title mission statement
1. We (the church) are the body of Jesus Christ (verses 24-25).
Paul says that he suffers “for your sake” and “for the church.” But he calls the church “the church that is his body.” The church is one body with Jesus Christ. He even refers to his sufferings as “the remnant sufferings of Christ.” “And he put all things under his feet, and gave him head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22b-23).
Then how did we become one body with Christ (the church)? (verse 25)
The workers of the church are the workers of Christ and the workers of the word of God (the gospel). We are missionaries who have been called according to God's economy for this work.
2. The two focuses of our (church) ministry are evangelism and nurture.
1) Our ministry is to nurture all saints to maturity in Christ (verse 28).
For this, Paul preached him, exhorted each one, and taught each one. The purpose of nurture is to establish ‘perfect in Christ’.
2) Our ministry is to preach the gospel (verses 26-27).
Paul uses the word “mystery” for the word of God, the gospel. What is the Gospel?
Why in particular? This is because it cannot be known by human effort, but only by God. In verses 26-27, the subject is God. First, God has revealed the gospel to us, and He wants us to know the gospel even among the Gentiles. Paul's wish was for the believers to understand the gospel, the word of God, well. The saints who have realized the gospel are sharing the gospel with the Gentiles. Our wish must also be to know the Gospel and to share it with the Gentiles.
3. As church workers, gospel workers, we must toil with all our might, according to the work of Him who works in us, and, if necessary, willing to suffer (verses 29; 24).
1) Church work is the work of God (Missio Dei) (Romans 15:18).
Dear brothers and sisters, please believe that God is working in us for this purpose.
2) Church ministry is what we do (Missio Ecclesia).
This is what Christ does through us through the work of the Holy Spirit. So, church ministry is something we all do.