Notes
God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth… The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
Ephesians 1:9-10, 14
God has entrusted His Church with authority to push back the darkness on Earth. Every believer in Jesus has a guarantee—the gift of the Holy Spirit—so that we can bring honor and glory to God. One of the most powerful ways we can do this is by actively participating in the work of the local church, using the gifts God has given us.
God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefi t of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fi lls all things everywhere with himself.
Ephesians 1:22-23
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
What are these good things God created us to do? To live under His authority, be a light in the world, and bring His presence to earth.
This is how we begin to participate:
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every eff ort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”
Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.
Ephesians 4:1-9
We are called by our Creator for a purpose: to fill the world with the presence of God by participating in His work. Paul, a Jewish man, was called to bring the Good News to the Gentiles. The reason many of us sit here today hearing this message is because Paul embraced his calling.
To discover who God made you to be, you have to get in the game. You can’t know what you’re supposed to do if you’re always sitting on the sidelines. Find your spiritual gifts by engaging with the work God has called you to do. Use your gifts purposefully and wisely.
We have the power to speak truth through heavenly love. When someone goes astray, we can gently remind them that repentance brings them back under the authority of the living God. Unity, not division, is the attitude of the Kingdom. We are here for one purpose: to announce who Jesus is and bring His presence into the world.
Expect change because of the Church. It’s through God’s power working in us that transformation happens. When His presence fills the universe, darkness must flee.
Group Questions
- In Ephesians 1:9-10, God’s plan is revealed through Christ. How does knowing this plan impact the way you live out your faith?
- The church is Christ’s body. What does it mean to be a part of this body?
- How can you use your spiritual gifts in the church, and how can you continue to develop them?
- How can we expect change to happen through the power of the Church, and what can we do to align ourselves with this mission?
Prayer
Thank you for involving us in your plan through Jesus and for the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to shine your light in the world. Help us to step into our calling in love using the gifts you have given us. We want to bring your presence into the world and work with each other to push back darkness.