Introduction

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's truly a blessing to gather with you all today, to bask in the divine presence of our Lord, and to share His illuminating Word. The fellowship we share in this sacred space, the unity we find in Christ, is indeed a profound mystery, a divine secret that has been revealed to us through God's grace.

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "There is a power in God's gospel beyond all description." How true that is, dear brothers and sisters, and how blessed we are to experience the power of the gospel in our congregation.

Today, we turn to the Epistle to the Ephesians, specifically to chapter 3, verses 1 to 13. The Apostle Paul writes:

Mystery Manifested in the Church

Isn't it amazing, dear friends, how the mystery of unity in Christ, once hidden, has now been revealed to us? Isn't it humbling to know that we, as the church, are called to make known the manifold wisdom of God? Today, we will reflect on this mystery manifested in the church, the meaning of this mystery in Ephesians, and the mission derived from this mystery.

The beauty of the church, dear friends, lies in its divine design. God, in His infinite wisdom, has chosen the church as the vessel to reveal the mystery of unity in Christ. This mystery, once hidden, is now manifested in the church, in us, as we come together as one body in Christ.

A reflection of His heart for unity: Just as the body is made up of many parts, each with its own function, so too is the church. Each of us, with our unique gifts and talents, plays a vital role in the body of Christ. We are not just a random collection of individuals. We are a body, intricately woven together by the hand of God, functioning as one for His glory.

A testament to God's love and grace: It breaks down barriers and builds bridges. It brings together people from different walks of life, different cultures, and different backgrounds, and unites them under the banner of Christ. This is the mystery of unity in Christ, manifested in the church.

Now, let's look at the manifestation of this mystery in the church from different angles.

First: We see the mystery manifested in the way the church functions as a body. The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church in 1 Corinthians 12. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. Each part of the body has a specific function, and all the parts need each other to function properly. Similarly, each member of the church has a specific role to play, and we all need each other to fulfill the mission of the church.

Second: The mystery is manifested in the way the church reflects the unity of the Trinity. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are distinct, yet they are one. They function in perfect unity. The church, made up of many members, is called to reflect this divine unity. Despite our differences, we are called to function as one, just as the Trinity functions as one.

Third: The mystery is manifested in the way the church is a foretaste of the heavenly reality. The unity we experience in the church is a glimpse of the perfect unity we will experience in heaven. In Revelation 7:9, John gives us a picture of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. The church, in its unity, gives us a taste of this heavenly reality.

Fourth: The mystery is manifested in the way the church is a witness to the world. Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that all believers may be one, so that the world may believe that the Father has sent Him. The unity of the church is a powerful witness to the world of God's love and grace. It is a testament to the power of the gospel to bring together people from all walks of life and unite them in Christ.

Meaning of the Mystery in Ephesians

As we continue our reflection on the mystery revealed in Ephesians, we find ourselves drawn to the profound implications of this divine secret ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO