for this reason
The words in Ephesians 3:14-21 provide a profound message of hope and strength. The passage begins with a prayer by Paul, expressing his desire for the Ephesian believers. Paul prays that they may be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit in their inner being. This prayer is not just a wishful sentiment but a powerful declaration of faith in the transformative work of God.
This section of scripture starts off by saying “for this reason”—the purpose of Paul’s prayer was his knowledge of God’s purpose. Paul was confidently praying according to God’s will. We can’t pray effectively if we don’t have insight into God’s purpose and will.
Another key point in Paul’s prayer was that Paul prayed in a posture of bowing his knees. This position of utmost humility is in contrast to the more normal posture of praying, to pray siting or standing. This humility came when he considered God’s eternal plan, his place in that plan, and how God’s work is unstoppable even with Paul being in prison.
Paul moves on to pray that the people of Ephesians would be strengthened with might, and that it would be according “to the riches of His glory.” According to the riches of His glory is a very generous measure. Paul prays that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” “Dwell” uses the ancient Greek word for permanent home. Jesus wants to settle down in your heart, not just visit as a stranger. WOW!
Paul continues his prayer, emphasizing the importance of being rooted and grounded in love. This love is not merely human affection but the deep, unconditional love of God. It's a love that surpasses knowledge—a concept hard to grasp in a world defined by superficial relationships and conditional affection.
It's easy to seek validation and acceptance from external sources—social media likes, approval from friends, or professional success. Yet, Paul is urging us to anchor our identity in God's love, which is steadfast and unwavering. When we understand and experience this love, we find security and confidence that transcends worldly measures of success.
The love of Jesus has height, depth, & breadth, but it is vast (3:18)! To come to any understanding of the dimensions of God’s love, we must look to the cross. The cross not only represents the greatest sacrifice, but it also points four ways— God’s love is wide enough to include every person. His love is long enough to last through all eternity. His love is deep enough to reach the worst sinner. And His love is high enough to take us to heaven.
The climax of the passage is a declaration of God's limitless power and generosity. Paul proclaims that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. This is a statement of divine capability—a reminder that our God is not limited by human constraints or expectations.
Ephesians 3:14-21 invites us to cultivate a beautiful prayer life, seeking God's strength and guidance in all circumstances. It encourages us to ground our identity in God's love, finding security and purpose in His unchanging affection. And it challenges us to embrace a mindset of limitless possibility, trusting in God's power to accomplish extraordinary things through us.
