Adapted from a Jim Hay’s Sermon
3-minute read
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God
Ephesians 3:14-19
In the heart of his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul unveils a prayer that seeks a transformation within the believers—a transformation powered by divine love and spiritual strength. This section, rich with theological depth and pastoral care, invites us on a journey to explore the dimensions of God’s divine love and the resulting spiritual power it creates within us.
The Foundation of Spiritual Power
Paul’s prayer begins with a deep dive into the rich provisions of God’s kingdom: mercy, grace, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. This power is not a distant force but a present reality that enables believers to experience real change—sin defeated, graves emptied, and lives transformed. The resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power at work within us, promising a victorious life through faith in Jesus.
Central to Paul’s prayer is the indwelling presence of Christ in our hearts, anchoring our identity and maturing us in His likeness. The richness of God’s grace, coupled with the empowering presence of the Spirit, culminates in a life where Christ rules and dwells within. This is beautifully encapsulated in St. Patrick’s prayer, which echoes the essence of being enveloped by Christ’s presence in every aspect of our lives.
The Magnitude of Divine Love
Paul’s desire for believers to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ’s love underscores the foundational role of divine love in experiencing spiritual power. This love is not earned but bestowed upon us as a gift of grace, rooting and grounding us in a secure identity as God’s beloved. The apostle paints a picture of love that transcends human understanding—eternal, inclusive, exalted, and deep—inviting us into a relationship with Christ that surpasses mere knowledge.
The power of God is intricately tied to our comprehension of Christ’s love. As believers grow in understanding and experiencing this unfathomable love, they are filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. This realization that Jesus’ love drove Him to the cross for us is transformative, changing us, our relationships, and our engagement with the world.
The Gospel and Our Response
Paul’s prayer culminates in a call to live out the implications of divine love in every facet of life. This love compels us to turn away from sin, draws us closer to community, and propels us forward in gospel mission. It’s a love that not only assures us of our place in God’s family but also empowers us to act as agents of this love in a world desperate for hope.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of love that demands a response. For believers, it’s a call to deepen our affection for God, allowing His love to transform our desires and actions. For those yet to believe, the invitation is to embrace a love so profound that it overcomes death itself. The testimony of St. Patrick, who was moved by such love to return to his captors with the message of the gospel, exemplifies the powerful change divine love can effect in a willing heart.
As we reflect on Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, we’re reminded that the spiritual power of divine love is not a lofty ideal but a lived reality. This love invites us into a deeper relationship with Christ, where our hearts become the fertile ground for spiritual transformation. By anchoring our lives in this love, we’re empowered to face the challenges of life with confidence, serve our communities with compassion, and engage in mission with unshakeable conviction.
In the journey of faith, let us continually seek to experience and be filled with this divine love, allowing it to guide our steps and shape our destinies. For in the power of divine love, we find the strength to change, the courage to love, and the hope to carry on the gospel mission.
All are welcome to learn more about this divine love by visiting The Fount’s weekly meeting on Sunday, 10 am, at the Kansas City Club. Stay up to date with all our events, new blogs, and weekly encouragement by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
