Reading Plan:
Ephesians 3
Our Thoughts:
Earlier this week we talked about Paul’s physical circumstances as a prisoner in Rome. We are reading the words of a man chained to a soldier, void of any sense of freedom, and living in the reality that his life is not in his own hands. This makes the message found in Ephesians 1:15-18 that Paul sends to the believers in Ephesus even more noteworthy. He tells them that even in his struggles he constantly thinks about them and prays for them. That is not an empty platitude meant to blow smoke at the believers in Ephesus. This entire letter is intended to be a source of encouragement and strength for them.
In chapter 3 verse 13, Paul goes so far as to admit that he sees his suffering as being good, not for himself, but for his readers: “So, I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” He sees his sacrifice as something that will benefit his readers and for that reason, he is glad to bear the weight. It's not that the physical circumstances of his suffering are going to result in tangible benefits for them. After all, the Church in Ephesus is dealing with their own struggles of persecution. Paul’s hope, however, is that his example of endurance will empower and encourage them to hold on as well. He is in effect saying, “I’m holding on so that you can see that you can hold on as well.”
I think there are two reminders here that are important for our pressure seasons:
- Let the strength of others encourage you.
- Hold on because someone else needs your strength to endure.
Paul rounds this thought out by moving the perspective away from their circumstances to the power and glory of God. Maybe you have heard Ephesians 3:20 quoted in part,“God is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine.”No matter what circumstances you are facing right now, that perspective can change everything. When we rightly understand God as the creator and sustainer of all things then there is no mountain too large for Him to move.
As powerful as that idea is, it is honestly incomplete. Look at the full statement from Paul in 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.”Read it again and let it sink in. God’s immeasurable power and goodness are experienced through His work WITHIN His people, His church. That means you and I have continual access to God’s “abundantly more” because His Spirit dwells within us if we will only pay attention. We don’t have to go searching. It is already there within you.
It’s important that we see verse 20 in connection to Paul setting an example of endurance for the Ephesians. I think about the iconic line from the Spiderman comics, “with great power comes great responsibility.” If you are the one person left in America not familiar with Spiderman, a reference a little closer to home for us is Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12:48, “To everyone that has been given much, much will be required.”
Having access to God’s “abundantly more” means we are also agents of it. God moves IN us so that He can move THROUGH us. All that God has done and is doing in you is meant to be shared with the world around you. God will do abundantly more through you than you could have ever imagined if you will let Him.
More Questions:
• How have you found the strength to endure difficult circumstances or situations?
• Are you allowing God’s work in you to move through you for the benefit of others?
Prayer:
Lord, we give you praise and honor because we know that you are able to do more immeasurably more than we could ever think or imagine. Your goodness and power are incomparable. Give us the strength today to see the work you want to do not only in us but through us.
Author: Kyle Warren