Equipping God’s People to Stand Firm: EphesiansSample

God’s plan and Paul’s prayer for the Church

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us; just as the roof of a sunhouse does not attract the sun because it is bright, but becomes bright because the son shines on it.” —C.S. Lewis

Paul's last moments with the Ephesian church were spent praying to God and grieving because they knew they would probably not see one other again (Acts 20). Ephesians 3 is a glimpse into Paul's compassion for and calling to the Gentile people. God insisted that Ananais visit Paul in Damascus saying, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings to the people of Israel. I will show how much he must suffer for my name." (Act 9:15—16). Paul, now imprisoned in Rome, wants the Ephesians to understand his joy and his ability to praise God for his blessings.

He opens this chapter marveling at his role as the messenger to the Gentiles, and explains further the “mystery made known to me by revelation” (verse 3), which is that Jew and Gentile believers both are part of God’s family, and together share in the promise of Christ Jesus (verse 6). Even in prison, Paul is filled with thanksgiving because he has been able to witness the explosive growth of God’s covenant family. He concludes this chapter with a prayer for followers of Jesus, praying that believers would be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit to grasp and fully comprehend the love that Jesus has for his people.

Take time to reflect on the marvelous, unfathomable love God has for you, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you fully comprehend the transforming power of Christ in your life. God never changes, nor does his love. He has provided us with his Holy Spirit as our constant companion to remind us when we are uncertain, to strengthen us when we are weak, and to embolden us for God’s good and perfect plan.

As noted in the NIV Life Application Study Bible, “God’s love is total. It reaches every corner of our experience. It is wide—it covers the breadth of our own experience, and it reaches out to the whole world. God’s love is long—it continues the length of our lives. It is high—it rises to the heights of our celebration and elation. His love is deep—it reaches to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death. When you feel shut out or isolated, remember that you can never be lost to God’s love.”

“God is completely sovereign. God is infinite in wisdom. God is perfect in love. God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about.” —Jerry Bridges