God’s plan, sometimes referred to as a mystery, is the revelation of His glory as executed through the church. This means that we must take seriously our participation in His purposes, and shape our worship around those characteristics that lead to the unfolding of His glory.
Observations:
- Paul has 2 responsibilities
(1) Preach the gospel to the nations
(2) The authoritative explanation of God’s plan - God is in control
- God has ordained the display of His glory through the church
Conclusions: The mystery of advent characterized through the church means…
- Worship must be directed through Jesus
- Worship must be demonstrated as communal
- Worship must deepen our relationship with God
- Worship must be directed by freedom
- Worship must display God’s sovereignty
Application:
- Renew your commitment to Jesus in His body – the local church
1 Corinthians 12:21-27
“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Ephesians 2:18
“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”
Galatians 5:13-14
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Hebrews 10:19-25
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”