Lord’s Day June 13

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, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV

Doxologies of the New Testament (6)—The Power That Works in Us

Did you ever imagine something really great that God could do for you? Well, whatever that may have been, or might still be, God has something in store for us that will be “exceedingly abundantly” greater or “above all” that we can imagine or even conceive.

This doxology concludes a long parenthesis which started in verse two, falling between Paul’s two references to himself as prisoner (see 3:1 and 4:1). This parenthetical portion reveals the wonderful mystery of Christ and the Church, unknown by the prophets, but now revealed through Paul’s ministry (3:3-9). We are members of a new entity, the body of Christ, which has nothing to do with geographical, ethnic, or religious distinctions—this is beyond anything anyone ever imagined or prophesied.

Not only this, there is a “power that works in us.” This power worked toward us when Christ died and was raised to God’s right hand (1:19). This power presently works in us. How can this be when I don’t feel anything? In fact, there may be days of anxiety, discouragement, depression, and any number of contrary feelings. Where then is the power? It is not at all a question of feelings, but the fact that God the Spirit is indwelling us, a power giving us knowledge of this new position as a present reality (Eph. 2:22). The apostle worships God at the thought of this power exerted on behalf of sinners and its implications for our future: “to Him be glory … to all generations, forever and ever.” We don’t have to wait until heaven though; we can start now and give Him glory on this Lord’s Day and throughout the coming week. Amen!

Brian Reynolds