Ephesians 3:14
Verse
Context
Sermons
Major Ian Thomas
Chuck Smith
Carter Conlon
Art Katz
Bill McLeod
William MacDonald
F. Crossley MorganSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For this cause I bow my knees - That you may not faint, but persevere, I frequently pray to God, who is our God and the Father of our Lord Jesus. Some very ancient and excellent MSS. and versions omit the words του Κυριου ἡμων Ιησου Χριστου, of our Lord Jesus Christ. And in them the passage reads: I bow my knees unto the Father. The apostle prays to God the Father, that they may not faint; and he bows his knees in this praying. What can any man think of himself, who, in his addresses to God, can either sit on his seat or stand in the presence of the Maker and Judge of all men? Would they sit while addressing any person of ordinary respectability? If they did so they would be reckoned very rude indeed. Would they sit in the presence of the king of their own land? They would not be permitted so to do. Is God then to be treated with less respect than a fellow mortal? Paul kneeled in praying, Act 20:36; Act 21:5. Stephen kneeled when he was stoned, Act 7:60. And Peter kneeled when he raised Tabitha, Act 9:40. Many parts of this prayer bear a strict resemblance to that offered up by Solomon, Ch2 6:1, etc., when dedicating the temple: He kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands towards heaven; Ch2 6:13. The apostle was now dedicating the Christian Church, that then was and that ever should be, to God; and praying for those blessings which should ever rest on and distinguish it; and he kneels down after the example of Solomon, and invokes him to whom the first temple was dedicated, and who had made it a type of the Gospel Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For this cause--Resuming the thread of Eph 3:1, "For this cause." Because ye have such a standing in God's Church [ALFORD]. bow my knees--the proper attitude in humble prayer. Posture affects the mind, and is not therefore unimportant. See Paul's practice (Act 20:36); and that of the Lord Himself on earth (Luk 22:41). unto the Father--The oldest manuscripts omit "of our Lord Jesus Christ." But Vulgate and some very old authorities retain them: Eph 3:15, "From whom," in either case, refers to "the Father" (Patera), as "family" (patria, akin in sound and etymology) plainly refers to Him. Still the foundation of all sonship is in Jesus Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. This may refer either to God, the Father of Christ; who is the Father of the whole family in heaven and in earth; not only the Father of Christ, but the Father of spirits, of angelic spirits, as well as of the souls of men; and the Father of all the saints by adopting grace, whether above or below; they are all the household of God: or else to Jesus Christ, who is the everlasting Father, the Son over his own house, and the firstborn among many brethren: and this family consists either of elect angels and elect men, who are both under one head, Christ, and are in one family, only with this difference, the one are servants, the other sons; or else only of elect men, of saints in heaven and in earth, who all make up but one family; and that part of it, which is on earth, consists of persons of various sizes and growth, as fathers, young men, and children, though they are all the children of God, and partake of the same privileges: and this family is named of Christ; they are called Christians from him, and he is the master and governor of them; they have their laws, directions, and instructions from him; and he is the great provider for them, and the support of them; they have their food and clothing from him, as well as are called by his name. Frequent mention is made in the Jewish writings (o) of the family of the holy angels, and of the family above, and the family below, to which here may be some reference. (o) Targ. in Cant. i. 15. T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 17. 1. Zohar in Exod. fol. 105. 4. Raziel, fol. 42. 1. & 45. 2. Caphtor, fol. 58. 2. Shaare Orn, fol. 14. 3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We now come to the second part of this chapter, which contains Paul's devout and affectionate prayer to God for his beloved Ephesians. - For this cause. This may be referred either to the immediately foregoing verse, That you faint not, etc., or, rather, the apostle is here resuming what he began at the first verse, from which he digressed in those which are interposed. Observe, I. To whom he prays - to God, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of which see Eph 1:3. II. His outward posture in prayer, which was humble and reverent: I bow my knees. Note, When we draw nigh to God, we should reverence him in our hearts, and express our reverence in the most suitable and becoming behaviour and gesture. Here, having mentioned Christ, he cannot pass without an honourable encomium of his love, Eph 3:15. The universal church has a dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. The Jews were wont to boast of Abraham as their father, but now Jews and Gentiles are both denominated from Christ (so some); while others understand it of the saints in heaven, who wear the crown of glory, and of saints on earth who are going on in the work of grace here. Both the one and the other make but one family, one household; and from him they are named CHRISTIANS, as they really are such, acknowledging their dependence upon, and their relation to, Christ. III. What the apostle asks of God for these his friends - spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings, and the most earnestly to be sought and prayed for by every one of us, both for ourselves and for our friends. 1. Spiritual strength for the work and duty to which they were called, and in which they were employed: That he would grant you, according to the riches of his grace, to be strengthened, etc. The inner man is the heart or soul. To be strengthened with might is to be mightily strengthened, much more than they were at present; to be endued with a high degree of grace, and spiritual abilities for discharging duty, resisting temptations, enduring persecutions, etc. And the apostle prays that this may be according to the riches of his glory, or according to his glorious riches - answerable to that great abundance of grace, mercy, and power, which resides in God, and is his glory: and this by his Spirit, who is the immediate worker of grace in the souls of God's people. Observe from these things, That strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man is the best and most desirable strength, strength in the soul, the strength of faith and other graces, strength to serve God and to do our duty, and to persevere in our Christian course with vigour and with cheerfulness. And let us further observe that as the work of grace is first begun so it is continued and carried on, by the blessed Spirit of God. 2. The indwelling of Christ in their hearts, Eph 3:17. Christ is said to dwell in his people, as he is always present with them by his gracious influences and operations. Observe, It is a desirable thing to have Christ dwell in our hearts; and if the law of Christ be written there, and the love of Christ be shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Christ is an inhabitant in the soul of every good Christian. Where his spirit dwells, there he swells; and he dwells in the heart by faith, by means of the continual exercise of faith upon him. Faith opens the door of the soul, to receive Christ; faith admits him, and submits to him. By faith we are united to Christ, and have an interest in him. 3. The fixing of pious and devout affections in the soul: That you being rooted and grounded in love, stedfastly fixed in your love to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to all the saints, the beloved of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many have some love to God and to his servants, but it is a flash, like the crackling of throns under a pot, it makes a great noise, but is gone presently. We should earnestly desire that good affections may be fixed in us, that we may be rooted and grounded in love. Some understand it of their being settled and established in the sense of God's love to them, which would inspire them with greater ardours of holy love to him, and to one another. And how very desirable is it to have a settled fixed sense of the love of God and Christ to our souls, so as to be able to say with the apostle at all times, He has loved me! Now the best way to attain this is to be careful that we maintain a constant love to God in our souls; this will be the evidence of the love of God to us. We love him, because he first loved us. In order to this he prays, 4. For their experimental acquaintance with the love of Jesus Christ. The more intimate acquaintance we have with Christ's love to us, the more our love will be drawn out to him, and to those who are his, for his sake: That you may be able to comprehend with all saints, etc. (Eph 3:18, Eph 3:19); that is, more clearly to understand, and firmly to believe, the wonderful love of Christ to his, which the saints do understand and believe in some measure, and shall understand more hereafter. Christians should not aim to comprehend above all saints; but be content that God deals with them as he uses to do with those who love and fear his name: we should desire to comprehend with all saints, to have so much knowledge as the saints are allowed to have in this world. We should be ambitious of coming up with the first three; but not of going beyond what is the measure of the stature of other saints. It is observable how magnificently the apostle speaks of the love of Christ. The dimensions of redeeming love are admirable: The breadth, and length, and depth, and height. By enumerating these dimensions, the apostle designs to signify the exceeding greatness of the love of Christ, the unsearchable riches of his love, which is higher than heaven, deeper than hell, longer than the earth, and broader than the sea, Job 11:8, Job 11:9. Some describe the particulars thus: By the breadth of it we may understand the extent of it to all ages, nations, and ranks of men; by the length of it, its continuance from everlasting to everlasting; by the depth of it, its stooping to the lowest condition, with a design to relieve and save those who have sunk into the depths of sin and misery; by its height, its entitling and raising us up to the heavenly happiness and glory. We should desire to comprehend this love: it is the character of all the saints that they do so; for they all have a complacency and a confidence in the love of Christ: And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, Eph 3:19. If it passeth knowledge, how can we know it? We must pray and endeavour to know something, and should still covet and strive to know more and more of it, though, after the best endeavours, none can fully comprehend it: in its full extent it surpasses knowledge. Though the love of Christ may be better perceived and known by Christians than it generally is, yet it cannot be fully understood on this side heaven. 5. He prays that they may be filled with all the fulness of God. It is a high expression: we should not dare to use it if we did not find it in the scriptures. It is like those other expressions, of being partakers of a divine nature, and of being perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. We are not to understand it of his fulness as God in himself, but of his fulness as a God in covenant with us, as a God to his people: such a fulness as God is ready to bestow, who is willing to fill them all to the utmost of their capacity, and that with all those gifts and graces which he sees they need. Those who receive grace for grace from Christ's fulness may be said to be filled with the fulness of God, according to their capacity, all which is in order to their arriving at the highest degree of the knowledge and enjoyment of God, and an entire conformity to him. The apostle closes the chapter with a doxology, Eph 3:20, Eph 3:21. It is proper to conclude our prayers with praises. Our blessed Saviour has taught us to do so. Take notice how he describes God, and how he ascribes glory to him. He describes him as a God that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. There is an inexhaustible fulness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry. Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, still God is still able to do more, abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly more. Open thy mouth ever so wide, still he hath wherewithal to fill it. Note, In our applications to God we should encourage our faith by a consideration of his all-sufficiency and almighty power. According to the power which worketh in us. As if he had said, We have already had a proof of this power of God, in what he hath wrought in us and done for us, having quickened us by his grace, and converted us to himself. The power that still worketh for the saints is according to that power that hath wrought in them. Wherever God gives of his fulness he gives to experience his power. Having thus described God, he ascribes glory to him. When we come to ask for grace from God, we ought to give glory to God. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus. In ascribing glory to God, we ascribe all excellences and perfections to him, glory being the effulgency and result of them all. Observe, The seat of God's praises is in the church. That little rent of praise which God receives from this world is from the church, a sacred society constituted for the glory of God, every particular member of which, both Jew and Gentile, concurs in this work of praising God. The Mediator of these praises is Jesus Christ. All God's gifts come from his to us through the hand of Christ; and all our praises pass from us to him through the same hand. And God should and will be praised thus throughout all ages, world without end; for he will ever have a church to praise him, and he will ever have his tribute of praise from his church. Amen. So be it; and so it will certainly be.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14-21 Paul closes this section (1:3–3:21) with a second prayer for his readers. The first (1:15-23) was for their spiritual understanding, the second (3:14-21) is for their spiritual growth and empowerment. 3:14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray: Paul resumes what he started to say at the beginning of the chapter (see 3:1).
Ephesians 3:14
Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
13So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. 14... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father,15from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Man as You Are
By Major Ian Thomas5.3K37:07ManGEN 3:6ISA 14:12MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ROM 12:2EPH 3:14COL 2:9In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing man in his innocence and perfection, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. However, the focus of the sermon shifts to man as he is, highlighting the reality of human sin and failure. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding what happens when man fails in sin and how it affects the human spirit. He then references Ephesians 3:14, where Paul prays for believers to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts. The sermon concludes with the invitation for listeners to surrender their whole humanity to Christ and experience a revolutionary transformation.
The Kjv Version Bible - Part 1
By Chuck Smith4.1K1:01:03KJV VersionMAT 6:13MRK 11:26MRK 16:9ROM 1:22EPH 3:9EPH 3:141PE 1:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the warnings given by Paul the Apostle in Romans chapter 1. He emphasizes the danger of people who claim to be wise but instead worship their own intellect rather than the incorruptible God. The preacher also criticizes modern translations of the Bible, claiming that they have been influenced by the Westcott and Hort committee, resulting in the deletion of important scriptures. He highlights specific examples of deletions, such as the removal of references to Jesus' mission to save the lost and the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees.
The Cost of the Resurrection Life
By Carter Conlon2.1K49:02Resurrection LifeGEN 32:261KI 19:202KI 2:9AMO 3:3MAT 6:33MRK 10:51EPH 3:14In this sermon, the preacher talks about how the Lord instructed the early army to conquer their captivity by simply walking around it and praising God. He shares his personal experience of being set free from nine years of intense fear and panic attacks by trusting in God's promises. The preacher emphasizes that we should not share our lives with the strongholds and fears that have been planted in us, but instead trust in God to lead us to victory. He encourages the audience to believe in God's power to break down the walls of captivity in their lives and receive the blessings that come with it.
The Radical Kingdom - Part 3
By Art Katz1.3K53:11Kingdom Of GodMAT 27:54ACT 7:59EPH 3:9EPH 3:14EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church demonstrating the power of forgiveness and meekness in the face of unjust suffering. They highlight that this demonstration is not just a private matter but is connected to the cosmic design of the universe. The speaker also discusses the practical implications of this demonstration, explaining that it should be made on the same basis as Jesus' victory over the enemy. They emphasize the significance of suffering and how it reveals our final destiny and mission as witnesses for Christ. The sermon concludes with a mention of martyrdom and the invitation to ponder and search the Scriptures for further understanding.
Clean Up the Place for God
By Bill McLeod1.3K51:51HolinessECC 3:14MAT 22:39ROM 13:12ROM 13:14EPH 2:12EPH 2:19EPH 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing true love, which is exemplified by God's love for us. He highlights how often we love for selfish reasons or only those who love us back. The speaker shares a story about a missionary who deeply missed his friends and emphasizes the need to love sacrificially. The sermon also discusses the power of prayer and shares examples of individuals who faced challenges in their ministry but persevered through prayer and reliance on God. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their hearts and remove any sinful behaviors or attitudes that grieve the Holy Spirit, in order to experience true victory and intimacy with God.
Studies in Ephesians - Part 3
By William MacDonald1.1K45:59StudiesEPH 3:14In this sermon, the speaker begins by explaining the structure of the chapter being discussed. He points out that Paul starts off with a thought in verse 1, but gets interrupted and addresses a different subject in verses 2 through 13 before returning to his original point in verse 14. The speaker then highlights the theme of the transforming power of God, which is discussed in chapter 2. He mentions that this theme is also referenced in previous portions of the same epistle. The speaker then moves on to discuss the mystery of Christ, which is the focus of the chapter. He emphasizes that the church is a parenthesis in God's dealings and that the presentation of this truth in the Word of God is also presented as a parenthesis. Finally, the speaker introduces a prayer for power, which is found in verses 14 to 19 of chapter 3. The prayer is directed to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and emphasizes the unity of the family in heaven and earth.
The Christian Home Psalms
By F. Crossley Morgan84357:33EPH 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of shaping the confidence of our children in us. He shares a story told by a theologian about a father who promised his son a knife before leaving for work. The father gets caught up in his busy day and forgets about the promise, but the son eagerly waits for him at home. The speaker highlights the significance of family worship and the impact it can have on children's faith. He also mentions the decline of traditional practices like gathering around the piano to learn hymns.
Rooted and Grounded in Love
By Bill McLeod81837:33LoveEPH 2:19EPH 2:22EPH 3:14EPH 3:201PE 1:13REV 21:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a man named B. Earl who had a life-changing encounter with God. B. Earl was a preacher who often cried while preaching, but one day he realized that his tears were not enough. He cried out to God and was convicted of his own shortcomings. Through his surrender and seeking of God's love, B. Earl experienced a transformation and went on to lead 150,000 people to Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and feeling the love of Christ towards everyone and encourages listeners to wait on the Lord and be involved in His work.
The Lack of Love
By Corrie Ten Boom43358:11LoveMAT 6:33MAT 28:19LUK 6:27JHN 14:6ROM 12:20EPH 3:14EPH 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the abundance of riches and promises that believers have in Jesus Christ. He encourages the audience to live as rich individuals and to embrace their role as representatives of heaven and soul winners. The preacher shares a powerful story of visiting a murderer in prison and witnessing his transformation through the love and mercy of Jesus. He also highlights the importance of surrendering to God's love and allowing Him to work through believers as ambassadors. The sermon concludes with a reminder that everyone is important in God's eyes and that sharing the message of Jesus can have a profound impact on others.
Holy Trinity, the Eternal Family
By Michael Flowers36817:36TrinityEPH 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The preacher explains that Jesus revealed the nature of God as a communion of infinite love within the Holy Trinity. The sermon highlights the belief in Jesus Christ as the only Son of God, who came down from heaven, was crucified, rose again, and ascended into heaven. The preacher also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the mission of the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Do Not Settle for Less Than God's Very Best
By Peter Hammond16324:44Christian LifeEPH 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively living out the Great Commission rather than passively believing in it. He criticizes the idea that sitting on the couch and watching TV can fulfill God's mission. The speaker uses examples like an obstacle course and a computer game to illustrate the difference between real-life experiences and mere simulations. He argues that the Bible describes the Christian journey as a continuous struggle and advancement, and that concepts like just believing or receiving are inadequate in conveying the true message of salvation.
We Need God to Open Our Eyes to the Gospel
By Matt Brown11828:59Gospel-Centered LivingPurpose and MotivationGospelEPH 3:14Matt Brown emphasizes the necessity of being driven by the Gospel, urging listeners to reflect on their motivations in life. He highlights how many people pursue goals for recognition or security, yet true fulfillment comes from understanding and being captivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Brown draws from Ephesians 3, where Paul prays for believers to grasp the depth of Christ's love, encouraging a life that is not only purpose-driven but Gospel-driven. He illustrates this with the story of Henrietta Mears, whose impact on young people led to significant ministries, demonstrating how a life centered on the Gospel can change the world. Ultimately, he calls for a transformation in daily habits to align with a Gospel-driven life.
Cultivating the Anointing of God's 3-Fold Love
By Mike Bickle251:00:21God's LoveSpiritual GrowthEPH 3:14Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of cultivating the anointing of God's threefold love as a pathway to experiencing the fullness of God. He explains that true strength in our spirit, which allows Christ to dwell in our hearts, is achieved through prayer and a fasted lifestyle. Bickle warns that many believers remain stuck in a dull spirit, failing to pursue their full destiny due to a lack of commitment to this spiritual journey. He outlines a four-step progression that leads to a deeper understanding and experience of God's love, urging believers to seek a genuine relationship with God on His terms. Ultimately, he stresses that the fullness of God is attainable for all who earnestly pursue it through prayer and obedience.
Enjoying Freedom From the Spirit of Immorality
By Mike Bickle2556:36Experiencing God's LoveIntimacy With GodEPH 3:14Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of experiencing the love of God as a transformative power in our lives, urging believers to pray for a deeper intimacy with God through the apostolic prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-19. He outlines a threefold love: receiving love from God, reciprocating that love back to Him, and allowing that love to overflow to others. Bickle encourages believers to pursue a vibrant spiritual life, warning against a sterile, emotionless Christianity that prioritizes mandates over heart encounters with God. He stresses that true fulfillment and strength come from being rooted and grounded in God's love, leading to a life filled with the fullness of God. Ultimately, he calls for a tenacious pursuit of God's presence to experience the joy and pleasure of His love.
Praying for Strength Unto Experiencing God's Presence
By Mike Bickle1653:33Experiencing God's PresenceStrength in PrayerEPH 3:14Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Ephesians 3:14-19, highlighting the need for believers to pray for strength in their inner man to experience the fullness of God's presence and love. He explains that this prayer is a pathway to understanding the vastness of God's love, which surpasses knowledge, and encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, obedience, and the Holy Spirit. Bickle outlines a four-stage progression in the Christian experience, urging the congregation to pursue strength and intimacy with God to fully comprehend His love and purpose for their lives.
Love of God
By Phil Beach Jr.1519:54God's LoveLove Of GodObedience through LoveEPH 3:14Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound love of God and its transformative power in the lives of believers. He explains that true obedience to God stems from being filled with His love, which empowers us to live according to His commandments joyfully. Beach encourages the congregation to recognize their identity as children of God, heirs to His love and grace, and to actively seek a deeper relationship with Him. He illustrates this relationship with the analogy of a wealthy father, highlighting that everything God has is available to His children. Ultimately, he calls for believers to immerse themselves in God's love, which fulfills the law and leads to genuine obedience.
Develop Your Full Potential in Christ: The Plan of Grace
By Paris Reidhead0Abiding in ChristGraceEPH 3:14Paris Reidhead emphasizes the importance of developing our full potential in Christ through the plan of grace, highlighting that God has a tailor-made plan for each individual that begins today. He explains that this plan requires us to abide in Christ, allowing Him to live through us, which leads to victory over our struggles and the fullness of God in our lives. Reidhead encourages believers to relinquish their rights and let Christ take up residence in their hearts through faith, ultimately leading to a normal Christian life filled with His presence and power. He stresses that true victory comes not from our efforts but from our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. The sermon concludes with a call to seek a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing that being filled with the Spirit is essential for living out our faith effectively.
Christ in Me
By Andrew Murray0Spiritual GrowthChrist's PresenceJHN 14:20JHN 15:52CO 13:5EPH 3:14EPH 3:16Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in Me,' urging believers to reflect on this reality each morning. He highlights the significance of understanding that through faith, Christ dwells within us, empowering us to live fruitful lives. Murray points to the necessity of prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit to experience the fullness of Christ's presence and love in our hearts. He encourages believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the transformative power it brings to their daily lives. Ultimately, this awareness leads to a deeper relationship with God and a fruitful Christian walk.
God’s Riches in Us
By David Wilkerson0Inner StrengthGod's PresenceEPH 3:14David Wilkerson emphasizes that when the Lord resides within us, He brings His immense power and resources, granting us access to strength, wisdom, and peace necessary for victorious living. He highlights that we do not need to call upon God from afar, as He is already present within us, empowering us through His Spirit. Wilkerson references Paul's teachings in Ephesians, illustrating the incredible treasures available to believers, including being rooted in love and filled with the fullness of God. He clarifies that God is not a distant figure but is intimately involved in our lives, providing us with strength and the ability to ask for all things. Ultimately, the sermon reassures us of God's abiding presence and the divine power at work within us.
Entire Holiness Attainable
By Randolph S. Foster0MAT 5:6LUK 10:27ROM 6:22ROM 8:3EPH 3:141TH 5:23HEB 12:14HEB 13:201PE 1:16REV 14:5Randolph Sinks Foster delves into the attainability of the high state of moral and spiritual excellence described in the preceding chapter of Isaiah. He emphasizes the importance of seeking proof from the Bible as the foundation of religious tenets, highlighting that holiness is not only a present duty and privilege but also an achievable state in this life. Through numerous direct and inferential proofs from various passages, Foster argues that holiness is not only taught but also experienced, making it a central truth of the Christian faith. He challenges believers to embrace the possibility of attaining holiness, as rejecting this doctrine would lead to dire consequences and render God's requirements meaningless.
The Christian Church
By David Shelby Corlett0MAT 5:13ACT 20:281CO 12:13EPH 1:22EPH 3:141TI 3:15HEB 12:23JAS 5:14David Shelby Corlett preaches about the Church of God, emphasizing that it is composed of spiritually regenerate individuals whose names are written in heaven, and it is a spiritual organism where believers are incorporated by the Spirit. The Church belongs to Christ, purchased by His blood, and is called the Bride of Christ. Its mission is to be the pillar and ground of truth, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, proclaiming the gospel of Christ. The Church is to be composed of regenerate individuals associated for holy fellowship and ministries, with the Church of the Nazarene seeking Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, and the preaching of the gospel to every creature.
Preparation for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
By Paris Reidhead0ISA 44:3JER 29:11EZK 36:25MAT 3:11JHN 17:18JHN 20:22ROM 8:9ROM 12:1EPH 3:14Paris Reidhead preaches on the preparation for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the process of being filled with the Spirit after the new birth. He delves into the importance of relinquishing our rights and preparing our hearts to be vessels for God's Spirit. Reidhead highlights the need to seek God wholeheartedly, aligning our desires with His will, and surrendering every aspect of our being to Him for His use.
Day 163, Ephesians 3
By David Servant0ROM 3:292CO 13:5EPH 3:5EPH 3:8EPH 3:10EPH 3:14EPH 3:16EPH 3:19David Servant preaches about Paul's emphasis on the Gentiles' inclusion into God's kingdom, revealing how the Holy Spirit unveiled this mystery to Paul and other apostles. Paul stresses that Gentiles are equal heirs, members, and partakers of God's promises through Christ, highlighting God's eternal purpose. He addresses the threat of Jewish legalists in Ephesus and clarifies his specific calling to serve the Gentiles, humbly acknowledging that his ministry is solely by God's grace. Paul marvels at God's wisdom displayed through the church to spiritual authorities, emphasizing the superiority of serving the one true God. He prays for the Gentiles to experience the fullness of Christ's love and blessings.
Not a Scriptural Doctrine
By Harmon A. Baldwin0MAT 5:6LUK 10:27ROM 6:222CO 7:1EPH 3:141TH 5:23HEB 12:141PE 1:161JN 4:17Harmon A. Baldwin preaches on the biblical foundation of entire sanctification, addressing objections by presenting numerous direct and inferential proofs from commands, exhortations, promises, prayers, and actual experiences found throughout the Bible. The sermon emphasizes that holiness is not just a possibility but a present duty, privilege, and enjoyment, intricately woven into the entire revelation from prophecy to poetry, from law to narrative. Baldwin highlights that God's Word clearly teaches holiness through commands to love God and others, exhortations to cleanse ourselves and go on to perfection, promises of being filled with righteousness and sanctified wholly, prayers for sanctification, and examples of individuals attaining holiness.
The Higher Life Prayer
By Daniel Steele0PSA 36:5MAT 5:48ROM 8:38EPH 3:14EPH 3:17Daniel Steele preaches on Paul's powerful prayer for the Ephesian Church, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's love and the believers' potential for spiritual excellence despite their challenging backgrounds. Steele highlights the expectation for believers to be strengthened by the Spirit, have Christ dwell in their hearts, and be rooted in love, aiming for perfection as commanded by Jesus. He delves into the depth, length, and height of Christ's love, urging believers to seek the unknowable fullness of Christ's love and be filled with all the fullness of God, ultimately praying for the believers' complete spiritual enrichment and perfection in love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For this cause I bow my knees - That you may not faint, but persevere, I frequently pray to God, who is our God and the Father of our Lord Jesus. Some very ancient and excellent MSS. and versions omit the words του Κυριου ἡμων Ιησου Χριστου, of our Lord Jesus Christ. And in them the passage reads: I bow my knees unto the Father. The apostle prays to God the Father, that they may not faint; and he bows his knees in this praying. What can any man think of himself, who, in his addresses to God, can either sit on his seat or stand in the presence of the Maker and Judge of all men? Would they sit while addressing any person of ordinary respectability? If they did so they would be reckoned very rude indeed. Would they sit in the presence of the king of their own land? They would not be permitted so to do. Is God then to be treated with less respect than a fellow mortal? Paul kneeled in praying, Act 20:36; Act 21:5. Stephen kneeled when he was stoned, Act 7:60. And Peter kneeled when he raised Tabitha, Act 9:40. Many parts of this prayer bear a strict resemblance to that offered up by Solomon, Ch2 6:1, etc., when dedicating the temple: He kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands towards heaven; Ch2 6:13. The apostle was now dedicating the Christian Church, that then was and that ever should be, to God; and praying for those blessings which should ever rest on and distinguish it; and he kneels down after the example of Solomon, and invokes him to whom the first temple was dedicated, and who had made it a type of the Gospel Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For this cause--Resuming the thread of Eph 3:1, "For this cause." Because ye have such a standing in God's Church [ALFORD]. bow my knees--the proper attitude in humble prayer. Posture affects the mind, and is not therefore unimportant. See Paul's practice (Act 20:36); and that of the Lord Himself on earth (Luk 22:41). unto the Father--The oldest manuscripts omit "of our Lord Jesus Christ." But Vulgate and some very old authorities retain them: Eph 3:15, "From whom," in either case, refers to "the Father" (Patera), as "family" (patria, akin in sound and etymology) plainly refers to Him. Still the foundation of all sonship is in Jesus Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. This may refer either to God, the Father of Christ; who is the Father of the whole family in heaven and in earth; not only the Father of Christ, but the Father of spirits, of angelic spirits, as well as of the souls of men; and the Father of all the saints by adopting grace, whether above or below; they are all the household of God: or else to Jesus Christ, who is the everlasting Father, the Son over his own house, and the firstborn among many brethren: and this family consists either of elect angels and elect men, who are both under one head, Christ, and are in one family, only with this difference, the one are servants, the other sons; or else only of elect men, of saints in heaven and in earth, who all make up but one family; and that part of it, which is on earth, consists of persons of various sizes and growth, as fathers, young men, and children, though they are all the children of God, and partake of the same privileges: and this family is named of Christ; they are called Christians from him, and he is the master and governor of them; they have their laws, directions, and instructions from him; and he is the great provider for them, and the support of them; they have their food and clothing from him, as well as are called by his name. Frequent mention is made in the Jewish writings (o) of the family of the holy angels, and of the family above, and the family below, to which here may be some reference. (o) Targ. in Cant. i. 15. T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 17. 1. Zohar in Exod. fol. 105. 4. Raziel, fol. 42. 1. & 45. 2. Caphtor, fol. 58. 2. Shaare Orn, fol. 14. 3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We now come to the second part of this chapter, which contains Paul's devout and affectionate prayer to God for his beloved Ephesians. - For this cause. This may be referred either to the immediately foregoing verse, That you faint not, etc., or, rather, the apostle is here resuming what he began at the first verse, from which he digressed in those which are interposed. Observe, I. To whom he prays - to God, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of which see Eph 1:3. II. His outward posture in prayer, which was humble and reverent: I bow my knees. Note, When we draw nigh to God, we should reverence him in our hearts, and express our reverence in the most suitable and becoming behaviour and gesture. Here, having mentioned Christ, he cannot pass without an honourable encomium of his love, Eph 3:15. The universal church has a dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. The Jews were wont to boast of Abraham as their father, but now Jews and Gentiles are both denominated from Christ (so some); while others understand it of the saints in heaven, who wear the crown of glory, and of saints on earth who are going on in the work of grace here. Both the one and the other make but one family, one household; and from him they are named CHRISTIANS, as they really are such, acknowledging their dependence upon, and their relation to, Christ. III. What the apostle asks of God for these his friends - spiritual blessings, which are the best blessings, and the most earnestly to be sought and prayed for by every one of us, both for ourselves and for our friends. 1. Spiritual strength for the work and duty to which they were called, and in which they were employed: That he would grant you, according to the riches of his grace, to be strengthened, etc. The inner man is the heart or soul. To be strengthened with might is to be mightily strengthened, much more than they were at present; to be endued with a high degree of grace, and spiritual abilities for discharging duty, resisting temptations, enduring persecutions, etc. And the apostle prays that this may be according to the riches of his glory, or according to his glorious riches - answerable to that great abundance of grace, mercy, and power, which resides in God, and is his glory: and this by his Spirit, who is the immediate worker of grace in the souls of God's people. Observe from these things, That strength from the Spirit of God in the inner man is the best and most desirable strength, strength in the soul, the strength of faith and other graces, strength to serve God and to do our duty, and to persevere in our Christian course with vigour and with cheerfulness. And let us further observe that as the work of grace is first begun so it is continued and carried on, by the blessed Spirit of God. 2. The indwelling of Christ in their hearts, Eph 3:17. Christ is said to dwell in his people, as he is always present with them by his gracious influences and operations. Observe, It is a desirable thing to have Christ dwell in our hearts; and if the law of Christ be written there, and the love of Christ be shed abroad there, then Christ dwells there. Christ is an inhabitant in the soul of every good Christian. Where his spirit dwells, there he swells; and he dwells in the heart by faith, by means of the continual exercise of faith upon him. Faith opens the door of the soul, to receive Christ; faith admits him, and submits to him. By faith we are united to Christ, and have an interest in him. 3. The fixing of pious and devout affections in the soul: That you being rooted and grounded in love, stedfastly fixed in your love to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to all the saints, the beloved of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many have some love to God and to his servants, but it is a flash, like the crackling of throns under a pot, it makes a great noise, but is gone presently. We should earnestly desire that good affections may be fixed in us, that we may be rooted and grounded in love. Some understand it of their being settled and established in the sense of God's love to them, which would inspire them with greater ardours of holy love to him, and to one another. And how very desirable is it to have a settled fixed sense of the love of God and Christ to our souls, so as to be able to say with the apostle at all times, He has loved me! Now the best way to attain this is to be careful that we maintain a constant love to God in our souls; this will be the evidence of the love of God to us. We love him, because he first loved us. In order to this he prays, 4. For their experimental acquaintance with the love of Jesus Christ. The more intimate acquaintance we have with Christ's love to us, the more our love will be drawn out to him, and to those who are his, for his sake: That you may be able to comprehend with all saints, etc. (Eph 3:18, Eph 3:19); that is, more clearly to understand, and firmly to believe, the wonderful love of Christ to his, which the saints do understand and believe in some measure, and shall understand more hereafter. Christians should not aim to comprehend above all saints; but be content that God deals with them as he uses to do with those who love and fear his name: we should desire to comprehend with all saints, to have so much knowledge as the saints are allowed to have in this world. We should be ambitious of coming up with the first three; but not of going beyond what is the measure of the stature of other saints. It is observable how magnificently the apostle speaks of the love of Christ. The dimensions of redeeming love are admirable: The breadth, and length, and depth, and height. By enumerating these dimensions, the apostle designs to signify the exceeding greatness of the love of Christ, the unsearchable riches of his love, which is higher than heaven, deeper than hell, longer than the earth, and broader than the sea, Job 11:8, Job 11:9. Some describe the particulars thus: By the breadth of it we may understand the extent of it to all ages, nations, and ranks of men; by the length of it, its continuance from everlasting to everlasting; by the depth of it, its stooping to the lowest condition, with a design to relieve and save those who have sunk into the depths of sin and misery; by its height, its entitling and raising us up to the heavenly happiness and glory. We should desire to comprehend this love: it is the character of all the saints that they do so; for they all have a complacency and a confidence in the love of Christ: And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, Eph 3:19. If it passeth knowledge, how can we know it? We must pray and endeavour to know something, and should still covet and strive to know more and more of it, though, after the best endeavours, none can fully comprehend it: in its full extent it surpasses knowledge. Though the love of Christ may be better perceived and known by Christians than it generally is, yet it cannot be fully understood on this side heaven. 5. He prays that they may be filled with all the fulness of God. It is a high expression: we should not dare to use it if we did not find it in the scriptures. It is like those other expressions, of being partakers of a divine nature, and of being perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. We are not to understand it of his fulness as God in himself, but of his fulness as a God in covenant with us, as a God to his people: such a fulness as God is ready to bestow, who is willing to fill them all to the utmost of their capacity, and that with all those gifts and graces which he sees they need. Those who receive grace for grace from Christ's fulness may be said to be filled with the fulness of God, according to their capacity, all which is in order to their arriving at the highest degree of the knowledge and enjoyment of God, and an entire conformity to him. The apostle closes the chapter with a doxology, Eph 3:20, Eph 3:21. It is proper to conclude our prayers with praises. Our blessed Saviour has taught us to do so. Take notice how he describes God, and how he ascribes glory to him. He describes him as a God that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. There is an inexhaustible fulness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry. Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, still God is still able to do more, abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly more. Open thy mouth ever so wide, still he hath wherewithal to fill it. Note, In our applications to God we should encourage our faith by a consideration of his all-sufficiency and almighty power. According to the power which worketh in us. As if he had said, We have already had a proof of this power of God, in what he hath wrought in us and done for us, having quickened us by his grace, and converted us to himself. The power that still worketh for the saints is according to that power that hath wrought in them. Wherever God gives of his fulness he gives to experience his power. Having thus described God, he ascribes glory to him. When we come to ask for grace from God, we ought to give glory to God. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus. In ascribing glory to God, we ascribe all excellences and perfections to him, glory being the effulgency and result of them all. Observe, The seat of God's praises is in the church. That little rent of praise which God receives from this world is from the church, a sacred society constituted for the glory of God, every particular member of which, both Jew and Gentile, concurs in this work of praising God. The Mediator of these praises is Jesus Christ. All God's gifts come from his to us through the hand of Christ; and all our praises pass from us to him through the same hand. And God should and will be praised thus throughout all ages, world without end; for he will ever have a church to praise him, and he will ever have his tribute of praise from his church. Amen. So be it; and so it will certainly be.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:14-21 Paul closes this section (1:3–3:21) with a second prayer for his readers. The first (1:15-23) was for their spiritual understanding, the second (3:14-21) is for their spiritual growth and empowerment. 3:14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray: Paul resumes what he started to say at the beginning of the chapter (see 3:1).