 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is[a]that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Prayer for Spiritual Strength 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. Meditation God’s grace and love is at work within us so than it can overflow through us. I love the story of Ruth, a devastated widow living as a refugee widow in Bethlehem. Central to Ruth’s story is the extravagant provision of Boaz who provided “until she was satisfied and she had some leftover” (Ruth 2:14). The abundance was shared with Naomi, also satisfied from leftovers. Ruth received more abundantly than she could have asked! Paul uses the highest form of comparison to describe the extravagance of God’s grace and love when he prays for the church (20). The extravagant love of Christ dwells in our hearts that we may be filled with the fullness of God (14-21)- overflowing to bless others and glorify His name. Paul’s prayer is an overflow, a prisoner for Christ (1) suffering for the saints (13). God’s grace was given to Paul (2, 7) who considers himself the least of all the saints (8). This grace overflows through proclaiming the mystery of the gospel (3, 4, 6, 9), namely that God’s salvation plan is designed to overflow through the church to all nations (6). Through the church the wisdom of God is made known to all powers in the world (10)! The Church will be satisfied and unified in the love of Jesus to overflow with His love to all nations! God desires to do more than you can ask or imagine through His power at work within you, overflowing as He shares His grace through you! Richly Dwelling -Do you believe God desires to do far more abundantly than you ask or think? Why or why not? -God provided for Paul in prison, to overflow for the saints. God provides for the church, to overflow for the nations. God provides for you, according to the power at work in us, so that His grace and love can show through us. Are you satisfied in the Gospel to overflow and share the Gospel? What are competing affections of your heart? -Take time to pray verses 14-21 for yourself, your family, and your church. Key Verse 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, Comments are closed.
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