According the Ephesians 3.21, God’s work through the church involves the spiritual growth and testimony of believers. Therefore, His work requires my growth.
Key Passage: Ephesians 3.13-21
One way to learn is to follow the pattern set by others.
For example, we can learn how to effectively pray for ourselves and for each other using the template Paul gives in Ephesians 3.
Some Insights
In Ephesians 3.14 Paul says he’s praying for the believers in Ephesus.
Now, it’s certainly nice to know someone is interceding for you.
However, the content of those prayers is likely different from what you would expect.
Well, it certainly doesn’t sound like any of my prayers!
Then, after telling them he is praying for their church, Paul shares the content of those prayers.
A Template for Prayer
First, he prays for their spiritual strength, Ephesians 3.16.
Second, to grow spiritually, we need faith and love, Ephesians 3.17.
Third, once I grasp those basics, I grow in my depth and breadth of knowledge, Ephesians 3.18. Therefore, growth is essential.
Fourth, that growth produces a filling or divine control of my life, Ephesians 3.19.
Finally, Paul closes by reminding them that our potential for spiritual growth is unlimited, Ephesians 3.20. Actually, this is a great example of an abundance mindset that recognizes what’s of greatest value!
Thus, as a body, the church becomes a testimony to the world, Ephesians 3.21. Specifically, that testimony is God’s work through the church.
God is able to work inside us and around us in ways we cannot comprehend! Ephesians 3.20 paraphrase
Outcomes from Prayer
Therefore, this model prayer tells me how I can pray for myself and for others.
However, rather than ask for healing, or for direction or other typical prayer topics, Paul focuses on spiritual growth.
As such, his goal is for me, thus for all believers, is to be more fully equipped to carry out our God-given purpose.
Thus, that individual spiritual growth enhances God’s work through the church.
In fact, my capacity for spiritual growth is much more than I can imagine. As a result, it’s much more than I’ll ever ask for!
Apply These Precepts
Knowing my God-given life purpose is a source of confidence and assurance.
Likewise, by knowing my calling I have unlimited potential for growing to accomplish that life purpose!
Next, I propel myself toward unlimited growth by asking for God to fill me with His power to learn, to love, and to believe regarding His best for my life.
“The Lord make his face shine upon you…” Numbers 6.22-27
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