Notes
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20
God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:10-11
God is able, but we have to be willing participants. It's not just about what God does through each of us individually, but how He works through us collectively. God's work in us isn't only for other people; it's a display of His power even to unseen spiritual forces. This means our lives are like a showcase for God’s glory, far beyond what we can see.
Just like stores use displays to highlight their products, God uses the Church to showcase His power and wisdom. He can do more through us than we can ever imagine, but we must align ourselves with His nature—living out the Fruit of the Spirit. When we embrace these qualities, we truly become God’s display to the world and beyond.
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:9
We’ve been called by God’s mighty power to walk out in this world and be a shining light in spite of the evil one. The hope of the world is the local church coming together to be a display of God’s goodness and power. Our calling is not just a personal mission; it’s a shared purpose where together, we reveal God’s light.
Sometimes we fight the wrong battles, focusing our anger on people instead of understanding the real spiritual battle. We are a display to a big audience. For example, when we worship, we are worshiping to an audience of one, but it’s playing to an audience of many. Not just people, but the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavens are watching, too. Worship at all times, in all situations.
The Church is about unification. The reason the grandness of God isn’t being exposed in full is because people are unwilling to unify, despite our differences. The Spirit of God unifies us around one purpose; the Church is built on the foundation of Jesus, and through the gifts He gives us, we are a light in not only our community, but in the spiritual realm as well.
In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.
Luke 15:10
Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Matthew 16:18
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:14-16
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Psalm 139:13-16
When a person comes to Jesus, the heavens applaud, hell trembles, and the world around us changes. God values diversity, and through our varied gifts, He displays His wisdom. It’s not on our shoulders to be the light in the world by ourselves. All of the weight isn’t on just one of us. We have a responsibility to use our gift, but to use it alongside others so that together, we are the light of the world. As we discover and use our gifts, we fulfill the purpose for which God uniquely created us.
Group Questions
- What does it mean for us to be part of God's display in both the seen and unseen realms?
- How can we collectively embody the Fruit of the Spirit to better reflect God’s character to the world?
- How does unity among believers help us fulfill God’s purpose? What are some ways we can strive for greater unity?
- How does knowing that your actions are seen by both people and spiritual forces impact the way you live and worship?
Prayer
Thank you for calling us to be your Church and for empowering us through the Holy Spirit. Help us to live in unity with one another, using our gifts to display your power and wisdom to our world and beyond. Let us shine your light together, fulfilling your purpose with faith and love.