Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 3:14-21 Ephesians 3:14 and onward is Paul's second prayer. The prayer in chapter 1 is a prayer for the spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God, but chapter 3 is a prayer for understanding the mystery of Christ and becoming a being worthy of it. Verses 14-15 “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Each family belongs to one Father, the whole family. He pray for the whole family, in heaven and on earth, who are named as one family in Christ, in his name.And he pray on his knees. As the days go by, the need for this kneeling prayer becomes more urgent.Paul's prayer is universal.It is his self-esteem as a servant of the universal God and of Christ, all and sovereign Lord of all.He is a servant of that name, the Word (ho logos).Because the Word, the very being of Christ, has been given to the entire world and people, Paul's ability to pray for them is the courage of his faith and the pride that he was an apostle. Verse 16: "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in inner man." This is the content of Paul's prayer.First, he prays, "That according to the riches of his glory, you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being."We should constantly consider how much time we invest in prayer for our inner man, just as we spend on eating, exercising, and dressing up for our outer man.Only when our inner man is projected outwardly is it truly God's work. Verse 17: "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: that you, being rooted and grounded in love." The second is to allow Christ to dwell in your hearts through faith.This faith, which may seem the easiest, requires a long period of immersion in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.The third is to be rooted and grounded in love. Love is not something you strive for, but rather something you achieve by keeping the commandments of oneness with God in Christ.Therefore, we must keep in our hearts the words of the Lord, "Keep my commandments and remain in love." Verses 18-19: “May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.” The fourth is the overflowing knowledge of Christ’s love.Know this love, which is width and length and depth and height.This love has no end here or no end there.Whether you ascend to heaven or descend to Hades, this love has no end or limit.Fifthly, only when this happens can you finally enter into all the fullness of God.Ultimately, the kingdom of God is possessed by those who invade with the word and prayer. Verse 20: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us." God is able to do all things.That is why we pray.God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think  according to the power of Christ that works within us.In other words, even thoughts become prayer.Therefore, the mind of the Spirit in Christ is very important for the maturity of faith (Romans 8:6). Verse 21: “Unto him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughtout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Paul viewed the church (body) and Christ (head) as equals.This is because the church is the bride of Christ.In terms of hierarchy, a married couple is equal.Just as Christ is the head in the creative order and the church is his body, so too are married couples.Therefore, in the representative prayer of Christ, the high priest, He mentions that He has given his glory to the church, his bride (John 17:22).To become one with Christ, we must receive this glory.Therefore, hearing the gospel of truth, believing in it, obtaining righteousness, becoming one with God in Christ, and making peace with him and advancing toward his glory through words and prayer is the faith that follows Christ, the high priest, and follows his calling.This is also the mystery of the church.Paul concludes his prayer with praise, saying, ““To the all ages, world without end. Amen.” Written by Ptr. Yohan Kim.Translated by  Nancy Kim COME AND SEE WORLD MISSION TO GOD BE THE GLORY