The Mystery of His Will

In all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:8-10, ESV). 

‘Wisdom’ and ‘insight’ are two key biblical terms. Elsewhere, Paul writes of God’s wisdom being demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). Wisdom is characterised by love (James 3:17). So it was by his loving action in dying for us that Christ became the actual embodiment of the wisdom of God for us (1 Corinthians 1:30). 

The word ‘insight’ is interesting. It is often given as ‘prudence’ or even ‘shrewdness’. Jesus told an unusual parable about a man who used it to solve a sticky situation (Luke 16:1-13). Its simplest meaning is ‘common sense’ or ‘intelligence’. 

It seems a strange term to apply to God, and more than likely Paul sees it as a quality that applies to us. If so, here is a reminder that while the gospel may be ‘foolish’ to those who do not believe, it is not ‘silly’. On the contrary, it is deeply profound. We need to use wisdom and intelligence in our apprehension of it.

Another unusual word in this passage is ‘mystery’. The Greek word used by Paul is almost the same (musterion) but it has a different meaning: it means ‘secret’--God’s great secret plan of reconciliation through Christ, hidden for generations but now made known through the church (Romans 11:25; Ephesians 3:6-11; Colossians 1:27). It is still a secret/mystery to many people who cannot grasp the glory of grace. But in Christ, the secret is made known and we have no fear or terror, for we know that God has a purpose for us, for the church, for the universe, and it is all being worked out according to his will. 

‘To set forth’ is a term commonly used for reconciling accounts or balancing books: oikonomia from oikos (house) and nomos (law). So God’s plan is accurately balanced and ultimately sets everything in order. It is his purpose to bring everything together in the fullness of time under the headship of Christ. This is our great hope for the future. And what a hope it is!

So what?

What kind of feeling do you have when you read the last few paragraphs?

· Relief

· Joy

· Confidence

· Quiet assurance

· Excitement

· Other

Number these in order of their iportqnce to you and then give the reasons for your choice. 

Memorise Ephesians 1:8-10