that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, Ephesians 3:16 WEB
Paul begins a prayer in verse fourteen of the third chapter of Ephesians that continues with this statement. With these words, Paul prays that Christ dwells in every heart. Additionally, he prays that grounded in Jesus’ love, believers experience the fullness of God. Mentioning the riches of God’s glory, Paul petitions our heavenly Father to give church members inner strength by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God is able and faithful to provide for all of our needs according to the riches of his glory. We receive the good things of God when we live according to his will. When it comes to our human needs, Christ says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. WEB” When we put God before all else, God places the things we need into our hands.
In Phillipians 4:19, Paul encourages the church with similar words saying, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. WEB” Emphasizing the greatness of God with the words “the riches of his glory” Paul directs his readers to focus on God and the riches of his glory rather than themselves.
I Bow My Knees
Aslo, Paul prays that God strengthens church members through the power of the Holy Spirit. Beginning his prayer in Ephesians 3:14, Paul writes, “I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. WEB” By the sixteenth verse, Paul mindfully mentions the Spirit of God as he teaches the fullness of God in the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of God is our counselor for the “inner person” that is our own spirit. Paul prays for the Holy Spirit to strengthen the individual spirit of each believer. In contrast to the shifting emotions of the natural man, the Holy Spirit empowers and stabilizes the faithful.
As we read in John 15:26, “When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. WEB” The Spirit of truth keeps us grounded in the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit directs us according to the will of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Give me strength and wisdom to do your will. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Before Abraham
