Ephesians 3:14-19
Verse 16 I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,
Once again Paul tells of his prayers for his friends in Ephesus. He wants them to know it isn’t all about them as individuals, we are an army after all. In this passage his prayers are more for the Church body as a whole. Paul had prayed they would grow in wisdom and knowledge of God and now he was broadening his prayers to things which they needed to grow in as individuals so the Church would grow through the Spirit working in them.
In our verse today Paul tells his friends how he prayed they would be given the strength of the Holy Spirit’s power. We mentioned yesterday this power is the same power which changed our lives and raised Jesus from the dead, but what do we need to be strengthened for? To be strengthened with such power seems like a waste on humans, we wouldn’t know what to do with that kind of power if we had it.
Like a little child trying to walk in mommy or daddy’s shoes we would be clumsy trying to use His power. Left to ourselves with it we would likely use it for the wrong things and purposes. If we were given the power we may find ourselves using it against those who bother us or to further our own agendas but Paul understood that though not listed as part of the armor, this power is what allows us to use the other pieces.
God’s strength is more than we can begin to imagine so Paul was praying the Lord would give them some understanding of His power so they could see Him for all He is. Knowing Whose army we are in could help us be ready to serve Him in every way we need to. And knowing His strength and wisdom should help us as we join forces with other members in the ranks of His army.
Talking with fellow believers about the wonderful things God has done in the past, is doing in our present and knowing what He has said He will do in the future, should help us grow in our relationships with each other. Knowing the depth of His love for us should grow our love for each other and that should open up communication with Him and other believers. Communication of love and trust.
Making It Personal
How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? When have you felt God’s love so deeply it strengthened you? What do you need to thank Him for today?
Making It Personal Kids
What are some things the strength of the Lord could help you do for Jesus? How much does Jesus love you? Does knowing He loves you that much give you strength?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for being who You are and the provision of Your strength and love. Help us to be better at communicating with You and each other. Help us remember through Your love, that we are all in life together as believers. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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