“Now to Him Who Is Able …”

by Mitchell Tan
April 15, 2020

PRAISING A GOD OF EXCEEDINGLY GREAT POWER

Paul ended his second prayer to the Ephesians on a note of praise and giving glory to God. He began his prayer seeking the Lord to grant his requests according to the riches of His glory (Ephesians 3:16). After making a profound prayer about comprehending the love of Christ in a deeper way and seeking to be filled with the fullness of God, he gave praise and glory to God for His great power.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think …”
Ephesians 3:20

1. THE GREATNESS OF GOD’S POWER TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE

The word “able” has the idea of “dynamic power”. God is the one and only who has the ability to answer our prayers far greater than we can ever ask or imagine. Because God is almighty and all-powerful, nothing is impossible for Him. This was Paul’s faith in the greatness of God’s power. He will not just answer our prayers. He will answer them far beyond what we ask or think. Of course, this must be according to His will. His answers will be in the light of all that Paul had written thus far.

2. THE GREAT POWER OF GOD WORKING IN US

“… According to the power that works in us …”
Ephesians 3:20

Paul had written earlier and prayed for the Ephesians to know the exceedingly greatness of His power towards those who believe (Ephesians 1:19). That power that raised Jesus from the dead is also available to all who have faith in Him. He also mentioned his example of becoming a minister through the gift of grace by the effective working of His power (Ephesians 3:7). This seemed impossible and yet God transformed a faithless murderer into a faithful minister. This power can also strengthen us through His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). The Lord has the power to do great things according to His great dynamic power. It would energize us and work in our life. Let’s praise Him for this.

GIVING ALL GLORY TO THE LORD

“… To Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen.”
Ephesians 3:21

Paul sought to end his prayer on the note of giving glory to God. This was how the Lord Jesus taught the ending of the Lord’s prayer.

“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.”
Matthew 6:13

Paul sought to practice this as he prayed. First, as he saw how the Lord had blessed the Church and made it to be what it is, all glory is to be given to God. It is God who has made the Church a glorious entity through His grace and power. Because of the person of Christ and His work on the cross, we are saved, richly blessed and joined together as a family of God. Second, all glory is to be given to the Lord for all generations. This should be the everlasting endeavor of the Church.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Let’s also learn to end our prayers with faith in the Lord’s great power and giving all glory to Him. As we continue to pray in light of the Covid-19 outbreak, let’s learn to end it with much confidence in the Lord’s power to do the impossible and seek to give all glory to Him.

Back to Article Listing

More Articles

View more