The Foundation of Our Faith

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in as, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Eph. 3:20-21 (KJV)

During his imprisonment in Rome, Paul writes his beloved Church at Ephesus. He writes them to remind them that even as gentiles they have “full salvation” from God the Father by their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul tells them again that from the Genesis of time that God planned to redeem all humanity through His Son and our Savior Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to remind the Ephesians that their faith in Jesus Christ allows them to come “boldly with confidence” into the Holy presence of God the Father-“The Very Throne Room of Glory”. (Hallelujah!! All who believe in Jesus Christ are given this access to the Father!!)

In verse 13, Paul reminds the Church that they should not lose heart over his “suffering for the Gospel”. In fact, Paul is writing them to prepare them for the trials of life and faith that they shall encounter as they go forward in their faith in Jesus Christ. To that end, in verse 14 Paul begins to pray for believers in the Church at Ephesus.

As Paul begins to pray, he:

Affirms the sovereignty of God the Father (verses 14 and 15). We are invited to do the same as we pray for ourselves and others.
Then asked that, out of “His riches in glory” that God the Father would strengthen those who believe in Jesus Christ in “the very depths of our being” by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit as we live out our faith in Jesus Christ in this world (verse 16). We are invited to do the same as we pray for ourselves and others.
Then asked God the Father to “help each believer” to experience the indwelling power and presence of Jesus Christ in their hearts as they followed after Him in faith; and, even more, as they lived into their faith in Jesus Christ that each of them would come to know the magnitude of God’s love made real through Jesus Christ continuously (verses 17-19). We are invited to do the same as we pray for ourselves and others.

In verses 20 and 21, Paul concludes his prayer with unswerving confidence in the power of God. Paul declares that the “sovereign God of heaven and earth”, “the God of our salvation” and the Father of our Lord and Savior “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us”. And even more, Paul declares that His power shall be made real and available to all who claim the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior “until time becomes eternity”. This truth about our God is the “Foundation of Our Faith”. (Amen.)

Prayer: Almighty God, the Maker of heaven and earth, we come now as before your Holy Presence, asking You to give us both strength and faith that we might be steadfast in following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we travel life’s uneven journey. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.