The Manifold Wisdom of God

And so our study in the book of Ephesians continues with Paul discussing how he became the one to take the Gospel out to the ends of the earth:

⁸ Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.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. ¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. ¹³ I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Ephesian 3:8-13

Let’s take that step by step.

Paul after all he had done in persecuting the Church feels he is the least in God’s Kingdom. And yet, through God’s grace, he has this amazing calling of sharing this mystery – the good news is for all. Quite a calling for him – but it is our same calling today. Taking the message of Christ to all.

Paul was called to make known the “manifold wisdom of God” to everyone including the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm. Manifold means “many and various” but you should not confuse that with meaning there are many and various truths. God’s wisdom is like a rainbow – manifold in colour. It is made up of different colours, and will look different depending on the light. But it is still a rainbow. It is a wisdom for all seasons and all times. To be relevant and appropriate, God’s wisdom takes on many forms. There is a time for everything. A time when God is quiet. A time when God speaks out. And yet there is still one truth – that God’s grace is available to all.

And now in this manifold wisdom, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. If we think that Paul’s message that God was for all was radical, this idea that people could approach God in freedom and confidence was utterly mind blowing. Since the time of Moses, approaching God was fraught with danger for the irreverent. People died even touching the Ark of Covenant (long before Raiders of the Lost Ark!). The people were so scared they chose one of the tribes of Israel – the Levites – to be intermediaries between God and the people. They did not want a direct relationship with God. The priest was there to intercede on behalf of the people. But now here is Paul saying that they can forget that – you do not need to be afraid. You can approach God in freedom and confidence.

Perhaps this strikes a chord with you. God is to be feared. Perhaps God takes on a human personality for you. God the father reminds you of a human father who was less than perfect. Suddenly God is to be feared and leaves you worried. There is good news – that is NOT what God intended. We can each approach God in freedom and confidence. Wow – that is a revelation.

Paul continues:

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

Wow – what a prayer to conclude with.

Paul prays that for Ephesians, the early church and ultimately for us all that:

• we may be strengthened by the Spirit from the inside
• Christ may dwell in our hearts
• we may be rooted and established in love
• we may grasp just how big and amazing Christ’s love for us is
• we may be filled with the fullness of God

That is quite a prayer checklist. Read each of those statement’s carefully and ask yourself the question. Do you believe it? Really believe it. Not in theoretical terms but actually for you today. Right here, right now. This is what grace looks like. Time to tap into the assurance it brings.