Paul's 2nd Prayer

Text:

Main Point

Introduction

Observations

Paul prays this second time for these believers

The first time was for greater understanding - this time it is for strength The first prayer was for enlightenment the second is for enablement

Paul’s desire was not necessarily for physical strength but spiritual strength- notice the “inner man”

Paul’s prison prayers have a common theme of focusing on the inner man

If the inner man is right the outer man will follow suit

Our greatest needs are for our inner man

Paul addresses God

Paul asks God for something

Strength - Strength that only the Holy Spirit can provide

Depth - Christ in our hearts - rooted and grounded

Apprehension/Comprehension - “to grasp” it is possible to understand and not apprehend- Paul desired both!

Fullness- God desires to fill us!

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Seven: Get Your Hands on Your Wealth (Ephesians 3:14–21)

Apparently this is what has happened to many Christians. They have been cut off from their source of power. Unbelief, unconfessed sin, careless living, worldliness in action or attitude—all of these can rob us of power. And a Christian robbed of power cannot be used of God. “Without Me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Why does God share His power with us? So that we can build great churches for our own glory? So that we can boast of our own achievements? No! “To Him be glory in the church!” The Spirit of God was given to glorify the Son of God (John 16:14). The church on earth is here to glorify the Son of God. If our motive is to glorify God by building His church, then God will share His power with us. The power of the Spirit is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

But the amazing thing is that what we do in His power today will glorify Christ “throughout all ages, world without end” (Eph. 3:21). The church’s greatest ministry is yet to come. What we do here and now is preparing us for the eternal ages, when we shall glorify Christ forever.

He is able to do all—above all—abundantly above all—exceeding abundantly above all!

This is exactly what the love of Christ should do. It should ground our life.

c. Paul acknowledge’s God

1 Timothy 3:15 KJV 1900

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The breadth

The length

The depth

The height

Might be - filled with all the fullness of God

When this happens - God is glorified! “unto him be glory”