Ephesians 3:14-21 (f)
Speaker Notes - Experience the Reality of The Fullness of God
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Louis Wilken (1984)
This is what Galen, a 2nd century physician said of Christians: "They [Christians] also number individuals who, in self-discipline and self-control in matters of food and drink, and in their keen pursuit of justice, have attained a pitch not inferior to that of genuine philosophers.” In commenting on this Robert Louis Wilken remarks, "For it was through their way of life, not simply their teachings, that Christians first caught the attention of larger society."
Paul’s Letters from Prison by George B. Caird (1977)
“Man must know God or perish; but, unless he knows him as ultimate mystery, he does not know him at all”
Ephesians 5:1-2 (New American Standard Bible)
5.1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
5.1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Mark is the Senior Pastor of Park Street Church, Boston.