A life without purpose is a meaningless and aimless life. This is also true of our ministry. Our ministry has its challenges but we must know the purpose of our ministry and focus on it so that we can endure and serve God well here on earth.

Ephesians 3:10-13 reveals three purposes of our ministry.

1. To reveal the manifold wisdom of God to the angelic beings (Eph 3:10-11)

The angelic beings in heaven are interested in our salvation. It is through the grace and mercy of God that we Gentiles can be God’s children. What we do on earth interests the heavenly angelic beings. We have the privilege to experience the grace and mercy of God and to call God our Heavenly Father. This is a privilege that angels do not have.

2. To have direct access to God’s presence and to enter confidently (Eph 3:12)

Our salvation is based on the eternal purpose of God in our Lord Christ Jesus. By what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross, we can have direct access to God. Our prayers will be answered in God’s own good time and He will always help us in our time of need. It is a privilege that we can access God’s throne of grace. Our ministry must help others achieve the same purpose: to have direct access to the presence of God. Though we may sometimes be discouraged and may think of giving up serving God, we must remind ourselves that our service is unto God and not men.

3. To strengthen our faith (Eph 3:13)

Paul was in prison when he wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians. Though he knew that he would not see his brethren again, he (as their spiritual father) still loved them. Paul’s testimony in his adversity will encourage the Ephesian Christians. When we face challenges in our ministry, others are watching how we respond and overcome adversities. Our testimony must be one that will strengthen the faith of other believers, not stumble them.