Blog
“Rethinking the Abundance of Ephesians 3:20-21”
Categories: Bulletin Articles, Clay Gentry
The encouraging words of Ephesians 3:20-21 resonate deeply with Christians: “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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
This powerful promise calls us to a life of audacious prayer, urging us to make bold requests of our limitless God. Consequently, many believers are inspired to pray for promotions, physical healing, financial increases, and a host of other tangible blessings. Sadly, these “bold” prayers often focus on acquiring more of what we already possess – material goods, worldly success, and abundant life by the world's standard.
But is this the essence of Paul’s profound statement? Was his intention to inspire a shopping list of divine favors? A closer examination of the surrounding verses reveals a richer and more transformative understanding of God’s abundant power.
Immediately preceding this passage, Paul provides insight into the true nature of his prayer for the Ephesian believers: “For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:14-19).
Notice the focus of Paul’s heartfelt petition. He isn’t concerned with their abundance of earthly comforts or material gains. Instead, his prayer centers on the Ephesian’s spiritual growth and transformation.
Consider the implications. When we genuinely pray for spiritual strength, God’s response surpasses any fleeting material gain. He abundantly empowers our inner selves to overcome temptation, persevere through trials, and live lives that authentically reflect Christ. When we seek to be rooted and grounded in love, God richly cultivates within us a love that transcends mere sentimentality, mirroring His own sacrificial and unwavering love. And when we yearn to comprehend the depths of Christ’s love, God unveils truths that reshape our understanding and draw us into a more intimate relationship with Him.
Therefore, while God certainly cares about our earthly needs and may choose to answer prayers for provision and healing, the context of Ephesians 3:20-21 suggests a deeper, more significant abundance. God’s immeasurable power is primarily directed towards changing and strengthening our inner being, drawing us into a more profound relationship with Him and equipping us to live lives of love and purpose.
He will indeed do far more than we can ask or imagine in shaping us into the image of Christ, an inheritance far more valuable and eternal than any earthly possession. Let us, by all means, pray boldly, but let our boldness be rooted in a desire for spiritual transformation where God’s abundance truly knows no bounds.
