07
The Fullness of God
Rod Shimabukurothat according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17]so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18]may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19]and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
Paul once again offers another prayer for the Gentiles and others. A prayer that if answered by God, would fully strengthen and build up the church. While there are personal applications to this prayer - I believe Paul is thinking about the church, capital C. The family of believers are the people of Christ - who God desires to make known all His Person and fullness. In context, Paul says in 3:10 --- so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the ruler and authorities in heavenly places. The revelation and charge to the Church is needed to reveal the manifold wisdom of God to the spiritual powers (of all groups!:)
In his prayer, Paul prays that ALL SAINTS would comprehend being rooted and grounded in Jesus love. And to know the love of Jesus means this love that surpasses knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge was a part of the culture and fabric of society, being that Ephesus was know to be a center for learning. So Paul spotlights “knowing Jesus love” is far better than knowledge gained in this world system.
That said..I want to live differently by praying this exact prayer for my life, heart, family and the family of God I am blessed and honored to shepherd. Genuinely praying Paul’s prayer, excites my heart to know Jesus and the fullness of God.
I want to know God in His fullness - desiring to walk in, obtain all that God has for me. But this work has to start in my “inner being - in my heart!” One way I need to practically apply this passage is to be a servant and shepherd to the church of God at New Hope. To be caring, by sharing the love of God. I believe people need to know - want to know Jesus love more than head, academic knowledge.
Dear God ALL-Mighty!
I want to know You in all Your fullness! What does that mean Lord? Show me!
Thank You God ALL-Loving, for showing me Your love, care compassion and truth!
