THE MANIFOLD WISDOM OF GOD To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory (Ephesians 3:10-13) Verse 10: Principalities … powers - Angels, both holy and unholy (Ephesians 1:21; 6:12; Colossians 1:16). God, through the church manifests His glory to all the angels. The holy angels rejoice (Luke 15:10; 1 Peter 1:12) because they are involved with the church (1 Corinthians 11:10; Hebrews 1:14). Although they have no desire or capacity to praise God, even fallen angels see the glory of God in the salvation and preservation of the church. In the heavenly places - As in Ephesians 1:3; 6:12, this refers to the entire realm of spiritual beings. Verse 11: The eternal purpose - The supreme purpose of the church is to glorify God, which includes the displaying of His wisdom (v. 10) before the angels, who then honor Him with even greater praise. Verse 12: Boldness and access - Every person who comes to Christ in faith can come before God at any time, not in self-confidence but in Christ-confidence (Hebrews 4:15, 16). Verse 13: Tribulations … your glory. Through trouble and suffering, God produces glory (Romans 8:18).
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 02:49:09 +0000
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