“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”– Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
“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”– Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
“God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around, but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”– Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
What Does Ephesians 3:20 Mean?
This verse is one of the most uplifting and encouraging passages in the Bible. Paul, the author of Ephesians, is speaking to the church about God’s incredible ability to do far more than we can even dream of or think to ask for. This is not just about meeting our needs; it’s about exceeding our greatest expectations. We can find hope and joy in knowing that God is always working for us and with us, often in ways we cannot see or imagine.
When we consider what we often ask of God, it might just be a fraction of what He is prepared to do. How often do we limit God with our small requests? God is not a being limited by human thinking or capacity; instead, His plans transcend our understanding. This is a wonderful promise to hold onto, especially in times of doubt or struggle. We have to remember that our vision might be limited, but God’s vision is infinite.
Ephesians 3:20 Explanation and Commentary
Looking closer at this passage, we can discern important components. “Now unto him that is able” affirms God’s sovereignty and power. It establishes the premise that God is capable of fulfilling His promises. The idea that God can do is foundational to our faith. When we pray and present our needs to God, we can do so with confidence because He has the ability to answer in ways that go beyond our limited view.
Next, “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” transforms the nature of prayer. Paul illustrates that whatever we pray for, God can go beyond it. This doesn’t necessarily mean we will receive exactly what we ask for, as sometimes God’s way is different than ours. Instead, He will often answer our prayers in ways we never anticipated. The depth of love God has for us entails a commitment to bless us in ways that might be entirely unexpected. This expands our understanding of divine provision and presence.
When Paul mentions “according to the power that worketh in us,” it shifts the focus back to us, the individuals who are believers. It is through the Holy Spirit that this divine action takes place. We have a part to play. The power of God at work within us creates the environment where transformation occurs. This suggests that we have responsibility in our relationship with God to cultivate that inner strength and allow it to flourish. It’s already there; we must just allow it to manifest in our lives.
We can look to different biblical examples to illustrate Paul’s message. For instance, think of Abraham. When God promised him a multitude of descendants while he had no children, it seemed impossible. Yet God did not just fulfill the promise but exceeded it abundantly through Isaac and Jacob. Our prayers can sometimes appear daunting or sound impossible, yet God operates on a higher plane of possibilities compared to human limitations. The challenge lies in our faith to believe that what we cannot see may very well be happening behind the scenes.
Context of Ephesians 3:20
To better understand Ephesians 3:20, it’s valuable to know the context in which it was written. Paul wrote this letter while in prison, which might seem like a tough scenario, but it was a moment of spiritual richness. Paul had been praying for the Ephesians, and his prayers were poignant, powerful, and rooted in a deep understanding of God’s character.
The purpose of the letter to the Ephesians was to explain the nature of the Church, the body of Christ, and how all believers are part of God’s grand plan. Paul’s inclusion of this powerful verse comes at the culmination of a prayer where he seeks God’s strengthening for the believers. It serves as a reminder that, despite circumstances, God is able to work mightily through His people.
Additionally, we see this verse situated within a larger discussion about love, grace, and unity among believers. Paul emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity and comprehension of God’s love. In this framework, Ephesians 3:20 becomes a climactic expression of the hope and faith that should characterize our lives as Christians.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 3:20
When we break down the key parts of the verse, we see a clear and structured promise from God. The first part, “Now unto him that is able,” sets up the assurance that God has the ability to deliver. Our God isn’t limited by time or space. He operates outside of our human constraints.
The term “exceeding abundantly” implies a superlative action, meaning that God’s gifts and blessings go beyond the maximum measure. It’s like not just giving us a gift, but giving something far greater, something lavish and generous that we may not have expected. We can think of it as the difference between receiving a nice gift and also getting a surprise experience that stays with us for a lifetime. God doesn’t just meet our needs; He overflows our cups.
The phrase “above all that we ask or think” challenges us to expand our imagination in prayer. When we pray, are we limiting God with our thoughts? Do we pray small prayers or hesitate to ask for the great things that God can accomplish? Paul’s encouragement in this line is that we should not shy away from asking big and thinking creatively about what God can do.
Finally, “according to the power that worketh in us” serves as a reminder of partnership. As Christians, we are not passive recipients. Instead, we actively engage in seeking God’s will and allowing His Spirit to guide us. The inner power of God is already present in our lives and it’s important for us to tap into this power. Our willingness to yield to God’s Spirit is what allows His work to flourish through us.
Lessons to Learn From Ephesians 3:20
From this impactful scripture, we can gather several lessons. Firstly, we learn about the nature of God as an abundant giver. It gives us permission to dream big and to trust that God can do remarkable things. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be deterred by the limitations of our situations or expectations. God operates in the realm of the miraculous.
Secondly, we understand the importance of prayer. It’s an invitation to connect with God and to present our requests before Him. Prayer should be an active part of our faith lives, allowing for a dynamic relationship with God where we express our desires and also listen for His guidance.
Another powerful takeaway is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are not alone. As believers, we are equipped with the Spirit to empower us for good works and divine purpose. Understanding and nurturing that relationship is foundational for our spiritual growth.
Lastly, there is significance in recognizing the communal aspect of our faith. Paul was writing to the Church and emphasizing how together, we can experience God’s power at work among us. Breaking bread, praying, and sharing our lives creates a stronger environment for God’s abundance and blessings to flow.
Final Thoughts
Ephesians 3:20 provides a profound encouragement for our everyday lives. It helps us lift our eyes above current challenges or limitations, reminding us that God has bigger plans than what we can imagine. We are called to trust Him, lean into prayer, and tap deeply into the power of the Holy Spirit within us. In doing so, we open ourselves up to receive blessings beyond what we can conceive.
Let us continue to believe that God is capable of turning our wishes into reality in His divine timing. May we grow in faith, regularly praying with expectation, and understanding that our relationship with God is a two-way street where He wishes to bless us abundantly.
If you enjoyed exploring Ephesians 3:20, we encourage you to explore more topics in the Bible that delve into God’s promises, love, and purpose. You might find value in reading about faith, hope, and love or dive into the life of David with 1 Samuel 20. There’s always more to uncover in the Word of God!