Abundantly More: Embracing God's Limitless Power Ephesians 3:20-21 Series

Abundantly More: Embracing God's Limitless Power Ephesians 3:20-21

Introduction:

Today, we delve into a powerful and transformative passage from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Ephesians 3:20-21 is a profound doxology that highlights God's boundless power and glory. Let's read this passage together and explore its depths.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT) - "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

Point 1: Recognising God's Mighty Power

Ephesians 3:20a (NLT) - "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us..."

Paul begins by attributing all glory to God, emphasising His ability to work through His mighty power within us. The Greek word for "power" here is "dynamis" (d??aµ??), which denotes inherent strength and ability.

God's power is not just an abstract concept but an active force within us. This power enables us to overcome challenges, fulfill our callings, and live out our faith in tangible ways.

Supporting Verse: Philippians 4:13 (NLT) - "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Consider a powerful engine that drives a car forward. Without the engine, the car is immobile. Similarly, God's power within us propels us forward in our spiritual journey, enabling us to accomplish what we could never do on our own.

John Piper once said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." Our satisfaction in God's power and presence brings Him glory and transforms our lives.

Point 2: Embracing the Infinite Possibilities with God

Ephesians 3:20b (NLT) - "...to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

Paul speaks of God's ability to do far more than we can imagine. The Greek phrase "infinitely more" is "hyper ek perissou" (?p?? ?? pe??ss??), which conveys a sense of surpassing abundance.

Our human limitations often constrain our expectations, but God operates beyond these limitations. He invites us to trust Him for the unimaginable and the miraculous.

Jeremiah 33:3 (NLT) - "Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come."

Illustration: Imagine standing on the shore of an ocean, seeing only the surface but knowing there are vast, unexplored depths. God's potential for our lives is like that ocean—immeasurable and beyond our comprehension.

Francis Chan remarked, "Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." Embracing God's infinite possibilities aligns our lives with what truly matters.

Point 3: Glorifying God in Every Generation

Ephesians 3:21 (NLT) - "Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

Paul concludes by ascribing glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus, emphasising the eternal nature of this glory. The phrase "all generations" underscores the perpetual and intergenerational impact of God's work.

Our lives are part of a larger, ongoing story of God's glory. We are called to contribute to this legacy by living out our faith and passing it on to future generations.

Psalm 145:4 (NLT) - "Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power."

Think of a relay race where each runner passes the baton to the next. Our faith journey is similar; we receive the legacy of faith from those before us and pass it on to those who follow.

Billy Graham stated, "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith."

Conclusion and Call to Action:

In conclusion, Ephesians 3:20-21 challenges us to recognise God's mighty power within us, embrace the infinite possibilities He offers, and commit to glorifying Him in every generation. As we go forth this week, let us live in the fullness of God's power, trusting Him for the extraordinary and striving to leave a lasting legacy of faith.

Application:

Reflect on areas of your life where you need to trust God's power more fully. Pray for the courage to embrace His infinite possibilities and commit to sharing His glory with those around you, especially the next generation.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mighty power at work within us. Help us to trust You for more than we can ask or think and to live lives that glorify You in every generation. Empower us to leave a legacy of faith that honours You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Go forth, empowered by God's limitless power, to live out your faith boldly and leave an enduring legacy for His glory.