In the previous chapter we learned about the mystery which had been revealed by the apostle Paul through his letter tot he Ephesian church, that through Jesus Christ the Gentiles would inherit the same gift as the Jews.
Continuing with his second prayer for the Ephesian church, picking up from his first prayer (Ephesians 1:15-23) during which Paul prayed for spiritual wisdom for the Ephesians.
“14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” (Ephesians 3:14-15)
Paul uses the Greek words “patēr” and “patria” which are related and respectively mean “father or parent” and “family, nation or lineage”. By using these words Paul identifies all men and angels as a nation, as God’s creation.
In this second prayer for the Ephesians the apostle prays that through believers’ faith, for power and strength to stem from the Holy spirit that dwells within all believers.
“16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. 17 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. ” (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Paul continues with his prayer for the Ephesians which he describes as “rooted and established in love” which is the love of Christ. The apostle’s hope is that his readers would one day possess the ability to comprehend the immenseness of Christ’s love for us which is otherwise impossible for anyone to fathom unless they are immersed in Christ like love.
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:17-18)
Here the “saints” are members of Christ’ church, believers, those who repented of their sins redeemed by the great sacrifice made on the cross by Jesus.
Only those in Christ will one day fully grasp the immense depth of God;s love for His children. Until that day believers must grow in their salvation according to God’s perfect plan.
“19 And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
Unimaginable by human standards, God’s love and its fullness, from the Greek “plērōma” Paul writes about God’s grace and how one day believers will inherit the fullness of it through eternal life in heaven.
Tremendously more generous than we can imagine, God has abilities beyond human comprehension. Paul closes his prayer with a doxology, or praise to God almighty by which the apostle describes the Lord’s power as immeasurable.
“20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
The Ephesians were aware God was working in them through the Holy Spirit but Paul felt it necessary to open their minds to the fact no one will truly know the full extent of God’s power until we rejoice with Him in heaven as, through grace and the gift of eternal life, we reap the rewards of our works.
In this the third chapter of the letter to the Ephesian church, Paul, preacher to the Gentiles revealed the mystery about God’s gift to the Gentiles and as the apostle kneeled in prayer before the Lord, Paul prayed for strength for the Ephesians that they be empowered by the Spirit to endure through all that the world would throw at them.
Through faith in Jesus Christ, we must also endure and use this scripture as our own. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through trials,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Fill our hearts Lord with revelation, kindness, with wisdom,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
