In the context of our spiritual journey through life, there are times when we need to reflect on the Word of God in bible study to gain insight, knowledge and guidance. This is a powerful chapter that helps believers understand the depth and wisdom of God's love, the importance of being rooted and grounded in the Lord Jesus Christ, and how to dwell in His presence. Today, we will break down Ephesians 3 as we explore the depth and significance of the words and keywords present in this chapter. Let's dig in!

God appointed Paul, prisoner of Christ Jesus, to be one of God's holy apostles, charged with carrying the message and wisdom of God's grace to all the Lord's people. Paul's unique call was not rooted in any personal merit, but rather in the sovereign will of God. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, a man once a persecutor of Christians, turned into an apostle spreading God's word. This divine grace of God, freely given, radically altered the trajectory of Paul's life, and through his message, continues to impact countless lives to this day.

The spiritual blessings that Paul the prisoner speaks of in his epistles are not material or temporal, but eternal and spiritual, rooted in the 'promise in Christ Jesus.' These blessings encompass forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life, the profound spiritual treasures bestowed upon believers. God's holy apostles, including Paul, were chosen to reveal these spiritual blessings to the world. Their calling underpins the importance of unity among believers in Christ, reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the body of Christ. Through their teachings, we are reminded that the promise in Christ Jesus is accessible to all who believe, regardless of their background or circumstances.

In the chapter, Paul offers insights into the mystery of Jesus Christ, revealing how the Gentiles have become fellow heirs and fellow members of the body of Christ Jesus through the gospel. In verse 17, Paul prays that Jesus Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being rooted and grounded in love, the love of christ, the love of christian life, and making Christ the center of our lives so that we can experience all the fulness and fullness of God's love. When we are rooted in love for Christ, we can be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph 3:19).

In verse 18, Paul highlights the four dimensions of the love of Christ Jesus - breadth and length and height. This verse reminds us that to comprehend the fulness of God's love surpasses knowledge and that we need to comprehend it to be filled with all the fullness of God. When we focus on the love of Christ Jesus and are filled with all the wisdom of God, we can be firmly established in our faith, even when facing trials and challenges.

Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit

Throughout Eph 3, Paul speaks of the importance of the Holy Spirit dwell in your hearts, guiding and transforming our hearts too. Do no lose heart. In verse 16, Paul prays that according to the riches of his glory, he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit to dwell in your hearts and inner being.

As we continue the Bible study, this verse highlights the idea of being filled with all the fullness and wisdom of God and demonstrates the power of the Holy Spirit dwell in your hearts and our lives. When we are filled with the Spirit and can dwell in your hearts through faith alone and own to dwell in your hearts through faith alone, we can be rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ and can dwell in your hearts in His presence.

As believers, it is not enough to simply know about God's love; we must experience it fully. Paul reminds us that by being well rooted and well grounded in love, and dwelling in Christ Jesus, we can experience the depth of God's love which surpasses knowledge. It also challenges us to continually seek a deeper understanding and experience of God's love through prayer, studying His Word, and staying connected to Him.

Eph. 3:20 tells us, "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". This verse serves as a potent reminder of the incredible scope of God's power and providence. It emphasizes the boundless capabilities of the wisdom God, much beyond what we may ask for or even conceive.

Also, we hope it reaffirms that God's power is not distant or abstract, but actively at work within us all the saints. This empowers us as believers to face life's challenges, knowing that the divine force is not just on our side but within us, exceeding our wildest expectations in meeting our needs and accomplishing His purposes.

In verse 20, Paul reassures us to pray with faith that God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. This verse is a reminder that we pray, we should pray with faith and we pray always with hope, trusting that God can and will exceed our expectations. When we pray, we should pray in the name of Jesus and according to the will of God.

The chapter offers insight into crucial aspects of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of faith, prayer, and being rooted in the love of Christ. When we pray and we focus our hearts through faith, on the love and fullness of God, we can become firmly established in love through our faith, which allows us to endure trials and challenges. As we continue our journey, let us dwell in the love of Christ Jesus always, being filled with the fullness of God and guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Lord Jesus Christ in Our Hearts

In Ephesians 3:21, Paul concludes the chapter with a doxology, "to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." This verse serves to remind us that the ultimate goal of our faith journey is to bring glory to God. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, believers are given the opportunity to participate in this divine purpose. When Christ dwells in our own hearts through faith alone, we become vessels of His divine love, reflecting His glory to the world around us.

When we allow the love of Christ to dwell in us, we become recipients of all the fullness and glory of God. This is not a temporary or fleeting experience but a permanent state of being that defines who we are in Christ. When we truly understand and comprehend this concept, we can more fully comprehend, appreciate and comprehend all the fulness, magnitude and depth of God's love towards us.

The seeds of knowledge of God's Word, once planted in our hearts through faith alone, need to be watered and nurtured with prayer, fellowship, and the reading of Scripture. As believers, we must become custodians of our hearts through faith, and knowledge of God's Word, allowing knowledge of it to bloom within us, and be a guide in our everyday lives.

Being filled with all the fullness of God is a divine gift that comes from abiding in God's love. As we experience God's divine love and the indwelling of Christ, we are transformed from the inside out. This transformation impacts not only our relationship with God but also our interactions with others. Living in all the fullness of of God's love enables us to extend that same fulness of love to others, serving as a testament to God's unfathomable grace.

As we continue our journey through the chapter, let's turn our attention to the profound role of prayer in our spiritual life. "Prayer, prayer begins with" not as a ritual, but as a heartfelt conversation with God, allowing us to express our deepest thoughts, fears, and desires. It serves as the vehicle through which we can access the divine wisdom and guidance available to us. As Eph 3:20 reminds us, God's power can work "exceeding, exceeding abundantly" above all we ask or think when we engage in sincere prayer.

Being "grounded in love that surpasses knowledge" is another significant theme in Eph 3. Love is the foundation upon which our faith builds. It is this foundation, the bedrock that ensures we remain "firmly rooted," just as the foundation of a tree's strength lies in its deep, firmly grounded, anchored roots. This grounding, grounded in love, enables us to grasp the vastness of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge (Eph 3:18-19).

Moreover, Eph 3 offers a broader perspective on church life, by introducing the concept of the "saints." The term "saints" refers to church and to all believers who are part of the body of Christ. It reinforces the idea of community and a sense of unity among believers, as we all share in the riches and wisdom of God's glory.

Eph 3 presents a remarkable linkage between the earthly life of believers and "heaven." As we are first grounded in love and rooted in love and firmly become grounded in love and rooted in our hearts through faith alone, we become partakers in the heavenly inheritance, reflecting God's glory here on earth and ultimately in heaven (Eph 3:6). In essence, Paul encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our current life experiences on earth are shaping us for our ultimate home in heaven.

Eph 3 also highlights the role of the "Father" in the entire plan of salvation. It emphasizes that it is through the Father's love, grace, and wisdom that the plan of salvation was conceived and executed. This plan was not merely a reaction to the fall of man but a divine strategy set in place before the creation of the world (Eph 3:11). This revelation should draw us into a deeper sense of awe and gratitude for the Father's love and wisdom.

The chapter also underscores the concept of "fullness of faith." As believers, we are called to be filled with the "fullness" of faith in God (Eph 3:19). This is not referring to being filled in a physical or quantifiable measure, but rather being filled with a spiritual saturation of God's nature and character. This fullness of faith impacts every aspect of our lives, shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

Eph 3:5 sheds light on the breadth and length "revelation" of the mystery of Christ Jesus, which was not made known in other generations but has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This breadth and length fulness of revelation accentuates all the saints and glorious privilege that believers have in this dispensation, a privilege that was not available in the spirit the same breadth and length of "sense" to people in all the saints previous generations.

The term and word "believer" is central to comprehend of life and the message of grace in Eph 3. The chapter elaborates the unique position and privileges of believers, "heard" of the gospel of Christ, and trusted in Him for salvation (Eph 3:1). As believers, we are partakers of the promises in Christ through the gospel.

All the Saints | The Ephesian Church

Eph 3 introduces another crucial concept – the "definite article." Throughout the chapter, Paul uses the definite article, "the," to emphasize the power and distinctiveness of all the saints and elements he mentions, like "the Father," "the saints," and "the heavenly places." Each instance underscores the unique power, glory, and specific nature of these entities in God's divine plan.

The chapter also speaks in depth to life in the "Ephesian church." The audience of this letter, the Ephesian church, was a diverse community of Jews and Gentiles. This diversity is reflected in the spirit of Paul's message, which underscores unity in Christ and mutual love and respect among the church and all believers, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

"Heavenly places" is a recurring phrase in the chapter (and throughout the book of Ephesians), signifying dwelling place in the spiritual realm where believers are seated with Christ (Eph 2:4-6). This phrase serves as a reminder of our spiritual position in Christ and the spiritual warfare that believers are involved in (Eph 6:12).

The use of the "perfect tense" in Eph 3:17 underlines the permanence and completeness of Christ's dwelling to dwell in your hearts, our we dwell in your hearts through faith, through faith alone. It is not a one-time event, but an ongoing reality for believers. The perfect tense implies a completed action with ongoing results, mirroring how we dwell in your hearts through faith alone. Christ's indwelling transforms us not just to dwell in your hearts through faith alone for a moment, but continually.

The term "dwelling place" in Eph 3:17 encapsulates the personal and intimate relationship between Christ and believers. When Christ dwells in our own hearts through faith alone, we become His abode. This concept is not only about Christ living in us, but also about us living in Christ, abiding in His love, and being well grounded in His truth.

The chapter speaks directly to "Christians," calling them to live in light of their identity in Christ and the salvation they have received. It encourages Christians to fully grasp the love of Christ, to be rooted in His love, and to live out this love and grace in their everyday lives. This call serves as a constant reminder to Christians to live in a way that aligns with their calling and to reflect the love and grace of Christ in their interactions with both believers and non-believers all the saints.

Tie it all Together

Eph 3 brings to mind cross references and numerous other cross references re-references cross references from both the Old and New Testaments that further illuminate the themes and concepts within this chapter.

The study of the Holy Bible, particularly the New Testament, offers an enriching understanding of the spiritual transformation that a believer in Christ undergoes. When one accepts the teachings of Christ, they become a 'new creation,' as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." This transformation signifies the shedding of old, sinful nature and the embracing of a new life that aligns with God's will.

The Holy Bible reveals the 'great means' through which divine power is exercised in a believer's life. For instance, in Ephesians 3, Paul the prisoner, a symbol of humility and sacrifice, speaks of the 'whole family' in heaven and earth named after Christ. His letters are a testament to how God's grace transforms lives, promoting unity and love among believers. Through bible study, we begin to comprehend the transformative power of God's word, nurturing our spiritual growth and molding us to reflect Christ in our daily lives.

The grace of God is a recurring theme in the New Testament, a divine gift that brings about salvation and spiritual enrichment in a believer's life. The Bible, through the red letter text of Christ's teachings, imparts the wisdom of God, enabling us to comprehend His divine love and mercy. These scriptures invite us to 'serve God' wholeheartedly, encouraging us to lead lives marked by love, kindness, and humility. In the face of adversities, believers are exhorted not to 'lose heart,' but to find solace and strength in the Word of God.

Efficient Bible study necessitates a thorough exploration of the New Testament, unraveling the profound spiritual truths encapsulated in each verse. Through the lens of the New Testament, we perceive the transformative power of the grace of God an unmerited favor that reconciles us with our Heavenly Father. This grace is not a reward for our deeds but a testament to God's unfathomable love and mercy.

The teachings in the New Testament elucidate how God's grace empowers us to overcome trials, fuels our spiritual growth, and inspires us to reflect Christ's love in our interactions with others. As believers, our mission is to internalize these teachings, allowing them to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions in conformity with God's will.

A diligent Bible study fosters a deeper understanding of 'God's grace,' shedding light on the enormity of His unmerited favor. It unveils the intricate layers of the 'wisdom of God,' as revealed through the teachings and experiences of Christ and His 'holy apostles.' The transformative journey of 'Paul the prisoner is a powerful testament to 'divine grace,' illustrating how God's love can radically alter the trajectory of our lives. In the face of trials, tribulation, and adversity, the scriptures implore us not to 'lose heart,' but to find solace and strength in the Word of God.

The red letter text of Christ’s teachings are the very embodiment of this wisdom of God's boundless mercy and love. They serve as a reminder that we are part of a 'whole family' in Christ, united through faith and commitment to God's will. As we delve deeper into the study of these scriptures, we gain a greater appreciation of the depth, breadth, and height of God's love, empowering us to live out our faith with renewed vigor and resilience.

When considering the theme of prayer, we can reference James 5:16 which echoes the sentiment in Ephesians, stating, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Similarly, the concept of love as our spiritual foundation can be cross-referenced with 1 Corinthians 13, known as the "Love Chapter," which outlines the supreme importance of love in a believer's life.

The unity among believers, mentioned in Eph 3, is reminiscent of Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17:21: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." The mention of a divine strategy set before the creation of the world (Eph 3:11) harkens back to passages in the Old Testament such as Psalm 139:16, where David speaks to the wisdom of God's plan being written even before his father was birth.

The concept of being filled with the fullness of God is echoed in Colossians 2:9-10, "For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him." The revelation accentuated in Ephesians can be cross-referenced with Matthew 16:17, where Jesus praises Peter for recognizing Him as Christ, a revelation given by the Father.

To highlight the centrality of the term "believer," John 3:16 can be referenced, stating, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The concept of unity despite cultural or ethnic differences is mirrored in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Lastly, the concept of the believer's place in the heavenly realms and spiritual warfare can be cross-referenced with passages in the book of Revelation, which provides a vivid picture of the spiritual battle and the ultimate victory of Christians in Christ.

Eph 3 provides a profound insight into faith and our relationship with "Christ Jesus." It underscores that believers are intricately connected with Christ, not just in a theoretical or religious sense, but in a deeply personal and experiential manner through faith. This connection through faith is beautifully depicted in Eph 3:17 where it mentions that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.

The phrase "surpasses knowledge" used in 3:19, illustrates the magnitude of Christ's love for us. It is a love so vast and profound that to comprehend it transcends human comprehension. Despite our limited understanding, as believers, we are called to fully experience this love that surpasses knowledge and let it permeate every aspect of our life.

"Dwell in your hearts" and "Christ may dwell in your hearts" are phrases that emphasize the intimate union between Christ and believers. This dwelling is not a temporary visitation but a permanent residence, symbolizing a profound transformational effect in the believer’s life. It is this indwelling presence of Christ that equips us to live out our Christian faith authentically.

The term "rooted and grounded in love" used in 3:17, paints a vivid picture of stability and strength. Just as a tree's stability depends on the depth of its roots and a building's stability on its foundation, our spiritual stability is linked to how deeply we are rooted in earth and grounded and how firmly established are rooted and grounded in love.

The phrase "inner man" in 3:16 denotes the spiritual aspect of believers. It points out that the spiritual renewal and strength provided by the Holy Spirit is not an external show of faith or religiosity, but an internal transformation that reflects in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Rooted and Grounded in Love

The concept of being "grounded in love" recurs in chapter 3. This love is not human or self-generated love, but the love that comes from God. It is this divine love, selfless and unconditional, that provides the stability and strength necessary for spiritual growth and resilience.

The beauty of the relationship with "Christ Jesus" is further underscored in chapter 3. The chapter speaks of an intimate bond that is both personal and transformative. As Christ may dwell in our own hearts through faith alone, we experience an indescribable love that surpasses knowledge. This love is not merely an intellectual concept but a profound, life-changing reality that inundates every sphere of our existence.

The "grounded in love" notion that chapter 3 repeatedly emphasizes is the very foundation of our spiritual journey. Just as a tree remains rooted and unwavering due to its deeply embedded roots, our lives remain steady and resilient in the face of trials when we are deeply rooted in Christ's love.

In light of all the saints and profound insights encapsulated in the chapter, the call to action for every believer is clear. Let Christ dwell in your hearts. Fully immerse yourself in the love of Christ Jesus that surpasses knowledge.

Let this love be the bedrock of your faith, the source of your strength, and the guiding principle in your life. As you do so, you will find yourself more aligned with God's purposes and more effective in reflecting His grace to the world around you.

Throughout our lives, we encounter various struggles and challenges that can weigh us down and hinder our growth. However, the good news is that we don't have to face these obstacles alone. We have access to divine power that attends to us and works grace in our lives. This power is available to us through the gift of grace, which is freely given by God to all who receive it. In this blog post, we will explore the different facets of grace and how it can transform our lives.

The apostle Paul speaks of the rich grace that we have been given, which includes all the gracious offers and noble purposes answered through Christ's fulness. This grace is not just a one-time deal, but it is a needful grace that we constantly need to receive and grow in. The Spirit works this grace in us and dwells within us, guiding us towards heavenly happiness. As we receive this grace, we become new creatures with good affections and honourable employments.

However, receiving grace is not a self-wise process. We need to humble ourselves and acknowledge our own faults, knowing that without God's grace, we are lost. Even carnal men can deem this as a great truth, for grace is shed abroad to all who have eyes to see and end prayers that are sincere. It is through this grace that we receive the best blessings that can satisfy man's soul.

The purpose of grace is not hidden, but it is set by the apostles and prophets for our benefit. It offers us special protection and a new perspective. While we may focus on a thousand trifles that distract us from God's plan, grace shows us the breadth of God's love, which extends beyond our wildest expectations. It is through grace that we approach God and receive boundless riches that come from his wisdom.

One of the most critical aspects of grace is its effectual working in our lives. It can convert even the most hardened hearts and change the desires of our soul. As we receive grace, we become more qualified for the honourable employments that God has prepared for us. Even in the depths of our afflictions, God can use our qualifications and struggles for His glory.

Therefore, our focus should be on receiving grace and allowing God to turn our misery into joyful tidings. This requires faith and a willingness to let go of our own strength and trust in God's power. Salvation comes not because of our own works, but through faith in the creator, who has assured us of our duty and provides us with the power to fulfill it.

Grace is a desirable gift that is available to all who seek it. As we venture towards spiritual transformation, we must strive for humility, patience, and self-reflection. We can be encouraged that this journey towards transformation is not our own fault, but a process that God carries powerfully in our lives. It is through grace that the depths of our souls can be raised, and we can find comfort in God's care. Let us kneel before God with gratitude and thanksgiving for the redemption that is offered to us, and grow in the wisdom of God's glorious riches.