Ephesians (W5D4) God's Intent
Week 5. Thursday: God’s Intent
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: Ephesians 3:10-11
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 that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
Intent (Greek: hina): so that, in order that, for the purpose of
Through the Church (Greek: dia ekklēsia): the gathering/assembly of God’s people
Manifold Wisdom (Greek: polypoikilos sophia): much varied supreme intelligence
God’s wisdom is foolish to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 1:19).
God’s wisdom is perfect because His ways are supreme.
God’s uses His church to reveal His wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:21, 30).
Also see 1 Corinthians 2:1-7.
Made Known (Greek: gnōrizō): to gain knowledge of, to know thoroughly
Eternal Purpose (Greek: aiōn prothesis): unbroken and everlasting plan
Grace was God’s plan from eternity (2 Timothy 1:9).
Our purpose is always subject to God’s purpose.
Accomplished (Greek: poieō): carried out, brought to completion
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
According to this passage, God’s plan before the beginning of time was to save and use His people to display His wisdom and purpose. God’s way of displaying His purpose and power is through His church. Therefore, our purpose in gathering together as the people of God is to learn and live out the wisdom of God.
Do you consider yourself a wise person? Why or why not?
How can you display godly wisdom in your life?
How does this passage help you understand your purpose?
PRAY: Ask God to help learn and live out a life of godly wisdom.
