R³ Devotional - Day 350

Real Life Principle.
Ephesians 3:14–21 is Paul's prayer for believers to be progressively strengthened by the Holy Spirit in their inner being (v. 16), enabling Christ to dwell more deeply in their hearts through faith (v. 17). This leads to a corporate grasping of the infinite dimensions of Christ's love (v. 18–19a), culminating in being "filled with all the fullness of God" (v. 19b).

This "fullness" is not a sudden, ecstatic experience or second blessing distinct from conversion (as in some Pentecostal views). Rather, every true believer already possesses the Holy Spirit permanently as a seal and down payment of inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30). The Spirit indwells from the moment of regeneration, but Paul prays for an ongoing, increasing experience of His empowering presence. Being "filled" here refers to growing conformity to God's character—His love, wisdom, holiness, and power—through deeper knowledge and experience of Christ's surpassing love. It is the crowning work of sanctification, where believers mature toward the stature of Christ's fullness (Ephesians 4:13), empowered by the Spirit but never reaching sinless perfection in this life. God's power works in us to accomplish far more than we ask or think (v. 20), all for His glory in the church.

This ties into the chapter's revelation of the gospel mystery: Jew and Gentile united in one body, displaying God's manifold wisdom even to heavenly powers (vv. 1–13).

Relevant Life Applications.
Let us emphasize God's sovereignty in sanctification while calling believers to active dependence:

Progressive Sanctification and Inner Renewal: Amid trials, anxiety, or temptation, the Spirit's strengthening provides endurance rooted in gospel truth, not emotional highs. It counters self-reliance, fostering humility and reliance on Christ's sufficiency.

Deepening Knowledge of Christ's Love: This transforms relationships—promoting forgiveness, sacrificial love in marriage/family, and grace toward others—as an overflow of comprehending Christ's love experientially, beyond mere head knowledge.

Empowerment for Witness and Ministry: Filled believers boldly proclaim the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (v. 8), serving in evangelism, discipleship, and church life with supernatural enablement, reflecting God's wisdom to a watching world (and spiritual realm).

Corporate Maturity in the Church: Grasping Christ's love happens "together with all the saints" (v. 18), so it drives commitment to local church life, unity across differences, and mutual edification for collective growth in godliness.

Ready Action Steps
Have faith-fueled effort through Scripture-saturated, prayerful use of God's appointed means—no formulas or seeking dramatic signs, but diligent pursuit of holiness:
Pray Earnestly Modeled on Paul's Prayer: Regularly pray Ephesians 3:14–21 for yourself and others—asking the Father to strengthen you inwardly by the Spirit, root you in love, and fill you progressively with God's fullness. Do this in personal devotion and corporate prayer meetings.

Saturate in Scripture: Dwell richly in the Word (Colossians 3:16 parallels Ephesians 5:18's "be filled with the Spirit"), meditating on passages about Christ's love (e.g., Romans 5:8; 8:32–39). Journal insights into its dimensions, letting the Spirit illuminate and apply truth.

Pursue Community in the Local Church: Engage deeply "with all the saints"—through Bible studies, accountability, and worship—to comprehend Christ's love corporately. Prioritize church membership, service, and relationships that build unity.

Repent and Yield Daily: Confess known sin (which grieves the Spirit, Ephesians 4:30), surrender areas of control, and obey promptings toward love and good works. Trust God's power to do "immeasurably more" as you walk by faith.
Rely on Ordinary Means of Grace: Consistently partake in preaching, Lord's Supper, baptism reminders, fasting when led, and worship. Seek repeated "fillings" through these, aiming for a life marked by increasing Christlikeness, joy in God, and fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).