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. Ephesians 3:20
These are powerful words that Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Ephesus. And these words should change the way we approach God in prayer. The meaning of Ephesians 3:20 is one that every Christian should know.
Let’s spend a few minutes to see what these words mean and how we can practically apply them to our life today.
Table of Contents
The Context Of Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. The first half of the letter deals with theological issues and the second half talks about how to put them into practice.
Ephesians 3:14-21 is the transition between these two sections. In this middle ground, Paul writes a prayer on behalf of this congregation. His focus in this prayer is for help and strength through God. And he also asks God to help the Ephesian church to live out their faith.
This is an incredible prayer that challenges readers to not just believe the right things but to put their beliefs into action.
And that’s the focus of Ephesians 3:20. It’s the conclusion of this prayer where Paul is wrapping up this transition in his letter.
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of Ephesians 3:20.
The Meaning Of Ephesians 3:20
We are going to break this verse down into three separate sections. This will help us better see what the Ephesians 3:20 meaning is communicating to us today.
Now To Him Who Is Able
Paul starts off this verse with a powerful statement: God is able. In the previous verses Paul has just talked about God’s power and love. He’s encouraging his readers to be rooted in God’s Word so that they can experience the life that God intended for them.
Now, he’s saying that God is able. This life, this faith, is possible. Not because we are good enough or can earn it, but because God is able.
So what can God do? Paul’s about to give that answer.
To Do Immeasurably More Than All We Ask Or Imagine
Not only can God do what we ask, he can do MORE than we ask. But not only that, Paul takes it a step further to show God’s incredible power. He can do more than we can imagine. In other words, we can’t even comprehend God’s strength.
Throughout the letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks about God’s power and that they have his power, the Holy Spirit, living in them. He continually encourages his readers to live by this power.
God is capable of doing things we can’t even fathom. And that includes our lives. Whatever brokenness we have or have experienced we can find a new life in Jesus.
According To His Power That Is At Work Within Us
Paul is making clear here that all of this is not by our power, but God’s. On our own we are incapable of making meaningful changes in our lives. But with God’s power that lives in us we can do more than we can even imagine.
This is an important concept for followers of Jesus to grasp. I regularly seen Christians trying to do things on their own forgetting that they have the power of God living in them.
We must lean into God’s power rather than trying to do it ourselves. This means when we are struggling with sin, walking through a storm, or trying to live out our calling, we look to God for our strength. When we do this we will see God do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
How To Apply Ephesians 3:20 To Your Life
What does it mean that God is able to do more than all we ask? Now that we’ve looked at the meaning of Ephesians 3:20 I want to end by giving you two ways you can live this verse out.
1. Pray Bold Prayers
Remember Ephesians 3:20 is a prayer that Paul recorded for the church in Ephesus. So it makes sense that one of the best ways we can apply this verse is by praying boldly.
Now that’s not to say we shouldn’t pray small prayers; God wants to hear all our requests. But the message of Ephesians 3:20 is that God can do all we ask and more than we can imagine. So don’t limit your prayers, pray big prayers.
This doesn’t mean that God will answer all our prayers as we want and when we want. Sometimes God doesn’t give us want we want, rather he gives us what we need. Regardless, our time spent connecting with God will grow our lives and our faith.
So, pray big. Pray bold. Lean into God and see what he can do.
You might also like: The Shocking Meaning Of Mark 11:24 (whatever you ask for in prayer…)
2. Rely On God’s Power
What Paul makes abundantly clear in this verse is that we do all this by God’s power. For a Christian to fully step into the life that God has for them then they need to rely on God.
That means that we regularly connect with God through prayer and studying his Word. And that we are obedient to what he says rather than listening to what the world says is best.
Relying on God is something every follower of Jesus is called to do. For more about how to depend on God check out: How To Depend On God (5 practical tips for relying on God)
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
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