How Can You Find True Contentment in Life? Ephesians 3

 A Prayer for the Ephesians

Earlier in this chapter we see this letter is specifically written to the Gentile Christians, to whom Paul was specifically called to reach out to with the gospel.  Paul was given this relevation directly from Jesus, who revealed the mystery of his grace his plan to reach all people.  We see Paul's heart for the church as he prays for this church he had personally spent so much time with.  

The church in Ephesus is probably the most important churches in the 1st century for the spread of the gospel.  One the main themes in this letter is the role of the church in God's sovereign plan for humanity. In the first three chapters, Paul establishes the theological foundation of how each believer relates to God by grace through and faith,  and lives in the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.  Chapters 4-6 will then give the practical implications of our relationship with Christ as a member of the body of Christ, the Church.  

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  Paul follows the practice of Jesus who teaches us to pray directly to the "Father". Since God is our Father, it follows naturally that we are his children who bear His name.  We have an earthly name given by our parents, but our spiritual name is written in the book of life and given to us by our heavenly Father.  Paul also reveals his prayer posture, which is kneeling. This indicates that we not only pray with our minds but also with our bodies.  Kneeling indicates our submission to God's authority in our lives.  "In scripture when we read of men praying – whether prophet or king, shepherd or farmer – you often see them bowing, face down, prostrate."  (Verse by Verse International)

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  Since the Ephesian church had "lost its first love" (Revelation 2), the first thing Paul prays for is the strengthening of their inner being (their soul), through the power of the Holy Spirit.  If they were inclined to follow the flesh through the worldly influences of where they lived, they would need to be led by the Spirit (as Paul says in Galatians 5:18) to live a life pleasing to God.  When we are following our first love (Jesus), our lives reflect that by living out of the power given to us by the Spirit. 

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  We see the connection between the Spirit's presence and Jesus' dwelling in our hearts as well.  They are connected, as we live by the Spirit and Jesus is invited into our lives in a more potent way.  "It’s the difference between Christ being in the backseat of your car or behind the wheel." (Verse by Verse) 

Paul uses two significant words to describe Christ dwelling in our hearts.  He uses the term "rooted" like a plant is rooted in soil to bear fruit. (see John 15:1-5) By being rooted, a plant will draw nourishment from the ground and grow.  The word for "established" is the same word for the foundation of a building.  It connotes being steadfast and immovable. (1 Corinthians 15:59)  When Christ dwells in our hearts we are rock solid. 

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,  As we are rooted and grounded in love, we can experience God's love in a much deeper way.  As we live for him, we discover more how much he loves us. (John 10:10) Importantly we will see the magnitude of God's love.  Paul uses the words above to define what that love looks like.  It is almost as if he can't describe just how awesome God's love is for us.  "The terms are intentionally vague because Paul is describing the limitless of God’s love." (Verse by Verse)  This magnitude of God's love also shows us how God's love always reaches out to someone even if they have left him.  

19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the indwelling presence of Christ, we can experience God in a rich way.  All people look for contentment and happiness, and look for it in all kinds of places, often the wrong ones.  But the only place to find true contentment is in the one who made you for his glory.  John Calvin said, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever."

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,  We think we know God, but we put human limits on Him.  God can do anything he wants in any way he wants. We get overwhelmed by the loss of a job, an addiction, and broken relationship but God can repair it.  Note this isn't necessarily talking about miracles he might do, but things He can do through US.  This doesn't mean you will be perfect, or your life won't involve suffering, but as Jesus works through you, you will accomplish far more than you could do in your own strength of self sufficiency.  

21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit can do amazing things through us. It is all for God's glory  Our works don't glorify ourselves but God.  Jesus has glorified God the Father through His people, the Church, for many generations, and He will continue to do so.  The only question for you and me is will He do it through us?  This is our chief purpose in life and only through Christ will we find TRUE CONTENTMENT.

Are you experiencing true contenment in your life?  If not, how do you think today's verses can speak to you?  Do you run your life in your own power, or the power of Christ within you?  What are some practical ways you can cultivate this kind of full life in your inner being?  Start with daily prayer and being in God's word on a daily basis if you aren't already doing that.