WINNING BY MANIFOLD WISDOM

“To the intent that now the MANIFOLD WISDOM of GOD might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers…” – Ephesians 3:10

God’s Word is the Believers Platform for WINNING BY MANIFOLD WISDOM: “To the intent that now the MANIFOLD WISDOM of GOD might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in heavenly places” (Eph.3:10). In this passage, the apostle Paul expounded on the divine mystery of God revealed in the New Testament Church, to the effect that both Jews and Gentiles would share equally in the Gospel of Salvation (v.6). God’s specific purpose for using the church in this way was that “the manifold wisdom of God” should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose (vv.10-11).

The word translated “manifold” means: “many and varied; having many features and forms; wrought in various colours; diversified, intricate, complex, many-sided.” God’s Wisdom in His extraordinary Plan of Salvation, as seen in the mysterious manifestation of the Church, is a multi-faceted, many-colored, diverse, and rich community of believers. The term “manifold wisdom of God” is a poetic and artistic expression suggesting the intricate nature of an embroidered pattern as in Joseph’s “tunic of many colors” (Gen.37:3). Each member of the body of Christ manifests a different aspect of God’s image. Together, believers form a perfect blend of harmony and diversity. The many features, forms, and colours of fellowship in the church reflect the manifold Wisdom of God. There is no other human co-op like it in the world.

Paul declared, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the WISDOM and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!” (Rom.11:33). He referred to the Church as “the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints” (Col.1:26). God’s Mystery is Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col.2:3). He possesses God’s manifold Wisdom, and reveals it to the world through His Church (1Cor.1:24,30). Christ in us is the Hope of Glory (Col.1:27). It’s amazing how God chose to package the treasure of His manifold Wisdom in fragile, human “jars of clay” (2Cor.4:7-11).

The Manifold Wisdom of God is unsearchable, deep, and beyond measure: “O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep” (Psa.92:5); “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Psa.147:5); “His understanding is unsearchable” (Isa.40:28). Psalm 104:24a says: “O LORD, how manifold are Your works! IN WISDOM You have made them all.” James describes it as “wisdom that is from above,” which is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (Jam.3:17). Salvation is a major side this Manifold Wisdom, but not the only aspect.

God’s Wisdom is many-sided. When we ask and believe, He will grant us access into ALL Wisdom so that all we say and do will glorify Him. Our Words, Attitudes, and Actions will reflect His Wisdom. These manifold manifestations of Wisdom for the Winning will include Wisdom for: Healthy living, mental excellence, emotional maturity, spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, meaningful marriage, healthy friendship, harmonious home, fulfilled family, positive parenting, productive, rewarding, and God-honouring work, blessed businesses, skilful vocations, prosperous career, purposeful profession, personal progress, acceptable service, faithful stewardship, maximised ministry, and good success. Others are Wisdom for: financial fulfilment, Kingdom prosperity, covenant wealth, victorious Warfare, and impactful Living.

The Manifold Wisdom of God confuses principalities and powers! They cannot fathom the mysteries and moves of God through His Church and His covenant children!