SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:14-21
OBSERVATIONS
1. (v.14-15) Paul continues the theme of the one family of God, reminding us of the unity of all people as God’s children. The walls of division have been removed, we all call upon one God, Who is Father of all! Paul speaks about this in Athens as well, when addressing Greek philosophers (Acts 17:24-28).
APPLICATION: Do I appreciate the cultures and traditions of my brothers and sisters of different races, or do I reject or disdain them because they seem silly or pagan to me. Do I value them as my brothers and sisters?
2. (vv.16-19) If the heart of the message (or the mystery) is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), then here Paul prays for this to become reality in them, with the result that they will overflow with the fullness of God.
APPLICATION: Do I experience this fullness of God through my personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Is my ‘faith’ an intellectual assent to certain teachings, or a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ, a personal and a powerful, life-changing relationship?
3. (vv.20-21) When we are rooted in the Lord, in His love and power, we can rest secure in Him, knowing that He is able, beyond our comprehension, to do what needs to be done, in us and through us.
APPLICATION: Do my fears, my hesitation, my lack of confidence, betray the fact that I do not rest in this confidence? I need to pray this prayer for myself, that I may be established and rooted in the unfathomable love of Christ!
PRAYER:
Lord, please dwell in my heart this way, please help me to experience (not just understand) the fullness of Your love, power and presence at work in my life. And help me to see that this is what everyone needs. Amen.
The one body we is an important theme because the family of God is emphasized here once again. The members of the family get their power through the indwelling of His Spirit!. We are members of His household being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives. We are alive in Christ jesus to do what HJe wants us to do showing that we are His! Jesus Christ is our corner stone and in Him all things are possible because He is at work withion us. Lord, help me to live for Jesus always.
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all Thy quick’ning powers;
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours.