Go! And Expect the Impossible! - Ephesians 3:20–21
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."
Introduction
Church, I want to begin today by asking you a simple, yet profound question: What are you expecting God to do in your life?
Are you praying small prayers because you think God is too busy? Are you dreaming little dreams because you're not sure He can handle the big ones?
Today, as part of our “Go! And…” series, I invite you to go and expect the impossible—because our God is able to do infinitely more than we could ever ask or imagine. Not just a little more. Not just slightly above. Infinitely more.
This passage in Ephesians reminds us of the limitless power of God, working in and through us. It is a doxology of hope, a declaration of divine capability, and an invitation to trust in the One who can do what no one else can.
And if we truly believe this truth, it must change the way we live, the way we pray, and the way we trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The God Who Is Able (Ephesians 3:20a)
“Now all glory to God, who is able…”
The word “able” in the Greek is dynamenos, from the same root as dynamis, meaning power, strength, or ability. It's where we get the English word “dynamite.”
This isn’t passive potential; this is active, explosive power.
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, a wealthy city in Asia Minor full of pagan worship, especially of the goddess Artemis. Believers were surrounded by idol worship, immorality, and cultural pressure.
Yet Paul declares, even in that environment, “God is able.”
Not the gods of stone or silver. Not Caesar. But the true and living God, full of dynamis power.
Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT): “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”
From the very beginning, God reveals Himself as omnipotent. He spoke creation into existence, shaped galaxies, and formed man from dust.
The Watchmaker and the Universe
A philosopher once said the universe is like a clock made by a watchmaker who then stepped away. But our God is not distant—He is intimately involved, sustaining all things by the power of His word.
Charles Stanley once said: “God’s power is immeasurable. He never becomes weary or exhausted. He never sleeps or slumbers. The Lord is always in control.”
Amen! That’s the God who is able—not just in theory, but in action.
2. His Mighty Power At Work Within Us (Ephesians 3:20b)
“…through his mighty power at work within us…”
Paul moves from the cosmos to the personal. God's power is not just distant—it is at work within us.
The word energeian is used here for “work”—from which we get the word “energy.” It speaks of continual operation, divine action, supernatural movement.
We’re not just empty vessels. We’re filled with the very power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:11 (NLT): “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.”
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave now lives in every believer. That’s resurrection power at work within us.
This power transforms our weakness into strength, our fear into faith, our trials into testimonies. We may feel inadequate—but God is sufficient.
Max Lucado: “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”
And isn’t that good news? You may feel weak, but God works through weakness to display His glory.
The Broken Vessel
In ancient times, jars were sometimes broken and mended with gold—turning a crack into a beautiful feature.
So it is with us—His power shines brightest through our cracks.
3. Infinitely More Than We Might Ask or Think (Ephesians 3:20c)
“…to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Paul uses huper ek perissou—a phrase meaning “exceedingly, abundantly, beyond measure.” He stacks superlatives to stretch our imagination.
God doesn’t meet our expectations—He exceeds them. What we think is impossible, He makes possible.
Isaiah 55:8–9 (NLT): “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.’”
God is not limited by our understanding. When we feel like it’s over, He’s just getting started.
John Piper: “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.”
We serve a God of unseen grace, hidden mercies, and surprising breakthroughs.
4. Glory to Him in the Church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21)
“Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
God is glorified in Christ—the Head of the Church—and in the Church, His body.
The Church is not a building or a brand—it is the redeemed people of God.
Colossians 1:18 (NLT): “Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.”
Jesus is the centre, the focus, and the heartbeat of everything we do.
Tim Keller: “The church is not a museum for pristine saints, but a hospital for broken sinners.”
Let the Church never lose sight of its mission—to glorify Christ and to proclaim the Gospel!
5. Through All Generations Forever and Ever
God’s power and glory are not seasonal. They are eternal.
Revelation 5:13 (NLT): “And then I heard every creature… singing: ‘Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.’”
From the throne room of heaven, worship will never end.
The Gospel: Christ, Our Power and Peace
But friend, let me tell you plainly—this power is only available through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus lived a sinless life.
He was betrayed, crucified, and buried.
But on the third day—He rose again!
He defeated sin, death, and the grave.
And today, He invites you to receive that same resurrection power.
Romans 10:9 (NLT) declares: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This is the greatest miracle of all—not just what God does for us, but what He does in us—saving our souls, making us new.
Call to Action
So, what now?
To the Believer: Go and Expect the Impossible!
Pray bold prayers.
Dream God-sized dreams.
Trust His Word.
Live empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Charles Spurgeon said: “A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.”
Let’s walk in great faith!
To the Seeker: Respond in Repentance and Faith
Come to Jesus today.
Repent of your sins.
Believe in the power of the cross and resurrection.
There is no sin too big, no shame too deep, no life too broken for Jesus to redeem.
Invitation to Salvation:
Right now, if you’re ready to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour, simply pray:
“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I confess I am a sinner. Please forgive me, come into my life, and be my Lord and Saviour. I trust in You alone. Amen.”
If you’ve prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God! Welcome to the family.
Benediction:
May you go this week in the confidence that God is able.
May His mighty power work within you.
May you live with bold faith, rooted in Jesus Christ.
May you glorify Him in all you do—in the Church, and in your life.
To Him be the glory forever and ever—Amen!
