Question 39: The Church’s Purpose

Read:Ephesians 3:14-21
Listen: Ephesians 3

“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, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Paul writes this climactic conclusion to his prayer for the Ephesian believers’ spiritual growth. He longs for them to understand that all creation exists to bring God glory, and the church plays a central role in this purpose. Paul emphasizes God’s power at work within believers to accomplish more than they could ask or imagine, and to bring God glory. The Ephesians need to grasp that their community wasn’t just for their benefit; it served the greater purpose of magnifying God’s greatness and character to the world.

The church continues to exist for this same purpose—to bring God glory. We, as the church, bring God glory when we fulfill four core functions. First, we are salt and light in the world through evangelism. Jesus followers are called to fill the earth with his image (Matthew 5:13-16, 28:18-20). Second, through edification—building up believers into mature, fully devoted followers of Jesus who reflect Christ’s character (2 Corinthians 3:18). Third, through worship—responding to the Creator with praise, adoration and thanksgiving, offering our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Fourth, through love—the distinctive mark of Christ’s followers, loving God and others sacrificially as Jesus commanded (John 13:34-35, Matthew 22:37-40).

TODAY: Consider how you can participate in bringing glory to God through the church’s four core functions. Choose one area—evangelism, edification, worship or love—and identify a specific way you can contribute to the church’s mission. Read more about the church in our We Believe document.