Every single chapter of Ephesians has nuggets of wonder in it. This one is no different in that realm. Amazing things to read. Go slow and think about what you’re reading.
Ephesians 3 – New International Version
Please read Ephesians 3:1-6
God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
This mystery… what a wonderful gift and all through Christ.
Please read Ephesians 3:7-9
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
The working of His power prepares us to do whatever we are supposed to do. The boundless riches of Christ going with us and leading us and helping us do that which He has planned for us to do.
Please read Ephesians 3:10-13
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
The manifold wisdom of God, that’s what we reveal as the church, by what we do and how we do it. When we do, His wisdom is made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. How often do we forget that is what we are doing when we love, share, study, pray? This is amazing.
Please read Ephesians 3:14-15
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Every family has its name from God. Every family. Read it again. How does it make you feel?
Please read Ephesians 3:16-19
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.
You can pray this prayer, for yourself and for others. What I want you to do now is, right out that prayer but everywhere it says you, write me/I. Or if you’re doing it for someone else, put their name there. But first, write it out for you.
Please read Ephesians 3:20-21
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.
And end the prayer with a Doxology. Sort of like this, but in your own words and with thanks.
Grow your faith.
Footnotes
Ephesians 3:15 – from whom every family[a] -The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).
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