Reference Ephesians 3:8-21 (NKJV)
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 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 [e]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 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, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
In Acts 4, Peter and John were brought to the Council at Jerusalem and were commanded to stop spreading the Gospel. After a long discourse Peter told them that his responsibility was to tell the things that he had both seen and heard (v.20).
We glorify God as we see His power at work in us. On one of the occasions that my daughter suggested that I call and ask someone to take me to an appointment, I decided that I did not want to be a bother, but if someone called to say that they were going somewhere, I would ask them for a ride. Not two hours later, a friend of mine called to ask for the location of the Post Office and what were my plans for the day. Well, the appointment was less than ten minutes from the Post Office. Mind you, she could have googled the address instead of calling me, but, do you believe that God allowed Mark 11:23, to be experienced? She invited me to ride with her, not being privy to my earlier resolve. Hopefully, this helps to boost someone’s faith.
In Ephesians 3, Paul describes himself as being captured by the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit so that he could expound on the grace of God. Since the Gentiles were treated as outcasts, they were considered unworthy of the “gift of grace” which brought salvation, (Ephesians 2:8-10) Yet Paul shares that he received the revelation that we are all of one body, deserving equal rights. He discredits himself as being anything but a prisoner of Jesus Christ who had to expose the Gentiles to the Gospel.
As such, he was under authority and therefore did what he was commanded. Because of this stance, the Holy Spirit could then download to Paul, the message that was to be preached. In other words, Paul came to himself and in so doing, he was usable. He described himself as being “less than the least of all saints” (Ephesians 3:8) and was delegated the responsibility of exposing the Gentiles to God’s promises.
First, he had to explain that, the gift of salvation was available to everyone. Paul’s reputation was a renowned murderer of believers before his conversion. Later, he was ordained by the Holy Spirit to spread the same message that he tried desperately to curtail. The power of Christ conquered Paul’s zeal and transformed it into being an effective minister. The power within him helped him fight against certain resentment as he displayed a new, all-inclusive life in Christ.
We, as ambassadors for Christ, are equipped with that same power: drive, force, strength, propellant. It allows us to accomplish our God-given tasks. If we harness that power and not share the gospel, we will be like a seething cauldron with a resulting explosion.
When Paul realized the magnitude of his mission, he prayed that the powers in heavenly places would be enlightened to God’s wisdom. His charge was to expound on: the unsearchable riches of Christ; the mystery of God’s wisdom; boldness; accessibility for everyone and; confidence by faith. The common cord is that salvation is embedded in unsearchable, mysterious faith. Paul needed the wisdom from God, to execute his duty to the Gentiles.
God desires to do the unimaginable for us, therefore we are without excuse in not praying. Communicating with God is the means by which we will be strengthened inwardly. Isn’t it amazing that some people when they are visited in the hospital, speak with such encouraging words that their visitors are amazed at the power of the Word and faith? That is a demonstration of the power that is at work within.
The Gentiles could easily have been discouraged had they focused on the way the society had stigmatized them. They needed much courage to trust and ultimately believe Paul. A man with such a track record was not readily credible, so, Paul reverted to prayer. This most powerful weapon was necessary to remove the strongholds of inadequacy, low self-esteem, rejection and unworthiness from the Gentiles. Trials have a way of weakening our fortitude and courage. Therefore, Paul prayed for them to be strengthened with might. After all their experiences, it took serous knee-work on Paul’s part to expose them to the treasure of the same Gospel for which he victimized Christians formerly.
Take notice that it was the Spirt that was solicited, (Ephesians 3:16). We fail when we try in our own effort to do what only the power of the Spirit can do. Whereas traditionally, redemption was accomplished by sacrifices, Paul presented a transition that it was now via faith. Can we imagine the difficulty for them to accept that by Jesus’ blood, forgiveness could be accomplished? By the same token, faith, we must trust God’s promises.
Doesn’t it seem ironic to say, “… to know the love of God, which passes knowledge”? (Ephesians 3:18). How can we know when it is beyond knowledge? There is knowing with the heart and spirit and then there is knowing with the mind only. The difference is that there is no test-tube nor research that can measure God’s love or explain its findings. It is a personal experience that can only be evidenced by inexplainable occurrences. Neither the just nor the unjust can decipher God’s love, but the power that works in us provides contact with the deeper spiritual things. Because His love surpasses natural reasoning, unbelievers may try to discredit it. That kind of love is given only by God. He, the only One who can love without measure and do incomprehensible things can be hindered by us. How so? His ability works within the range of power that we utilize.
So many times, in the Scriptures, we learn of God’s ability to; keep what we have committed (2 Timothy 1:12); assist those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18); make all grace abound (2 Corinthians 9:8) and; perform His promises (Romans 4:21). We have no doubt in God’s ability. Yet, some things are being delayed or outrightly not manifested in our life. Factors may alter or deter occurrences of God’s perfect will, but He assures us of His position, (Isaiah 40:22), hence His perspective.
The Creator of the universe is our Father and HE has all resources. Why do we need His abiding power? Without it, we lack the ability to ask or think that all HIS resources are for our use. Our finite minds try to reason within the confines of sight however, God functions beyond earthly realms and if we accept that, we will see the Scriptures work for us.
God’s ability does not change but what power is at work in us? What force, strength, drive, Dunamis, propellant, is in us? (1) Power to become sons (John 1:12); (2) Power to be witnesses (Acts 1:8) ;(3) Power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21; Job 22:28; Romans 4:15-17, 2 Timothy 3:5).
We have the ability to drive, but the motion of a vehicle is dependent on that which propels the engine. Likewise, we can receive more than we can ask or think if we allow the Holy Spirit to dominate everything we think, do and say. Spiritual blessings are for everyone. Make hope alive since He gives power to the faint (Isaiah 40:28,29). DON’T smother the power within us. Activate positive power.
Dr. O. A. James