Ephesians 3:14-21
Introduction
Many people want spiritual power active in their life but one must understand the source of this power in order to experience it. Spiritual power is a function of one’s spiritual capacity. A believer’s spiritual capacity is the result of spiritual intimacy. This intimacy is created through abiding with Christ and sharing His love in tangible ways with other believers. The greater the relationship one cultivates with Christ, the greater the capacity to receive His power.
The power that is at work in you is personal. It is directly related to God at work in you. His power is also prejudicial — the power from believer to believer is not the same. The work God does on the inside of a person is the starting point for what He does on the outside (2 Cor 9:8). Therefore, the believer who wants to see God at work in their world must first prioritize their relationship with God by drawing near to Him (Heb 7:25) so they are first transformed from the inside out.
God’s power is potent. Through His power we have the opportunity to experience the supernatural work of God in our lives. In Ephesians 3:14-21, the apostle Paul prayed that the church at Ephesus would experience more power as their inner beings were strengthened through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s prayer for active recognizable power at work in the life of believers should be our prayer, too.
Getting Started
- We pray for a lot of things, but do you include in your list of requests a prayer for more power? Do you currently ask God through prayer to see more of His power at work in your life?
- Is there another believer you can think of who seems to have God’s power at work in their life? Tell your group how you see God’s power is exhibited in their life.
- In what ways do you desire to see God’s power at work in your life?
Let’s Get Personal
- How do you currently prioritize your relationship with God when actively cultivating intimacy with Him?
- Have you ever wondered if God’s power is accessible to others, but not to you? How did this week’s sermon affect your perspective on your role in accessing God’s power?
Take the Next Step
- Many people site the lack of time as a reason for not having more room in their busy days to spend time with God. Have you ever felt like you were just too busy? What will you adjust to give a greater priority to prayer so that you can experience more of God’s power?
- In what areas of your life do you need to experience God’s power through prayer? Share those needs or desires with your group and spend some time praying for one another.
- Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Matthew 9:27-29; Hebrews 7:25; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Daniel 3:17; 6:20; 11:22; Jude 24; Jeremiah 32:17
Renew Your Mind
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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. — Ephesians 3:20-21
