Last Friday, i stepped in last minute to lead bible study on Ephesians 3. It was an interesting bible study for me personally. Just earlier that week, a sister asked me about the purpose of life - as a Christian. It was a tough question, as she went through some moments of doubt. As i pored over the passage and some commentaries, it was as if the passage was meant for her. The answers to her questions were jumping from the passage. From this, I have come to realise the reality of God's word being true, alive and relevant.
Further, it was an interesting Greek lesson for me and our CG, as we learnt to appreciate the significance of the meaning of the Greek words used by Paul. It conveyed a richer and deeper meaning to his message. The common English phrases seem diluted and paled in comparison to the purposeful grammar and vocabulary used in the Greek terms.
Paul starts of Ephesians 3 with great excitement that a mystery has been revealed - that God's grace and love was for everyone - Jews and Gentiles. Salvation by grace was available to everybody who believes that Jesus is the truth, the way and the life.
Paul then prays for 4 things, which John Stott calls a "prayer staircase".
(i) He prays that we would be strengthened in our inner man. - That we would understand the power of the Holy Spirit, and the power that we can tap into.
(ii) He prays that Christ will be more at home in our hearts. - That we would give Christ full control over our hearts and lives.
(iii) He prays that our roots would grow deep into the soil of God's love. - Here the Greek words "Rizow" - meaning 'to take root', and "Themeliow" meaning 'grounded & to lay a foundation' are used. That we may understand the full dimension of God's love for us.
(iv) Finally he prays that we may live life to the fullest and be filled with God's power. The abundant Christian life is ours for the taking.
As a staircase, we will not stay on top of the staircase all the time. There are bound to be moments when we move down the stairs. When doubts surface, when worries creep in, when sin knocks us down a rung or two.. It's so lovely when Paul ends this chapter in doxology, in praise and thankfulness to God for all that He has done, and all that He continues to do in and through us.
To that dear sister of mine, i pray that you will continue discover and experience God's great love - the width, the length, the height, the depth of His love for you.
