KBM Strengthened With Power

I hope everyone is having a wonderful 2024 and is looking forward to the possibilities it will offer for us to grow spiritually and help others to do the same. Today, we are going to continue with our Impact 3:16 series by examining Ephesians 3:16. In chapter two of Ephesians Paul points out how all were “dead in their trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) but because of God’s rich mercy salvation was offered through the gift of God’s only begotten Son’s blood (Ephesians 2:4-10). Because of this Paul reminds the Gentiles that they were “the uncircumcised” separated from Christ and strangers to the covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:11-12). But now they have been brought near through Christ’s blood for all (Ephesians 2:13) which was once a mystery to all in the past but now has been revealed through those like the apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:1-12). That is the context of our passages so let us read now Ephesians 3:13-20.

Ephesians 3:13–20 (NKJV)

13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to [may have the strength to] comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us

Notice what Paul is praying for here. Paul is praying that the Holy Spirit will offer these Christians strength with might in their inner man. What that strength is for is mentioned in verse 18, “the strength to comprehend the fullness of the love of Christ.” Why is that so important, because when we know the width, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ for us it means it so much easier to deal with the trials and tribulations in this life. Paul was in prison because of his teaching the truth to those like in Ephesus.

Godly living will always produce persecution in one’s life (2 Timothy 3:12), that persecution is always an opportunity to mature in our faith or trust in God (James 1:2-4), and God will always give us a way of escape from that persecution in him (1 Corinthians 10:13). This is the strength with might given us Christians by the Holy Spirit. The knowledge of the love of Christ for us that strengthens us to handle anything the roaring lion sends our way so that we can withstand temptation or trial he sends our way.

1 Peter 5:8–9 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Ephesians 6:10–11 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.