Our Perpetual Praise of God (Ephesians 3:20–21)
When we learn about God and our salvation in Him, we love Him all the more and live for Him all the better. This statement captures something of the pastoral thrust of Ephesians.
For three chapters (Ephesians 1–3), Paul lays out how God has saved us, united us in Christ, and his role as an apostle in it all. Paul also prays two beautiful prayers that God would empower and enlighten us to understand our salvation and the love of Christ therein (Eph 1:15–23; 3:14–19). Ephesians 3:20–21 is Paul’s praise of God that He is able to do that and more, leading into instruction for the Christian life (Ephesians 4–6).
Ephesians 3:20–21 is a doxology—a word of praise to God. Paul describes the power of God in one verse, giving way to His praise in the next by ascribing to Him glory for this power.
Ephesians 3:20: Here Paul describes the infinite power of God. Paul previously prayed for his readers to “be strengthened with power through His Spirit” for them “to know the love of Christ” in their salvation (Eph 3:16, 19; cf. 1:19). Paul knows that God can answer this prayer and even “do far more abundantly than all we ask or think” (Eph 3:20). This power of God is “at work within us” already, and it is “according to” this power that God will show us power all the more—again, to help us better understand our salvation and, as a result, better live the Christian life.
Ephesians 3:21: With God’s infinite power in mind, Paul ascribes “glory” to Him. Paul also points out who gives God glory (“the church”), how they do it (“in Christ Jesus,” i.e., by union with Him), and how long they do so (“throughout all generations, forever and ever”). He even punctuates his praise with a confirming “Amen.”
We have been bit technical up to this point, so let’s ask some questions to help us join Paul in this praise.
Looking inward—is the power of God at work in you? Has He empowered and enlightened you to understand the riches of His love for you in Christ? Have you continued to grow in your understanding of this love? If so, acknowledge His glory for His power at work in you!
Looking outward—has your God-enabled understanding of the love of Christ motivated you to have a greater commitment to your church (Eph 4:1–16), a godlier life (Eph 4:17–5:21), and a Spirit-filled walk in your home and at work (Eph 5:22–6:9)? Do you find victory in spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10–20)? If so, rejoice that your understanding of your salvation helps you to live in a manner worthy of God!
May God empower us to understand the love of Christ better day by day, and may we praise Him for this power, both now and forever, Amen!
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David Huffstutler is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. He blogs here, where this article first appeared. It is republished here by permission.