or in their neighborhoods. The church is God’s chosen vessel through which He displays His manifold wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.
God is revealing something not only to the world, but to unseen spiritual forces. This means that the church’s goals are more than just helping people or improving them as individuals. It is spiritual warfare. We are on the front lines of a cosmic battle between light and darkness, truth and deception, life and death.
What, then, is “the church”? The church is not a place or a brand. It is a group of people who have been called, forgiven, and brought together in Christ. We are His body, His family, and His servants here on earth.
Then, what is “the manifold wisdom of God”? The word “manifold” (Ï€oλυπoίκιλος) literally means “many colors” or “rich in different ways.” God is not flat or one-dimensional in his wisdom; it is varied, dynamic, and deeply rich. It’s seen in His plan of redemption, His power to unite Jews and Gentiles, and His ability to transform broken lives into a unified, grace-filled community. The church becomes a living testimony of that wisdom.
But who are the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms”? Paul is referring to spiritual beings, such as angels and demons, which have an impact on the spiritual environment of our world.
What can we do to share this knowledge? Not with human strength or smarts, but by following our mission. By living as the church—true to our purpose, united in love, and rooted in truth—we demonstrate to the world that God’s plan is at work and that He will prevail through Christ.
This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.