
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. —Ephesians 3:14-21
The Gospel is not just a theological truth or something we share with others; it is the
I. Approach to prayer 3:14-15
- A. His desire - “For this reason” 3:14a
- B. His confidence - “I bow my knees” 3:14b-15
God is the one who richly
II. Petitions of prayer 3:16-19
- A. Inner strength 3:16
- Extent of our strength - “riches of His glory” 3:16a
- Source of our strength - “through His Spirit” 3:16b
- Location of our strength - “inner man” 3:16c
- B. Comprehension of Christ’s love 3:17-19
- Christ wants to be at home 3:17a
- Christ’s love is incomprehensible 3:17b-19a
a. It is our foundation for unity 3:17b
b. It goes beyond our human experience 3:18-19a
- C. Filled with the fullness of God 3:19b
One of the greatest struggles of the Church is that we are far too satisfied with
III. Praise in prayer 3:20-21
- A. Praise for what God can do - “Him who is able” 3:20a
- B. Praise for what God is doing - “power at work in us” 3:20b
- C. Praise for what God will do - “throughout all generations” 3:21
The future of CBC will not be secured through a
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
Are there areas in your life where your theology does not always align with your lifestyle?
What lessons can we learn about life and ministry from the example of Paul’s heavy dependence on prayer and the strength that God gives for ministry? Are there changes in your schedule that need to be made to apply these lessons?
Pastor Talley stated, “One of the greatest struggles of the Church is that we are far too satisfied with spiritual poverty rather than enjoying the riches of the fullness of God.” Do you agree with this? Why or why not?