Captivity Captive and Gifts Ephesians 4:8

Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members that “every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ”, and in chapter four and verse eight of his letter, Paul shared how Jesus “ascended up on high”, “led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men” where we read:

Wherefore he said, When he ascended up on high,

he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

The verse begins, “Wherefore he said, When he ascended up on high,...” Paul began with the word, “Wherefore” which means “on account of, consequently, for which cause and therefore” and is a conclusion word that refers us to what was previously written, “he said” which refers to “Jesus affirmed, maintained, taught, exhorted, advised, commanded, directed, intended and meant”, “When he ascended” that is “to go, rise, mount or spring” “up on high” which means “toward or to height of place, heaven or station”. Paul referred to Psalms 68:18 as he shared concerning Jesus' ascension and the “gift of grace” that was afforded to men.

The verse goes on to say, “...he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Paul continued, “he led captivity” which means “captured, arrested, imprisoned and jailed” “captive” or “captured, arrested, imprisoned and jailed”, “and gave” which means “granted, bestowed, supplied and furnished” “gifts” or “presents” “unto men” which refers to “human beings whether male or female”. Jesus “freed” those who were previously imprisoned, and gave them “presents” as well.

When we think through these words of Paul, great advantage was “given” to us because Jesus “rose on high”. People who were held “captive” were set free, and those who were in need of “gifts” were given them. Perhaps we feel “capture, held down” and in great need of freedom, Jesus “ascended”. Perhaps we are in need of “presents”, Jesus “ascended”, and perhaps we were in need of God's marvelous offer of “grace”, Jesus “ascended”.

Next time Paul shares how Jesus “ascended” but “descended first”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Grace According to Christ's Gift Ephesians 4:7

Paul the apostle called for the Ephesian church members to “endeavor” “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”, and then he gave several examples of this “oneness” as he mentioned “one body, one Spirit, one hope” of their “calling”, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all”. In chapter four and verse seven of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul told them how “grace” is “given” “to us” “according to the gift of Christ” where we read:

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

The verse begins, “But unto every one of us is given grace...” Paul began with the phrase, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “moreover, notwithstanding, nevertheless and also” “unto every one” or “each person” “of us” which refers to the Ephesians and Paul “is given” or “granted, supplied, furnished and delivered” “grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, lovingkindness and unmerited favor”. God's “grace” is available to everyone.

The verse goes on to say, “...according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Paul continued, “according to” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “the measure” which means “determined extent, portion, limit, fit and the due” “of the gift” or “gratuity” “of Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and Son of God”. The “grace” of God is afforded to everyone, and it's “measure” is pertaining to “Christ's gift”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we marvel again at the extent of God's far reaching attempt to fellowship with Him. Everyone has “grace”, the “unmerited favor” of God available to them, and the “measurement” of His “grace” is “Christ's gift”. Oh that we might give praise to our glorious God and His Son Jesus Christ for the blessings They have made available to us.

Next time Paul shares how Jesus “ascended up on high”, “led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

One God and Father of All Ephesians 4:6

Paul the apostle desired for the Ephesian church members to “walk worthy” of their “vocation wherewith” they “were called”, and he added how they should be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. He used several examples of this “oneness” as he wrote of “one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith and one baptism”. In chapter four and verse six of his letter, Paul continued his idea by mentioning “one God and Father of all” where we read:

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

The verse begins, “One God and Father of all, who is above all,...” Paul began with the word, “One God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “and Father” which means “the generator or male ancestor who is the originator and transmitter of anything and who God is called” “of all” which refers to “each, every, any, the whole and everyone”, “who is above” or “upon, on, before and across” “all” which means “each, every, any, the whole and everyone”. Paul continued his idea of unification by sharing how “God” who is our “Heavenly Father” is “one” and over everyone and everything that exists.

The verse continues, “...and through all, and in you all.” Paul added, “and through all” or “with and on this account for each, every, any, the whole and everyone”, “and in you all” which refers to “each, every, any, the whole and everyone of the Ephesian church members”. Not only is “God” over and “above” everything and everyone else, but He also was “next to” and “within” all of the Ephesian believers.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see his ultimate example of the “oneness” idea. God Almighty is “one”, and He is over everything and everyone who has or will live. Since He is “one” with Himself and Jesus Christ His Son, should we not also be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit” within the church? May the Lord help us not only to acknowledge this idea, but also to manifest it within our churches today.

Next time Paul shares about the “grace” that is “given according to the measure of Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

One Lord, Faith and Baptism Ephesians 4:5

Paul the apostle exhorted the Ephesian church members to “endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”, and then he began to describe how there is “one body, and one Spirit” “even as” they were “called in one hope of” their “calling”. In chapter four and verse five of his letter, Paul continued his idea of “oneness” as he shared concerning “One Lord”, “faith” and “baptism” where we read:

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

The verse begins, “One Lord, one faith”. Paul began with the phrase, “One Lord” which refers to “Only one to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding who is master” “one faith” which means “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ, and that Jesus is the Messiah through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God”. Paul left no room for any other “Lord” or any other “faith” by which the Ephesians were to belong.

The verse goes on to say, “one baptism”. Paul added these words, “one baptism” which means “only one immersion, submersion and purification rite by which men on confessing their sins were bound to spiritual reformation, to obtained the pardon of their past sins and became qualified for the benefits of the Messiah's kingdom soon to be set up”. Paul taught there is only “one” “immersion or submersion” by which this “purification rite” demonstrated the “pardon of past sins”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we observe his careful attention to the “unified” areas of the Christian life. In order to express the idea of Christians “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit”, he uses one example after another including “one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith and baptism”. These should inspire us to to be “unified” as brothers and sisters in the Lord, and as we band together, may the world know us by our “love”.

Next time Paul shares about “One God and Father of all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

One Body, One Spirit, One Hope Ephesians 4:4

Paul the apostle desired for the Ephesian church members to “walk worthy” of their “vocation” and to do so with all “lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love”. He also wanted them to “endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”. In chapter four and verse four of his letter to them, Paul shares how there is “one body, one Spirit” and “one hope” where we read:

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;

The verse begins, “There is one body, and one Spirit,...” Paul began with the words, “There is one body” which means “a large or small number of men closely united into one society or family”, “and one Spirit” which refers to “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit who is coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Son”. Paul declared only “one” unified “body” and only “one” “Holy Spirit”.

The verse goes on to say, “...even as you are called in one hope of your calling;” Paul added, “even as you” which refers to “the Ephesian church members” “are called” which means “invited, given a name and saluted by one name” “in one hope” or “expectation of good, confidence and anticipated pleasure” “of your calling” which means “the divine invitation to embrace salvation of God”. The Ephesians were “invited” to “one anticipated pleasure” which was related to the “divine invitation” of “God's Salvation”.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we realize he has remained with the idea of a “unified” church. Although there are many different styles to churches, there is only “one” true “body” of Christ. In addition, Paul made sure the Ephesians knew there is only “one” Holy Spirit “even as” they were “invited” to “one expectation of good and anticipated pleasure”. Jesus Christ made all this possible, and as we manifest His “body”, the church”, in this world, let us bear witness that we are “unified” even as He is toward everyone who responds to His “calling”.

Next time Paul shares about “one Lord, one faith” and “one baptism”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Unity of the Spirit Ephesians 4:3

As Paul the apostle continued to exhort the Ephesian church members, he told them to “walk worthy of” their “vocation wherewith” they “were called”, and they were to do so with “all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love”. In chapter four and verse three of his letter, Paul shared how they were to “endeavor to” be “unified” “in the Spirit” where we read:

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The verse begins, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit ...” Paul began with the word, “Endeavoring” which means “to hasten, make haste, exert one's self and give diligence” “to keep” or “attend to carefully, take care of, guard, observe and reserve” “the unity” which means “unanimity and agreement” “of the Spirit” which refers to “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit who is coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son”. Christians are to “give diligence” and “attend to carefully” “unanimity and agreement” by God's “Spirit”.

The verse goes on to say, “...in the bond of peace.” Paul continued, “in the bond” which means “that which binds together like a band or bundle” “of peace” or “a state of tranquility, exemption from rage and havoc, harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity and felicity”. Paul's idea was for the Ephesians to “bind together” in a state of “peace” as they walked out their “calling”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we understand the importance of being at “peace” and “unified” with our fellow believers. This happens through God's Holy “Spirit” and is managed by our relationships with Jesus Christ. As we “walk” out our “callings” together, we should be “in agreement and as one”, and as we continue in “unified” fellowship with Jesus and others, the world will know our witness of God's love and commitment to them.

Next time Paul shares about “one body” and “one Spirit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Lowliness, Meekness, Longsuffering and Forbearing Ephesians 4:2

Paul the apostle exhorted the Ephesian church members to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith” they “were called”, and in chapter four and verse two of his letter to them, Paul wrote the manner in which the Ephesians were to “walk worthy” - with “lowliness, meekness, longsuffering and forbearing” where we read:

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

The verse begins, “With all lowliness and meekness,...” Paul began with the words, “With all lowliness” which means “each, every, any, the whole and everyone to have a humble opinion of themselves, with modesty and humility of mind ” “and meekness” or “gentleness, mildness and humility”. Paul knew if the Ephesians were going to “walk worthy of” their “vocation”, they would need to do so with an attitude of “humility”.

The verse continues, “...with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” Paul added, “with longsuffering” which means “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance and slowness in avenging wrongs” “forbearing” or “holding one's self erect and firm, sustaining, bearing and enduring” “one another in love” which means “reciprocally and mutually in affection, goodwill, benevolence and unconditional brotherly love”. In addition to a “lowly” or “humble” attitude, the Ephesians were to be “patient” and “mutual in affection” toward one another with “unconditional love”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we discover the standard by which we are to live our Christian lives. We are not to be “proud”, but humble. We are not to be “harsh”, but mild. We are not to be “restive, agitated and over-eager” with “one another”, but are to be “patient”, and finally we are to be “firm and steadfast” in our “unconditional love” toward each other. What a challenge, and all because Jesus has been this way with us. May we follow Jesus' lead and employ the attitudes that are worthy of our “vocational” “walk”.

Next time Paul shares about “the unity of the Spirit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Walk Worthy of Your Vocation Ephesians 4:1

As we concluded the third chapter of the book of Ephesians, we discovered the final thoughts Paul the apostle had concerning what “God” has done for us. Paul attributed toward God “glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end” because of His wonderful benefits and grace toward mankind. In chapter four and verse one of his letter to the Ephesian church members, Paul begins the final three chapters which concern the “response” we are to have toward all God has done for us, and it begins with walking “worthy of” our “vocation wherewith” we “are called”. We read:

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you

walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called,

The verse begins, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy...” Paul began with the words, “I therefore” which means “Paul, because of, then, consequently and these things begin so”, “the prisoner” or “one bound, in bonds and captive” “of the Lord” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding and master”, “beseech you” which is the Greek word “parakaleō” and means “call to one's side, call for, summon, address and speak to you Ephesians” “that you walk” which means “make your way, progress, make due use of opportunities, regulate yourselves, conduct yourselves and pass your life” “worthy” or “suitably, appropriately, after a Godly sort and worthily”. Because Jesus Christ made provision for the Ephesians to be in fellowship with God, they were to live their lives in a “Godly” manner.

The verse goes on to say, “...of the vocation wherewith you are called,” Paul continued, “of the vocation” which means “calling or invitation” “wherewith” or “with what, which or that” “you are called” which means “so named, called aloud, uttered in a loud voice and invited”. Since the Ephesians were “invited” to be among those who “trust in, rely upon and cling to” Jesus Christ, they were to align themselves and live according to “calling” that was extended to them.

When we think through these words of Paul, we should be challenged in like manner as were the Ephesian church members. God Almighty through Jesus Christ has given us a provision to be in fellowship and communion with Him, and we should “live” our lives in a manner that is “pleasing” to Him. We are not our own, but have been bought with a price, and that price was Jesus' blood sacrificed upon the cross. He died for our sins and was raised from the dead, and when we believe in His “finished” and “completed” work, we have “communion” with Him. The least we can do is to respond to His great love and grace by living in a manner that aligns with Him. May God give us grace and strength by the Holy Spirit and His Son Jesus to “walk worthy” of His “calling”.

Next time Paul declares how to walk worthy of our “vocation wherewith” we “are called”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

To God be the Glory Ephesians 3:21

As Paul the apostle completed his final words concerning all God has done for he and the Ephesian church members, he shared how God was able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”, and in verse twenty-one of the third chapter of Paul's letter, he expressed how God deserved all the “glory in the church by Christ Jesus” where we read:

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

The verse begins, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus...” Paul began with the phrase, “Unto him be glory” which refers to “Unto God be opinion, judgment, view, praise, honor, splendor and brightness” “in the church” or “a company of Christian, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake” “by Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and Son of God” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation and is the Messiah and Son of God”. In exalted praise, Paul gives “glory” unto God “in” His “church” because of the access Jesus has provided to Him.

The verse goes on to say, “...throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Paul added, “throughout” or “in, unto, towards, for and among” “all ages” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone who has been fathered, birthed or begotten”, “world without end” which means “the unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity, universe and period of time” . “Amen” which means “firm, surely, truly, so it is and so be it”. God deserves the “glory” forever and ever to the “perpetuity of time”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we too should exalt our God for His “exceeding abundant” willingness not only to have a personal relationship with us, but to fellowship and give provision to us as well. This “glory” is to last forever, and nothing will ever stop it or bring it's fullness to a screeching end. “To God be the Glory, Great things He has Done”!

Next time we begin a new chapter and discover how Paul exhorts the Ephesians to “walk worthy” of their “calling”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Exceeding Abundantly Above Ephesians 3:20

Paul the apostle desired for the Ephesian church members to know “the breadth, and length, and depth and height” of “the love of Christ” which “passes knowledge”, and that they would “be filled with all the fullness of God”. In chapter three and verse twenty of his letter, Paul praises and honors God's character as he declared Him able to “do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think” where we read:

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above

all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

The verse begins, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above...” Paul began with the phrase, “Now unto him that is able” which means “but, moreover and toward God who has power by His own ability and resources, state of mind and favorable circumstances”“to do” which means “make, bring forth, produce, construct, form and fashion” “exceeding” or “over, beyond, for the sake of and the very chiefest” “abundantly above” which means “out from and exceeding some number or measure or rank or need, supremely, extraordinary and uncommon”. Paul refers to God as the one who can do “over and above” what anyone else can do.

The verse continues, “...all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” Paul added, “all that” or “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone of which or what” “we ask” which means “beg, call, crave, desire and require” “or think” or “perceive with the mind, understand, heed, ponder and consider”, “according to” which means “down from, throughout, according to, toward and along” “to the power” or “mighty work, strength, miracle, might, virtue and ability” “that works” which means “to be operative, put forth power, aid and effect” “in us” which refers to Paul and the Ephesian church members. Paul specified what God can do within us more than anyone else as he referred to all we can “imagine” or “crave and desire”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we admire his noting God's far exceeding ability to surpass anything we “ask for” or “think about”. This should inspire us to “think” big and “ask” big as God is able to “exceed” and “surpass” even our greatest “desires” and “inquiries”. May the Lord bless us with the the inspiration to seek Him in all our “thoughts” and “hopes” as we abundantly continue in our relationship with Him.

Next time Paul declares, “unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Knowing the Love of Christ Ephesians 3:19

Paul the apostle desired for the Ephesian church members “to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of the expansive character of God. In chapter three and verse nineteen of his letter, Paul declared knowing “the love of Christ” the fullness of that expanse where we read:

And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge,

that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.

The verse begins, “And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge,...” Paul began with the words, “And to know” which means “learn, get knowledge of, perceive, understand and feel” “the love” or “the affection, good will, benevolence, and unconditional brotherly love” “of Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”, “which passes” or “surpasses, throws over or beyond anything, exceeds and excels” “knowledge” which means “general intelligence, understanding, the deeper more perfect and enlarged knowing”. Paul desired for the Ephesians to “perceive and understand” God's amazing “unconditional love” which is beyond that natural “knowledge” of man.

The verse goes on to say, “...that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Paul added, “that you might be filled” which means “full, caused to abound, furnished or supplied liberally and completed” “with all the fullness” or “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone of the causes to abound, be furnished or supplied liberally and completed” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we rejoice with the Ephesians for his desire for them. The church members of Ephesus were destined through Paul's prayer for them to “know” the full extent of God Almighty's “love”. Oh that we would desire to “know” God's “unconditional love” in this manner, and when we reach the “ breadth, and length, and depth, and height” of this characteristic of God, all other desires will be satiated.

Next time Paul shares how God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Breadth, and Length, and Depth and Height Ephesians 3:18

Paul the apostle prayed for the Lord Jesus to “grant” unto the Ephesians, “according to the riches” of His “glory”, “to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man”. He also desired for “Christ” to “dwell in” their “hearts by faith” that they “being rooted and grounded in love” would know “the breadth, and length, and depth and height” of something very special. In chapter three and verse eighteen of his letter, Paul continues this thought for them. We read:

May be able to comprehend with all saints

what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

The verse begins, “May be able to comprehend with all saints...” Paul began with the words, “May be able” which means “to be eminently able and have full strength” “to comprehend” or “seize upon, take possession of, obtain, make one's own and appropriate” “with all saints” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone sacred, pure, morally blameless, religiously and ceremonially consecrated”. Paul's desire was for “all” “believers in Jesus” to “know and take possession of” what he is about to declare.

The verse goes on to say, “...what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;” Paul continued, “what is the breadth” which means “width which suggests great extent”, “and length” or “shadowing forth the greatness, extent, and number of blessing from Christ”, “and depth” which refers to “deep, extreme, profound and by implication the extent of the mystery”, “and height” or “rank, high station, altitude and exaltation”. Four expanses were desired for the Ephesians, and each of them speaks to the limitless potential for these church members.

When we consider these words of Paul, we understand we are in the midst of a great passion of Paul. There is a great “expanse” that reaches farther than we can imagine to what Paul expounded. We should be excited to know the availability that God has provided for those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. May we give praise and glory to our God and ready ourselves for the awesome and passionate desire God has afforded those who put their trust in Him.

Next time Paul shares how he wants the Ephesians to know the “love of Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts Ephesians 3:17

Paul the apostle prayed for the Ephesian church members to be “granted” “the riches of” God's “glory” and “to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man”. In chapter three and verse seventeen of his letter to them, Paul continued his prayer by desiring that “Christ may dwell in” their “hearts by faith” where we read:

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

The verse begins, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;” Paul began with the words, “That Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, Messiah and the Son of God” “may dwell” or “inhabit, settle, pervade, prompt and govern” “in your hearts” which means “the center and seat of spiritual life” “by faith” or “assurance, belief, fidelity, conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”. Paul desired for Jesus Christ to live within the “hearts” of the Ephesians through their “belief” in Him.

The verse goes on to say, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love,” Paul added, “That you” which refers to the Ephesian church members, “being rooted” or “strengthened, rendered firm, fixed, established and thoroughly grounded” “and grounded” which means “found, laid foundation and settled” “in love” or “affection, goodwill, benevolence and brotherly unconditional love”. Paul confirmed the “sure foundation” that was present in the Ephesian church members.

When we think through these word of Paul, we see his desire for the Ephesians to be intimate with God. He wanted them to have Jesus “living” within their souls so they may be “grounded” by their faith in Him. We should also desire for “Christ” to live within us in this manner, and as we do, we will have all the foundation of “unconditional” love we need.

Next time Paul shares how he wants the Ephesians to know the “breadth, and length, and depth and height”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.