Wiley Graf
The power that works in us as born-again believers. A recurring theme in this series of blogs paying tribute to the oft-neglected, oft-misunderstood Third Person in the Trinity. Today’s blog is a compilation of tributes to the Holy Spirit and His inner-working power from three beloved commentators (Warren Wiersbe, Matthew Henry, and John MacArthur).
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, To Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ to all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).
THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US—MADE AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH THE SON
Note the trinitarian emphasis in this benediction: Paul prays to God the Father, concerning the indwelling power of the Spirit, made available only through the Son [1].
THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US—ABOVE ALL THAT WE COULD ASK OR THINK
Paul seems to want to use every word possible to convey to us the vastness of God’s power, as found in Jesus Christ. It is even above all that we ask or think. This power of Christ is beyond human understanding or measurement. It is just the kind of power you and I need if we are to walk and war in victory. It is the Holy Spirit who releases this resurrection power of Christ in our lives [2].
There is an inexhaustible fullness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry. Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, God is still able to do more, abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly more [3].
When the Holy Spirit has empowered us, Christ has indwelt us, love has mastered us, and God has filled us with His own fullness, then He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Until those conditions are met, God’s working in us is limited. When they are met, His working in us is unlimited [4].
THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US—LYING DORMANT IN FAR TOO MANY BELIEVERS
There is no question in the minds of believers that God is able to do more than we can conceive. But too few Christians enjoy the privilege of seeing Him do that in their lives [5]. Many Christians have been cut off from this power source. Unbelief, unconfessed sin, careless living, worldliness in action or attitude—all of these can rob us of power. And a Christian robbed of power cannot be used of God [6].
When by our yieldedness, God is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. Only then are we truly effective, and only then is He truly glorified [7].
THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US—AVAILABLE TO ALL BELIEVERS THAT ASK
Get your hands on your spiritual wealth by opening your heart to the Holy Spirit. Pray with Paul for strength for the inner man. Ye have not because ye ask not [8]
… you do not have because you do not ask (James 4:2).
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REFERENCES
- Wiersbe, W.W., The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, Victor Books, Wheaton, IL, page 33, 1989.
- Ibid., pages 33-34
- Henry, M., Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Volume 6, Acts to Revelation, First Printing, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, MA, page 564, 1991.
- MacArthur, J., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Ephesians, First Printing, Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL, page 112, 1986.
- Ibid, page 113, 1986.
- Wiersbe, W.W., The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, Victor Books, Wheaton, IL, page 34, 1989.
- MacArthur, J., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Ephesians, First Printing, Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL, page 113, 1986.
- Wiersbe, W.W., The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, Victor Books, Wheaton, IL, page 34, 1989.
