The Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian church with all of the ooomph and passion that he can muster after Ephesians 1 and 2. He’s fired up!
This also gives is a great example of the things we want for people…the things we want to change in other people…are really just that they would know and experience Jesus.
I. Introduction: The Power Behind the Prayer (Ephesians 3:14)
- “For This Reason”: The speaker emphasizes that Paul’s prayer in verse 14 is not a simple start but a passionate continuation, carrying all the momentum and theological weight from Chapters 1 and 2. The prayer is fueled by Paul’s zeal for God’s mercy and the unity of Jews and Gentiles.
II. The Father of All: Breaking Down Divisions (Ephesians 3:15)
- “From Whom Every Family Derives Its Name”: This phrase is highlighted as Paul’s way of tearing down walls. By stating that every family, regardless of lineage (Jew, Gentile, Irish, German), traces its origin to God, Paul declares a universal family under one Father. This directly counters the deep-seated divisions of the time.
III. The Core Petitions of Paul’s Prayer (Ephesians 3:16-19)
- A. Strength in the Inner Man (v. 16)
- The prayer asks for strength in our “inner man” or soul, which is contrasted with worldly measures of strength (like a nice car).
- This strength comes “according to the riches of his glory,” meaning God gives lavishly and abundantly from a limitless source.
- B. Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts (v. 17)
- The goal of this inner strength is so that Christ can dwell at the very core of our being, not as a secondary interest but as the central reality that informs every decision.
- C. Rooted and Grounded in Love (v. 18-19a)
- The speaker uses the analogy of a tree on the Ohio River bank that survives being completely submerged by floodwaters. To be “rooted and grounded in love” is to be so firmly established in it that we can withstand life’s overwhelming trials and remain standing.
- D. Comprehending the Incomprehensible (v. 18-19b)
- Paul prays we would be able to grasp the sheer scale of Christ’s love—its breadth, length, height, and depth.
- This love “surpasses knowledge.” It’s not something to be academically explained but a reality to be experienced and received.
IV. The Ultimate Goal and God’s Abundant Power (Ephesians 3:19c-21)
- “Filled to the Fullness of God”: The purpose of understanding this love is to be filled with the very presence and character of God.
- “More Than We Can Ask or Imagine”: God’s ability to act is beyond our biggest prayers or wildest “holy daydreams.” His power at work in us can outperform our greatest conceptions. This is meant to give glory to God through the church for all generations.
V. Application: Walking Worthy of the Calling (Ephesians 4 Preview)
- The incredible power and love we receive are not for personal pride. The immediate application is to walk in a manner worthy of it.
- This worthy walk is characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance for one another in love, all to preserve the unity that Christ established.