Ephesians 3:20, 21 Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,… I. HOW GOD IS GLORIFIED. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." We adore God as able to do for us in answer to our prayers. It is expected of us that we ask, that is, actually desire the blessing, and express the desire. But, beyond all that we ask, there is what we think, that is, what comes into our mind as to what we should desire and express. Now, God is able to do above all that we ask or think. And not only so, but the apostle is so struck with the disproportion between our asking and thinking, and the Divine ability, that he has to add the expression, "exceeding abundantly." And then he would have us look to our being answered, not according to our own poor asking and thinking, but according to the power that worketh in us, all our experience of which is fitted to raise our expectation. II. IN WHAT SPHERE HE IS GLORIFIED. "Unto him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus." We are to praise God for what has been done for the Church and for what is gifted to the Church. "And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me. Father, that which thou hast given me, I will that, where I am, they also may be with me; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." It is only in Christ that there is the Church, and that it is what it is (being the receptacle of Christ's glory), and therefore it is only in him that we can praise God for the Church. III. THE TIME DURING WHICH HE IS TO BE GLORIFIED. "Unto all generations forever and ever." Literally it is, "unto all the generations of the age of the ages." There are generations which make up an age; then there are ages which make up the grand age. There is suggested the length of time (beyond our narrow conception) which God has for completing his purpose regarding the Church; and also the length of time thereafter, during which the full-volumed doxology will be chanted to God. It becomes us each to arid our "Amen." "Through all eternity to thee A joyful song I'll raise; For oh, eternity's too short To utter all thy praise." R.F. Parallel Verses KJV: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, |
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