Ephesians 3:14‑21
The great apostle prays two prayers in the book of Ephesians. The first prayer is found in Ephesians 1:15-23. The second prayer is found in Ephesians 3:14-21
A PRAYER IS OFFERED: vv. 14-21
1. Paul prays for enlightenment . v.14
For this reason I kneel before the Father
2. Paul prays for enablement . v.18
may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
A PROMISE IS FULFILLED: Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
1 The promise of His abiding presence. John 14:16
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever
2. The promise of His teaching insights. John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
3. The promise of His convicting power. John 16:7-8
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
A RELATIONSHIP REALIZED v.16
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Sanctification is . . .
1. Accepted by faith . v.16
2. Realized through love . v.17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
3. Reinforced through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. vv. 19-21
And to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power 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. (Ephesians 3:19-21)
