Thoughts From Ephesians-# 23 Pray With Great Expectations 3:20-21
The last 2 verses of Ephesians 3 is a doxology. Paul gives us the “what,” “how,” and “why” of the doxology.
What? (3:20a) Paul tells us that God is “able”! He gives us 4 phrases to describe the awesome nature of God’s sovereign might.
- to do above [But that’s not all!]
- to do above and beyond [But that’s not all!]
- to do above and beyond all that we ask [But that’s not all!]
- to do above and beyond all that we ask or think.
If we believe that God is all that He says He is, let’s pour out our hearts and minds to Him. The best way to increase our faith in God’s greatness is to fill our minds with the Word of God.
How? (3:20b) How does God work beyond our imaginations? According to Paul’s words it is “according to the the power that works in us.” God is able to do extraordinary things through ordinary people who seek to do His will in their lives.
Why? (3:21) Why does God do these things? God blesses His people for His own glory. But notice that that Paul tells us that God desires His glory in the church of Jesus Christ. John Stott wrote, “God desires glory in the bride and in the bridegroom; in the community of peace, and in the Peacemaker.”
For how long? Forever! Unless the Lord Jesus comes back for us in our lifetime we are all going to die. But we can live forever through Jesus Christ, who gives us access to the Father in prayer right now.
Larry Miles, May 31, 2018 in Anguilla