Ephesians 1:15-23
Tuesday, 29 December 2020
“… and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…”Ephesians 1: 19
The Book of Ephesians, referred to as the “Queen of the Epistles” written by Paul is packed with insight for the Christian! Chapters 1-3 address the central doctrines of Christian faith; while chapters 4-6 describe how those spiritual truths are to be lived out by the Christian [Introduction: NKJV Study Bible].
The phrase “In HIM” is seen interspersed in the first chapter pointing to what we have in Christ- the first and foremost being redemption- “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…!”(v.7). From verses 15-21, Paul’s prayer is that our eyes of understanding be opened to know the hope of our calling in Christ and the exceeding greatness of God’s power working in our lives!
Today most Christians often live defeated lives as they fail to understand the availability of God’s Mighty power that can work in and through their lives. This is the Christian’s source of victory! Paul defines that power thus: “…His mighty power which He worked in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand…” (Vs.19-20). That’s the RESURRECTION POWER!!! Brothers & sisters, if only we would understand that the resurrection power of Christ is available for you and me today! That great power at work in us will sustain us in our life’s journey. His power is greatest when we are weak (2Cor.12:9)
That was the effective working of His power (Eph.3:7) seen in Paul when God chose him and made him His minister! The transforming power of God that turned Saul the persecutor to Paul the preacher! If you are thinking that your life or the life of a loved one, is far from the reach of God, be encouraged today that God’s exceeding power is able to transform any life—even the worst sinner.
The Christian who believes and has God’s power in him often forgets to tap into it at crucial times. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “… His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” All that we need to live a victorious Christian life—a godly life, is given to us through His divine power! Remember it is through the knowledge of Christ that we receive His power! This can be achieved through growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2Peter 3:8); growing in the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2) and growing in Love (Phil1:9 NIV).
As the year draws to a close, what defeated areas in our lives are we reminded of? – constant unforgiveness? lack of love or acceptance of others? A sin we cannot rid of? Cravings of the flesh? Unfruitful lives? Fear of men? – You can find your own area of defeat. Let each of us bring it before the Lord and ask for His exceeding great power to work in these areas so that we can overcome!
Just as Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus, we too can pray this prayer(paraphrased): Lord may the eyes of my heart be enlightened, so that I may know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of Your power toward me who believes.” When we are constantly reminded of the hope of our great calling in Christ, our great inheritance in Him and HIS great power working in us, we can be more than victorious in our Christian life!
Promise: “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, to Him be glory….Amen” (Eph.3:20-21)
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