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Ephesians 3:20 – Mighty Prayer Power

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Will

Now to Him being able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power working in us,

Truth to Learn

God is able to answer the prayers of our greatest and most overpowering needs.

Behind the Words

“Now” is translated from the connective particle de, which usually serves to introduce a new thought or idea. It is variously translated as “and, but, now, or moreover.”

“Being able” is translated from the Greek verb dunamai, meaning “to have the ability or power to do something.”

The words “exceedingly abundantly” are translated from the Greek word huperekperissou. This is a double compound word made up of huper (hyper) meaning “above” or “beyond,” ek, used as an intensifier, and a form of perissoteros, meaning “abundantly more.” Thus, you can see that this word expresses the idea of “more than a huge amount.”

“Ask” is from aiteō, which we saw back in verse thirteen, meaning “to ask” or “to beg.” It is expressed here in the middle voice, so it could be interpreted as “ask for ourselves.”

The word “working” is from the verb energeō, which means “to be actively at work.” It is expressed as a participle.

Meaning Explained

Before we get to today’s verse, let’s look at something we left out of yesterday’s verse. The second half of that verse contained the fourth in a series of petitions in Paul’s prayer to God the Father. He prayed that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. But, what does he mean by “the fullness of God?” The best way to answer this question is by Scripture itself. In Colossians 2:9 Paul said, “For in Him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” So, when Paul prayed that we might be filled with all the fullness of God he was asking that we be completely filled with Christ.

Paul now closes his prayer with a doxology. Translating this doxology is a little tricky, let’s see why. The words “above all” are part of an independent clause associated with the verb translated “do.” The next clause in the Greek text begins with “exceedingly above” and is associated with “all that we ask or think.” Therefore, the first part of this verse should probably be translated as, “Now to Him who has the power to do beyond all, exceedingly above all that we ask for ourselves or think …”

This doxology proclaims the power that the Father has to answer our prayers. Since the word translated “working” is a participle, it indicates a continual working, not an off- and-on thing. Also, God’s power (His ability) is greater than that possessed by any created thing. It is so great, according to Paul, that it exceeds that which is necessary to satisfy anything we could ask for and above all that we could even think of asking.

Paul’s expression “the power working in us” is probably a reference to the Holy Spirit of God, for it is the Holy Spirit that manifests God’s power to mankind.

Application

When we pray to God the Father, we should not pray selfishly. Neither should we pray sheepishly; that is, we should not be afraid to ask God to do great and marvelous things. Rather, we should pray boldly, so that when our prayers are answered the credit can go to no one other than our great and powerful God. Answered prayers bring praise to God alone!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:13 – Christian Tribulation

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Will

Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Truth to Learn

It is not uncommon for Christians to suffer.

Behind the Words

“I ask” is translated from the Greek verb aiteō, meaning “to request, ask, or beg.” In the New Testament it is always used of an inferior person asking for something from someone who is superior to him or her.

The words “lose heart” are from ekkakeō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” but used as an intensifier and kakos, meaning “externally worthless, bad, or cowardly.” So ekkakeō could mean “to completely lose one’s courage.”

“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is based on the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Thus, thlipsis refers to “being under pressure,” that is, “a stressful situation, trouble, or affliction.”

Meaning Explained

What are some of these tribulations that Paul is talking about here? We have already mentioned that Paul was a prisoner of the Roman government, either in Caesarea or (more likely) in Rome when he wrote this letter. And, in his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul gave a list of tribulations that he suffered as a minister of the Gospel.

Five times I received forty stripes minus one from the Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; I have spent a night and a day in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—(2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

But, the Apostle Paul had an incredibly strong constitution. He did not easily give in to pressure and persecution. It is believed by many Biblical scholars that Paul even suffered from an ongoing ailment of his eyes. He told the Galatians:

And my trial in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was your blessedness? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. (Galatians 4:14-15)

So, it is perfectly reasonable for Paul to tell his long-time friends in Ephesus not to lose courage because of his tribulations, which were suffered for his Ephesian brothers and sisters (as well as Gentiles throughout the world). In fact, he tells them that they should see the glory in such tribulation. After all, if Paul suffered so much, surely those under his ministry will be able to endure a small amount.

Application

Are you suffering tribulation because you boldly proclaim the gospel message? Are you suffering simply because you are a Christian? If so, take heart; you are in good company!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 4:3 – Unanswered Prayers

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Will

You ask and do not receive, because you ask badly, that you may squander it on your pleasures.

Truth to Learn

Selfish prayers usually go unanswered, and when they are answered the way we want, we usually regret it later.

Behind the Words

The word “ask” is translated from aiteō, which specifically refers to a request by someone made to another who is superior, like a beggar from a giver, a child from its parent, or any person from God. In James’ usage here it is clearly referring to someone asking to receive something from God. This verb, as well as the verb translated “receive,” are present, active, indicative verbs, indicating current continuous action (you are continually asking and continually not receiving).

The second word translated “ask” is also a form of aiteō. This occurrence, however, is in the present tense, middle voice, and indicative mood. The middle voice implies something done by the subject (you) to or for the subject (you). Hence, it could be translated as “you ask for yourselves.”

The adverb “badly” is translated from the Greek word kakōs, which means “badly” or “in an evil manner.” And the word translated “pleasures” here is the same as in James 4:1, hedone (sensual pleasure, enjoyment, or gratification).

“Squander” is from dapanaō, which literally means “to spend.” When used in a negative sense, as it is here, it means “to consume, to waste, or to squander.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse James said that the reason we don’t have things is because we don’t ask. Now he’s telling us that when we do ask we still don’t receive them because we are asking for the wrong reasons and with the wrong motives. Here is a literal translation of this verse:

You are continually asking and not receiving because you are continually asking for yourselves in an evil manner, that you might waste it on your sensual pleasures.

Once again, we see James’ politely in-your-face style portrayed here. He does not sugar coat the truth, and he does not dance around the issue. The reason that our prayers to God are not being answered, he says, is that we are focused on ourselves. We are selfishly asking God for things that will give us pleasure! We often tell God (and even fool ourselves into believing) that we have needs for which we seek His help. In reality, though, these needs are usually nothing more than selfish desires for comfort and pleasure.

God is certainly concerned for our needs but not for our pleasure. He never promises us pleasure, he promises us peace. There’s a big difference between these two!

When we pray, it should be for things that will ultimately glorify God, not things that give us pleasure. If the answering of our prayers causes praise and glory to be ascribed to God, He is likely to respond favorably. If the prayer is simply for our own comfort or pleasure, He is likely to respond negatively.

Sometimes, however, God does answer our selfish prayers. But in such situations we usually don’t get the results we were looking for. Instead, we get pain and or suffering and God uses these trials to help us grow. This may very well be the source of the old adage, “Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.”

Application

Do you keep a prayer list? If you do, get you list out right now. If you don’t, then take a few minutes to write down the things that you have been praying for lately. Now look through your list carefully and critically. How many of these prayers are for your own selfish comfort or pleasure, and how many of these things will result in God receiving glory and praise? (Ouch!)

In God's service, for His glory,

James 1:5 – Wisdom Given

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Will

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who is giving liberally to all and not reproaching, and it will be given to him.

Truth to Learn

We all lack wisdom when we are in trials, yet all we need to do is ask God for it and He will give us all the wisdom we need.

Behind the Words

Paul starts this verse with, “If any of you lacks wisdom.“ In the Greek of the New Testament there are three types of conditional clauses. They are all translated with “if.” The first class condition is most easily explained as “If, and it is assumed to be true.” The second class conditional clause is, “If, and it is assumed not to be true.” The third class condition is the real unassuming conditional. In this verse we have the first class conditional clause (it is assumed to be so).

The phrase, “let him ask” is from the Greek word aiteō, which does, in fact, mean “to ask,” but this Greek word is in the present tense, active voice, and imperative mood. As we learned in the previous verse, the imperative mood means that this is a command. The present tense, active voice in Greek implies present continuous action, so James is commanding us to be continually asking for wisdom. This Greek word, however, means more than “to ask a question.” It means “to request” or even “to beg.” It is the word used of someone asking a favor from someone who is his or her superior, like a common beggar asking for food or money.

The Greek word translated “liberally” is haplōs, which can mean “liberally,” or it can mean “simply.” Not only does God give us enough of the wisdom we need for a situation, but he is straight forward in his gift (so that even some of us hard headed dummies can get it).

Oneididzō is the Greek word translated “reproaching.” It is from the word oneidos, which means “to taunt, disgrace, chide, reproach or use abusive words.”

Meaning Explained

Notice the play on words between the previous verse and this one? God wants to make us completely finished (not lacking anything). But if we lack wisdom (and the assumption is that we do lack wisdom) then we must continually be asking God for it and our God who simply gives – will give it to us. Note that the verse does not say that it might be given, but that “it will be given.” This is, as they say, a promise that you can take to the bank. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, not knowing what to do, humbly ask God for wisdom and He will give it.

God allows trials in our lives in order to build patient endurance in us, and as we develop patience, we become more completely like Christ. But which one of us doesn’t sometimes lack wisdom in matters pertaining to trials and patience? And yet, all we need do is ask for it. At the same time, however, we might want to ask for courage to carry out what we know to be the right thing to do based on the wisdom we receive! We often know what the proper response to a situation is, but it is not always easy to do, is it?

Application

Are you currently going through a difficult time in your Christian walk? Do you feel like God has left you walking all alone? Well, my friend, you are not alone, because of what God has promised us in Hebrews 13:5.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with things that you have. For He Himself has said, "No way will I leave you, no way will I forsake you."

Get on your knees right now and thank Him for your trial and ask Him for wisdom on how to take the next step. He will answer you and He will provide!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:20 – Mighty Prayer Power

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 3:20 – Mighty Prayer Power

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Truth to Learn

God is able to answer our greatest and mightiest prayers.

Behind the Words

“Now” is translated from the connective particle de, which usually serves to introduce a new thought or idea. It is variously translated as “and, but, now, or moreover.”

“Able” is translated from the Greek verb dunamai, meaning “to have the ability or power to do something.”

“Ask” is from aiteō, which we saw back in verse thirteen, meaning “to ask” or “to beg.” It is expressed here in the middle voice, so it could be interpreted as “ask for ourselves.”

The word “works” is from the verb energeō, which means “to be actively at work.” It is expressed as a participle.

Meaning Explained

This doxology proclaims the power that the Father has to answer our prayers. Since the word translated “works” is a participle, it indicates a continual working, not an off- and-on thing. Also, God’s power (His ability) is greater than that possessed by any created thing. It is so great, according to Paul, that it exceeds that which is necessary to satisfy anything we could ask for and above all that we could even think of asking.

Paul’s expression “the power that is working in us” is probably a reference to the Holy Spirit of God, for it is the Holy Spirit that manifests God’s power to mankind.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 3:13 – Christian Tribulation

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 3:13 – Christian Tribulation

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Truth to Learn

It is not uncommon for Christians to suffer.

Behind the Words

“Tribulations” is translated from thlipsis, which is based on the verb thlibō, meaning “to crush, compress, or squeeze.” Thus, thlipsis refers to “a stressful situation, trouble, or affliction.”

Meaning Explained

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—(2 Corinthians 11:24-27)

And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. (Galatians 4:14-15)

Application

Are you suffering tribulation because you boldly proclaim the gospel message? Are you suffering simply because you are a Christian? If so, take heart; you are in good company!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: