The Depth of the Relationship

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Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)

“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.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
  • Go through this passage in your Bible and underline every word which relates to depth or thoroughness. Which of these words is most striking to you?
The context of the passage is Paul’s amazement with God’s revelation of His love and plans to him. He speaks of his earnest desire for the Ephesians to know God and His incredible plans to work in and through them. This church struggled with lies about their salvation and Paul wrote to assure them of the free gift of God’s grace and their membership in the family of God. He wanted them to thoroughly experience the love of Christ, “to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth,” and be empowered to endure the storms of this life by being “rooted and grounded” in this love.
  • What pain or doubts in your life could be remedied by a deeper knowledge of God’s love for you?
  • List each thing and after each one write, “The love of Christ surpasses knowledge.”

One of the key themes of this passage is experiencing the transforming power of God through His Holy Spirit. The Ephesians struggled with mystical beliefs that had a hold in their city and they needed reminder of God’s triumph over spiritual powers; they needed to know that He is the ultimate authority. He offers His power and authority through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom we receive when we trust Christ as our Lord and Savior. Like the Ephesians, God desires you be “strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being” as you come to a deeper understanding of what He can do in and through you.

  • In what areas of your life do you feel weak or insufficient?
  • List each thing, and after each one write, “He is able to do far more abundantly than all that I ask or think.”

As you go through your day meditate on the truth that God’s love for you is very deep and His presence in you through the Person of the Holy Spirit is thorough and powerful. Don’t be satisfied with what little you know of God and His power, but keep yearning for more, as Paul entreats us to find strength to comprehend the love of Christ and “be filled with the fullness of God.”

Devotional Author: Jeff Oleson