Eph 3
Scripture:
[20] Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Observation:
One of my favorite verses when taken in context of understanding the mind of Christ and being filled with his love and fullness.
Application:
In my opinion, this is probably one of the most misused verses, due to being used out of context, by prosperity teachers. Name it and claim it. If you want it, tithe more and pray.
God can do abundantly more than more than you can imagine if you just tithe more. Boats, cars, houses, health, whatever.. abundantly more than you can imagine.
This is partly true – God CAN do anything way beyond what we understand, but there is more to the context of this verse.
Take the full context of vs. 14-19, and then 20 and 21.
[14] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
I bow to the Father because he is good, he is holy, he is glorious. God has given us the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. How? Through our faith and His grace. Why? That we be rooted and grounded in His love – to build our lives with this cornerstone. And, that we may have the strength to comprehend just how vast His love is, surpassing our knowledge – it takes strength to grasp things beyond our humanly comprehension. And, finally, that we be filled with all the fullness of God of which is beyond our comprehension without help from the Holy Spirit. That fulness is indeed abundantly more than I can ask or imagine!
So.. this is not all about getting what we want or even what we think we need from God, this is about filling us with the fullness of God.
Prayer:
Lord I love you and glorify you. I pray you continue to fill me with your love and fullness beyond my ability to understand. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen.