Monday, 2/8/21 – Pressing on… Growing in Agapé

Growing in Agapé

Today I have something rather different for you. Rather than my comments, I invite you to meditate with me on the content and cross-references of the text of our Sunday message. Bold is the base text with cross references interspersed.

In Ephesians 3:14-21 we find Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus. Read first the bolded parts skipping through, then read again the full of it, pausing where the Spirit tells you that you must. Read it in fellowship with God. It is His Word. Let Him speak…

“For this reason I kneel” [Paul knew all one day would, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Phil. 2:10)] before the Father, from whom every family [The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater)] in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches [Some of which are “the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience” (Rom. 2:4)] He may strengthen you with power [This power Paul experienced, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)] through His Spirit in your inner being, [Where God’s Spirit dwells, and delights, “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law” (Rom. 7:22)] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts [“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.”(Rom. 8:10)] through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted [That is “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Col. 2:7)] and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, [Which the Ephesians had, for Paul writes “…I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people” (Eph. 1:15)] to grasp how wide and long and high and deep [Which ancient Job and the psalmist both describe “…higher than the heavens above… deeper than the depths below…” (Job 11:8, 9); “…as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him” (Ps 103:11)] is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge [“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)] —that you may be filled [Not by self-effort, but “…in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” (Col. 2:10)] to the measure of all the fullness of God. [“Him who fills everything in every way.” (Eph. 1:23)].

Now to Him who is able [For example, “able to establish you in accordance with my gospel” (Rom. 16:25) and “able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor 9:8)] to do immeasurably more than all we ask [“Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for…” (1 Ki. 3:13)] or imagine, according to His power [By which power Paul fulfills his ministry: “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power” (Eph. 3:7)] that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. [Or as Paul saluted the Romans, “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Rom. 11:36)].

Amen!

More tomorrow…

To hear Pastor Andrew’s Sunday message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.