Appreciation of the Mystery
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What Does Ephesians 3:16 Mean?
Ephesians 3:14-21
In a succinct form, this passage contains God's spiritual purpose. He is working toward sharing the riches of His glory with His entire Family. His primary purpose is to prepare His people for living in the inheritance—eternally. To this end, Paul prays that we might utilize our spiritual privileges to the full and be strengthened in the inner man. He asks that "Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith" and that we be "rooted and grounded in love."
God is concerned about the inner man. That is the part in us by which we are able to recognize and grasp spiritual realities. By it, we make the choices that will lead to the fulfillment of God's purpose for us. It is this part of us that walks by faith. God will "exceedingly abundantly" provide for us within the context of His purpose (verse 20), even as He did for Israel in the wilderness. They appeared so vulnerable, weak, and exposed while living in the open in booths, but they had everything they needed. He promises to "provide all [our] need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
John W. Ritenbaugh
Preparing for the Feast
Ephesians 3:14-19
The apostle highlights that we are a special people, and in that context, he mentions the Spirit and his fervent desire that we might be filled with God's fullness. God so desires to have us in His Family Kingdom that He has given us the first installment of His Spirit to enable us to submit to Him and His way—and thus begin to experience a little bit of what He is.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Our Uniqueness and Time
Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Ephesians 3:16:
Ezekiel 11:19-20
Romans 8:26-27
1 Corinthians 2:10-14
2 Corinthians 13:5
Ephesians 2:15
Ephesians 4:24
Ephesians 4:30-32
Colossians 3:10
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God works toward sharing the riches of His glory with His entire Family, preparing His people to live eternally in their inheritance. He strengthens the inner man, the part by which we recognize and grasp spiritual realities, make choices fulfilling His purpose, and walk by faith. Having given the first installment of His Spirit, God enables us to submit to Him and experience a little of what He is. This strengthening is progressive and cumulative, enabling us to grasp, seize, and take possession of the glory of God through effort in studying His Word. As Christ dwells in our hearts—settling down permanently in the mind, feeling, and will—we are gradually transformed into His image. God provides abundantly for all our need within His purpose.