Tuesday, February 28
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
– Ephesians 3:20-21
Exceedingly Abundantly
Today is the 6th day of lent, a season of self-examination and self-denial, where we empty ourselves of lesser things and fill ourselves with greater things of the Gospel. (join the journey: https://northstarchurch.org/prayer-tools)
In our current series, we are investigating the spiritual practice of Prayer. Today’s passage, Ephesians 3:20-21, identifies God as the one who can do all that is asked of Him and even more, and concludes with the ultimate aim of God’s glorification.
There are 2 textual elements that I want to draw our attention to in this passage. The first being the emphasis on power. Verse 20 is literally translated as “Now to Him who is POWERFUL/able” (dynameno) and then the same word appears later in verse 20 as “the power that works” (dynamis energeo). Paul wants to make it clear that the power of prayer resides in the one to whom we pray.
GOD IS ABLE. HE IS THE POWERFUL ONE. HE HAS THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US.
The second textual element is God’s capacity to answer our prayers above and beyond what we could anticipate. Paul uses an odd combination of words translated in English above as “exceedingly abundantly.” This is some clunky language for our wordsmith Paul. One gets the sense that Paul is stretching his language beyond the normal bounds in proportion to God’s power, which is even more boundless!
The exceedingly abundantly power of God to answer of prayers always leads to God’s Glory. Ultimately, the body of Jesus Christ (the church present) would honor God forever and ever.
May we approach this God of power with our prayers frequently and expectantly. God is able!
PRAYER
Lent Day #6
Ask God to help you walk in His grace
each day and to enjoy the freedom He gives. Also, ask
Him to help you not use grace as a license to sin. Instead,
allow His grace to fuel a greater desire to please Him.
LISTEN/LIKE/SUBSCRIBE:
