Ephesians 3.8-21 (5)
Pray Psalm 119.27.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
Sing Psalm 119.27.
(Festal Song: Rise Up, O Men of God)
Make me to understand Your precepts and Your ways,
as on Your works I meditate with wonder and with praise!
Read Ephesians 3.8-21; meditate on the words “comprehend” and “be filled”.
What actions or results come to mind as you meditate?
Preparation
1. Why especially has God rooted and grounded us in love?
2. To what does that lead?
Meditation
The most important word in these two verses is the little conjunction, ἵνα, hina. It can be translated in a variety of ways—“so that” or “perhaps” or even just “may”—but its major function is to introduce a mood of possibility. Something can happen, but it’s only in the realm of possibility. Whether that possibility will be realized depends on the action of those who are the subject of the verb that invariably follows ἵνα in a clause.
So what’s the possibility here? Ultimately, it’s ἵνα “you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Wait. What? Let’s try that again: “so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” You, that is. You and me and all who have believed in Jesus. The possibility of being filled with the fullness of God is there, right there, opened wide to all who have been declared saints of God by virtue of His electing grace, redeeming power, saving will, adopting mercy, and continuous accessibility.
Would you like to be filled with the fullness of God? Because right now, it’s just a possibility. Conditions must be met. What are they? You must “comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”. Oh, is that all? How do I do that?
By, as we say, “growing where you’ve been planted”—rooted and grounded in the love of God (v. 17), planted in His Word and grace. Drive your roots down deep into His Word, looking for Jesus in every line, making each faithful saying your own. Seek more about Jesus and His love everywhere in God’s Word. Extend the lightning rod of eagerness to learn right up into the Word flashing from His mouth, and let the energy of His truth burn throughout your soul.
Let nothing divert your attention, rob your precious time, or distract you from the quest. Know the love of Jesus—even though it’s more than we can ever completely know—and you’ll be on your way to the fullness of God.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
“…that you may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the width and length and depth and height—
to know the love of Christ
which passes knowledge…” (Eph. 3.18, 19).
When we are filled with all the fullness of God, we begin to get a glimmer of the vast love with which He loves us—to know beyond human knowledge.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” (Prov. 1.7).
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those
who do His commandments. His praise endures forever” (Ps. 111.10).
“My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly” (Ps. 119.167).
“He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph. 3.17).
His exceptional love makes us long to know Him better.
His love fills all and is all-encompassing. Length, width, height, depth—all dimensional.
It is complete. In it we are surrounded, and with all the saints, comprehending the extent of it.
It is one of the joys of the body of Christ—to talk about being loved by God, like this—and to have others with whom we can exuberantly praise His holy Name.
“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Pet. 3.18).
More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me.
More about Jesus; in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line, Making each faithful saying mine.
More about Jesus on the throne, Riches in glory all His Own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase; More of His coming, Prince of Peace.
More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see, More of His love Who died for me.
(Eliza E. Hewitt, 1887)
Fearing God to know beyond earthly knowledge—comprehending, although “we can see and understand only a little about God now” (1 Cor. 13.12 TLB)—His all-encompassing love, found in Jesus Christ, our loving Savior and Lord—rooted and grounded in His Word.
“Seek more about Jesus and His love everywhere in God’s Word…Let nothing divert your attention, rob your precious time, or distract you from the quest. Know the love of Jesus—even though it’s more than we can ever completely know—and you’ll be on your way to the fullness of God.”
Reflection
1. When do you experience being filled with all the fullness of God?
2. Why is it important that we seek this? How should we seek it?
3. Which of your fellow believers will you encourage today to be filled with the fullness of God?
Those who receive grace for grace from Christ’s fullness, may be said to be filled with the fullness of God. Should not this satisfy man? Must he needs fill himself with a thousand trifles, fancying thereby to complete his happiness? Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Ephesians 3.13-20
Pray Psalm 119.25, 26, 28-32.
Pray for a broader, deeper, more wondrous and personal understanding of the Word of God. Ask Him to show you how to get more out of your time with Him. Devote yourself to explicit obedience of His every command or teaching.
Sing Psalm 1119.25, 26, 28-32.
(Festal Song: Rise Up, O Men of God)
My soul clings to the dust; revive me by Your Word!
My ways I have declared to You; teach me Your statutes, LORD!
My soul weighs down with woe, I need Your strength, O LORD
Remove from me all lying ways; grant me Your holy Word!
I choose the way of truth; Your judgments I proclaim.
Your testimonies I embrace, LORD, put me not to shame!
Command my course, O LORD; Your gracious truth impart.
I cling to You and know You will enlarge my seeking heart.
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest this week: In our ReVision series on “The Kingdom Economy” we continue looking at ways the Law of God applies to our lives. This week in our Read Moore podcast we consider the question of what it means to know Jesus Christ. Our Crosfigell teaching letter continues our study of the life of Brigit, a contemporary of Brendan. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
