… to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Summary: Paul’s words reveal a lot about his thinking. While we can’t see into his mind, we can glimpse how he sees the world and our role in it.
There are five questions that every reporter is taught to seek the answers to when they research a story: “Who? What? When? Where?” and “Why?” The first four questions are easy ones. The “who-what-when-where” are the things we can observe with our eyes. The “Why?” is more difficult. The reason we do things is hidden in the heart and has to be discerned with the heart. Even when someone tells us why they did such and such, we have to wonder, “Are they telling us the truth?”
When it comes to understanding God’s motivations, we have to depend on the Scriptures for an explanation. We know, for example, God is love (1 John 4:8). We also know that God created everything (Genesis 1:1). After creation, complicated things happened. Mankind rejected God and fell under a curse (Genesis 3). The entire world came under judgment, and except for Noah, his family, and the animals with them, everything was destroyed (Genesis 6-8). God chose Abraham to be the “father of many nations” (Genesis 17:5) and chose one of those nations, Israel, to be God’s “treasured possession” (Psalm 135:4).
Out of God’s treasured possession would come a “rock.” As Daniel explains to King Nebuchadnezzar:
“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” (Daniel 2: 44)
After Jesus’ resurrection and after his promised Holy Spirit had anointed the disciples, Peter declares before the Jewish leaders:
“Jesus is, ‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’” (Acts 4:11)
Some people thought the Messiah had come to bring peace, to which Jesus responds, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
What is going on? That almost sounds like a declaration of war! What does Jesus hope to accomplish? What are we who believe supposed to be fighting for?
The answer to this question is the same as the answer to our opening question, “Why?” Why did Jesus lower himself to be born in a manger and grow up to be killed on a cross? Why did he draw disciples to him and give them power and authority? (Luke 1:9)
The answer is “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
It is simple. Jesus is our king. The enemy, the devil, must be defeated if there is to be unity on earth. We are at war!
Application: Find ways to support our King.
Food for Thought: How can believers best serve their King, and what can we do to help defeat the enemy?
How can believers best serve their King, and what can we do to help defeat the enemy?
I liked today’s theme but I will let others take a stab at it first.
Thanks Tim.
I get your “point.”
How can believers best serve their King, and what can we do to help defeat the enemy?
I have wondered, from time to time, just what does the enemy “get” out of his efforts; the “why?” To keep us from having a personal relationship with God. This hurts God because He is separated from us, we don’t pray, or seek God’s Will in our lives, or seek to increase His Will on the Earth.
We can best serve our King and help defeat the enemy in prayer and seeking out scripture. Seeking, listening, meditating , and following His Will.
Chris,
Great answer! We defy the enemy by serving our King. Well said!
02-17-2023, How can believers best serve their King, and what can we do to help defeat the enemy?
FIRST YOU TRAIN HARD: Study God’s word.
The disciples spent three years with Jesus. During this time they had heard him teach, preach, and seen him do miracles, sometimes Jesus had sent them out in pairs to put into practice what they had seen and heard, and then come back to report on what they had done. In some cases they found the evil spirits were more powerful than they were, Mark 9:14-29. Don’t get over the tips of your ski’s, allow Christ to do the work through us.
CLEARLY UNDERSTAND AND OBEY ORDERS: Follow the Holy Spirit
Some are called to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded them. REMEMBERING TO Let Christ be in command, He will point the way and do the work through us. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” Matthew 28:19-20
SUPPORT THE EFFORT, OUR CHURCH:
In the US infantry, there are 5 people in support roles for every 1 man on the front line. So in addition to making disciples, we will have many in keeping the church wheels going. We must serve the church using the spiritual gifts that He has given us. God has given everyone of His people gifts so we can help encourage and serve His people.
1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Peter 4:1-11.
Ron,
Excellent insights! Training, obedience, and support. Well said! Excellent verse choices, too. Thank you!
This war is at least partly for the mind. We need to take every though captive instead of being taken captive (2 Corinthians 10: 3 – 5; Colossians 2: 8; Romans 12: 2). We need to put on spiritual armor realizing it is a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6: 10 – 20 – which mentions prayer six times in the last three verses). And we need to be the salt and light Jesus called us to be to free the captives (Matthew 5: 13 – 16; 2 Corinthians 5: 14 – 21). This will include a love for people who are captive.
Well said, Rich!
I would agree that the primary battleground for us is the mind. Of course, out of the mind flow our actions…