Week Three, Saturday
Ephesians 3:14-21
Filled to Overflowing
By Pastor Paul Georgulis
“14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:14-21 (New International Version)
It seems as if Paul is concluding his latter here, but there are still three chapters to go in his letter to the Ephesians. He actually was wrapping things up, but only the first three chapters – chapters that were focused on God’s love and plan for the world. From chapter 4 onward, Paul will describe the specific lifestyle changes God wants His followers to make.
In these verses, Paul prays that the Ephesian believers – and we – would be filled to the point of overflowing with the fullness of God (verse 19). This doesn’t mean that we will be able to fully comprehend God. That would actually be impossible. What it does mean, however, is that God has all of us. And if God has all of us, His Spirit permeates our minds, hearts, and souls like water flooding in and covering everything – nothing remains untouched by His love.
When we get a taste of Christ’s genuine love for us, we will want it to fill every nook and cranny of our lives. This is a daily process of surrendering to Him and opening new doors so that His love can become the dominant influence in everything we think, say, and do.
Paul ends this chapter with – in my opinion – one of the most powerful benedictions in all of Scripture. This benediction will be our prayer for today.
Prayer:
“20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
