A PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Paul prays for the Ephesian Christians in the text of this lesson (Ephesians 3:14-21). What he says here is equally fitting for Christians today. We can learn and profit from Paul's prayer for their spiritual growth. Too frequently men today think in terms of numerical or financial growth, to the neglect of spiritual advancement and development. This lesson will help draw our minds up to the things that are most important.

Body

I. PRAYER IS ADDRESSED TO GOD THE FATHER (3:14, 15).

   A. The Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.

   B. From whom the whole family is named.

        1. "Family" includes God's creatures in heaven as well as on earth.

        2. "Named" indicates the particular rank or position of each individual in God's scheme of things.

II.THE PRAYER IS FOR THE EPHESIAN CHRISTIANS (AND FOR CHRISTIANS TODAY).

   A. They had heard the gospel (1:13).

   B. They had accepted it by faith and placed their trust in Christ (1: 13).

   C. They were "in Christ" (see 1:3-11), hence had responded by faith in baptism into the Lord.

   D. They had been sealed by the Holy Spirit (1:13).

   E. They now are saved ones, by grace through faith (2:8, 9).

III. THE PRAYER ITSELF.

   A. That God would grant them spiritual strength (3:16).

        1. According to the riches of His glory.

        2. By His Spirit.

        3. In the inner man.

   B. That Christ would dwell in their hearts - a blessing coming from and through faith (3:17).

   C. That they may have comprehension of God's complete purpose. (3:18, 19).

        1. They are to be rooted and grounded in love (3:17).

        2. Then they can comprehend all the facets and fullness (length, breadth, depth, and height) of God's purpose (3:18).

        3. This is a blessing common to all the saints, if they will take advantage of it.

        4. Especially included in this (indicated by the Greek particle te) is that they might know the love of Christ. This is paradoxical, because Christ's love transcends normal human knowledge (3:19).

   D. Only then can they be filled with the fullness of God (3:19).

        1. The church (God's people) is intended to know the fullness of Christ (1:23).

        2. This goal is realized by Divine help.

            a. Inward strength supplied by the Holy Spirit (3:16).

            b. Hearts indwelt by Christ, by faith (3:17).

            c. Insight into God's purpose supplied by the Father (3:18-19).

IV. DOXOLOGY ENDS THE STATEMENT (PRAYER).

   A. To God (3:20).

        1. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (notice the piling up of intensive ideas here).

        2. According to His power which works in US.

   B. Be the glory - the ultimate end of every part of God's purpose (3:21).

        1. In the church - among God's people. This is also a part of God's purpose that the church should give glory to God, not take praise to itself.

        2. And in (lit.) Christ Jesus. All this is possible through the ministry and representative manhood of Christ.

        3. For ever and ever (throughout all ages world without end, KJV; lit. "to all the generations of the age of the ages." Greek idiom for "forever and forever.").

Conclusion

Let us pray with Paul for spiritual growth, understanding and power. Let us seek to always give God glory, aware of our relationship (as the church) to Him through Jesus Christ.

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