The Church’s Mission in Spiritual Warfare: Understanding Our Role in God’s Kingdom

In the midst of life’s challenges, it’s easy to forget that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. As followers of Christ, we belong to the Church – not just a building, but a living body of believers spanning across time and geography. This powerful truth shapes our identity and purpose in ways we often overlook.

What Does It Mean to Be Part of the Church?

The Church isn’t primarily a physical building but refers to people – either all Christians who have ever lived or a specific group of believers in a particular place. When we understand this, we realize we’re part of something extraordinary. Being in the Church is like being at an exciting sporting event where everyone is united in purpose and passion – except infinitely more meaningful. Just as fans come together to cheer for their team, we come together to worship a God “who doesn’t lose in overtime.” As Paul writes in Ephesians 1, God “placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” This means we’re part of something transcendent, something that connects us to believers throughout history and across the world.

What Is the “Manifold Wisdom” of God?

In Ephesians 3:10, Paul mentions that through the Church, “the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.” But what exactly is this wisdom? In 1 Corinthians, Paul explains that this wisdom centers on Christ crucified – a message that seems foolish to the world but is actually the power of God. The manifold wisdom is the profound truth that on the cross, Jesus not only made a way for eternal life but also purchased and formed a new people – the Church. This wisdom transcends cultural differences. As Paul notes, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified.” The manifold wisdom is knowing that Jesus is Lord, submitting to Him, and living as new creations in Him.

Who Are the “Rulers and Authorities” in the Heavenly Realms?

Paul mentions in Ephesians 3:10 that the Church makes God’s wisdom known “to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” Who are these beings? Looking at other passages in Ephesians helps us understand. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” These rulers and authorities represent the enemy and his kingdom of darkness. Their mission is to destroy humanity by keeping people blinded to the truth of Jesus Christ. This is the antithesis of the Church’s mission.

How Do We Make God’s Wisdom Known?

Understanding our role in this cosmic battle, how do we fulfill our mission of making God’s wisdom known? Here are two practical approaches:

1. Do the Next Right Thing

Living for Jesus starts with doing the next right thing in each moment. Instead of looking back at past failures, we look forward, understanding that we’ve been forgiven and can move on.
Matthew 5:16 reminds us to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We were created for good works, as Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

2. Keep God in the Equation

No matter what situation we face, we must remember to include God. Too often, we try to deal with the enemy in our own strength, forgetting that God is always present and powerful.
As Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This isn’t a promise that we’ll avoid suffering, but an assurance that with God, there’s always a way through.

Putting on the Armor of God

Since we’re in a spiritual battle, we need to dress appropriately. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God:

The belt of truth
The breastplate of righteousness
Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace
The shield of faith
The helmet of salvation
The sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

Paul concludes by emphasizing the importance of prayer: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”

Life Application

As we navigate our daily lives, let’s remember that we’re part of God’s Church with a vital mission in a spiritual battle. Here are some questions to reflect on this week:

How aware am I of the spiritual battle happening around me? Do I recognize the enemy’s tactics in my life?

In what areas do I need to “keep God in the equation” more consistently?

Which pieces of the armor of God do I need to strengthen in my life right now?

What is the “next right thing” God is calling me to do today?

This week, challenge yourself to start each day by intentionally putting on the armor of God through prayer. Ask God to help you see opportunities to reflect His light and make His wisdom known to those around you. Remember, you were created to do good things for the Kingdom of God – that is one of your primary missions in life.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.