Sermon Blog - Ephesians 3:14-21
# The Transformative Power of Prayer: Discovering Unsearchable Riches
There's something extraordinary waiting for us in prayer—something most of us have barely touched. Like standing at the shore of an infinite ocean and only dipping our toes in the water, we often settle for far less than what's available to us. The apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 opens a window into spiritual realities that are both breathtaking and immediately accessible.
## Access to the Unlimited
Imagine having the last name Rockefeller or Bezos. You could walk into a bank and make withdrawals without worry. The family name grants you access to resources beyond your personal means. This is precisely our position as adopted children of God. We carry the Father's family name, and with it comes access to unlimited spiritual resources.
The riches of God's glory are described as "unsearchable"—beyond finding out, without limit or end. When we look up at the night sky and see the vastness of creation, we're catching just a glimpse of how rich and glorious God truly is. The heavens declare His handiwork, and that same creative power is available to us through prayer.
Yet here's the puzzling question: Why don't we pray more? If the Father didn't spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, what could we possibly ask that He would withhold? If He gave His greatest treasure, won't He freely give us everything else we need?
## Two Words That Change Everything
We need to add two simple words to our daily vocabulary: "Let's pray."
Not "I'll pray about that later." Not "I'll remember you in my prayers." Just, "Let's pray"—right now, on the spot. How often do we tell someone we'll pray for them, only to forget when life gets busy? If we simply prayed immediately—whether in person, on the phone, or even through text—our prayer lives would double, if not multiply exponentially.
The pattern is clear throughout Scripture. When Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:12 that we have bold access to God through Christ, he doesn't just teach about prayer—he immediately enters into it. The reminder of access stirs him to take advantage of that access.
Prayer shouldn't be our last resort; it should be our first response.
## Four Requests Worth Praying
Paul's prayer model gives us four specific requests that tap into those unsearchable riches:
### 1. Strength in the Inner Person
The real you isn't the body you see in the mirror. Your physical frame is just the carrier of who you truly are—the inner person, the soul. This is why anyone, regardless of physical ability or limitation, can do powerful things for God. Someone bedridden has the same spiritual capacity as someone climbing mountains.
The word for "might" in this passage is *dunamis*—where we get our word "dynamite." God doesn't want to give us spiritual firecrackers for entertainment. He wants to give us power that can move mountains.
### 2. Christ at Home in Every Room
The Greek word for "dwell" means to settle down and be completely at home. Consider your own house. There are rooms you'd gladly invite guests into—the beautifully decorated living room, the welcoming kitchen. But then there's the basement you'd die if anyone saw, or that messy closet you keep firmly shut.
We do the same thing with Jesus. We invite Him into certain areas of our lives while keeping other rooms locked. But here's the beautiful truth: Jesus was always comfortable with sinners. He didn't just tell people what needed to change—He helped them change it. In fact, He does all the work if we'll only allow Him access.
Think of those home renovation shows where experts don't just point out problems—they fix them. Jesus is the ultimate renovator, ready to transform every room of our hearts. The question is: What room needs His attention today?
### 3. Experiencing Love Beyond Comprehension
Paul prays that we would comprehend the width, length, depth, and height of Christ's love. Notice he adds a fourth dimension—depth—to our normal three-dimensional world. This is love beyond our natural capacity to understand.
The foundation of this love is Jesus crucified. When Thomas doubted, Jesus showed him His pierced hands and side. When we need clear vision, we return to John 20:20 for 20/20 spiritual sight.
But knowing about God's love intellectually isn't enough. You don't get married just to know your spouse loves you—you want to experience that love. God wants us to enter into an experiential relationship with His love, not just acknowledge it mentally.
God's love is an ocean. Our only limitation is our appetite. How much are we willing to take in?
### 4. Filled with the Fullness of God
What does the "fullness of God" even mean? While it may be difficult to define completely, we know this: it means more of God and less of ourselves. As He grows bigger in our lives, we naturally grow smaller. It's found in His presence, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.
Many Christians are content with where they are spiritually, not realizing there's so much more available. They're living with less and don't even know there's more to be had. This is why we pray for others—to ask God to enlarge their spiritual capacity and help them grasp the full volume of His love.
## He Is Able
You might read these four prayer requests and think, "No way. This could never happen to me." But the prayer closes with a powerful reminder: God is able.
He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think. He has the supply. He has the ability. He has the exceeding abundance. He has riches beyond finding out. And He has the power through the Holy Spirit working in us to accomplish these things.
This isn't just a teaching to be studied; it's a prayer to be caught, not taught. These promises aren't for the early church only—they're "to all generations, forever and ever." The same power available to Paul is available to us today.
## Fill Your Bag with Heaven
Imagine going outside with a large bag and filling it with the air of heaven around you. No matter how much you take, you never deplete the supply. That's the nature of God's glory and riches.
We can grab our bags and start scooping up the glory of God, knowing we won't put even a dent in the heavens, but we will have the fullness of God.
The question isn't whether God has enough. The question is: Will we take advantage of the access we've been given? Will we move beyond programs and embrace the power of prayer?
Let's pray.
There's something extraordinary waiting for us in prayer—something most of us have barely touched. Like standing at the shore of an infinite ocean and only dipping our toes in the water, we often settle for far less than what's available to us. The apostle Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 opens a window into spiritual realities that are both breathtaking and immediately accessible.
## Access to the Unlimited
Imagine having the last name Rockefeller or Bezos. You could walk into a bank and make withdrawals without worry. The family name grants you access to resources beyond your personal means. This is precisely our position as adopted children of God. We carry the Father's family name, and with it comes access to unlimited spiritual resources.
The riches of God's glory are described as "unsearchable"—beyond finding out, without limit or end. When we look up at the night sky and see the vastness of creation, we're catching just a glimpse of how rich and glorious God truly is. The heavens declare His handiwork, and that same creative power is available to us through prayer.
Yet here's the puzzling question: Why don't we pray more? If the Father didn't spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, what could we possibly ask that He would withhold? If He gave His greatest treasure, won't He freely give us everything else we need?
## Two Words That Change Everything
We need to add two simple words to our daily vocabulary: "Let's pray."
Not "I'll pray about that later." Not "I'll remember you in my prayers." Just, "Let's pray"—right now, on the spot. How often do we tell someone we'll pray for them, only to forget when life gets busy? If we simply prayed immediately—whether in person, on the phone, or even through text—our prayer lives would double, if not multiply exponentially.
The pattern is clear throughout Scripture. When Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:12 that we have bold access to God through Christ, he doesn't just teach about prayer—he immediately enters into it. The reminder of access stirs him to take advantage of that access.
Prayer shouldn't be our last resort; it should be our first response.
## Four Requests Worth Praying
Paul's prayer model gives us four specific requests that tap into those unsearchable riches:
### 1. Strength in the Inner Person
The real you isn't the body you see in the mirror. Your physical frame is just the carrier of who you truly are—the inner person, the soul. This is why anyone, regardless of physical ability or limitation, can do powerful things for God. Someone bedridden has the same spiritual capacity as someone climbing mountains.
The word for "might" in this passage is *dunamis*—where we get our word "dynamite." God doesn't want to give us spiritual firecrackers for entertainment. He wants to give us power that can move mountains.
### 2. Christ at Home in Every Room
The Greek word for "dwell" means to settle down and be completely at home. Consider your own house. There are rooms you'd gladly invite guests into—the beautifully decorated living room, the welcoming kitchen. But then there's the basement you'd die if anyone saw, or that messy closet you keep firmly shut.
We do the same thing with Jesus. We invite Him into certain areas of our lives while keeping other rooms locked. But here's the beautiful truth: Jesus was always comfortable with sinners. He didn't just tell people what needed to change—He helped them change it. In fact, He does all the work if we'll only allow Him access.
Think of those home renovation shows where experts don't just point out problems—they fix them. Jesus is the ultimate renovator, ready to transform every room of our hearts. The question is: What room needs His attention today?
### 3. Experiencing Love Beyond Comprehension
Paul prays that we would comprehend the width, length, depth, and height of Christ's love. Notice he adds a fourth dimension—depth—to our normal three-dimensional world. This is love beyond our natural capacity to understand.
The foundation of this love is Jesus crucified. When Thomas doubted, Jesus showed him His pierced hands and side. When we need clear vision, we return to John 20:20 for 20/20 spiritual sight.
But knowing about God's love intellectually isn't enough. You don't get married just to know your spouse loves you—you want to experience that love. God wants us to enter into an experiential relationship with His love, not just acknowledge it mentally.
God's love is an ocean. Our only limitation is our appetite. How much are we willing to take in?
### 4. Filled with the Fullness of God
What does the "fullness of God" even mean? While it may be difficult to define completely, we know this: it means more of God and less of ourselves. As He grows bigger in our lives, we naturally grow smaller. It's found in His presence, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.
Many Christians are content with where they are spiritually, not realizing there's so much more available. They're living with less and don't even know there's more to be had. This is why we pray for others—to ask God to enlarge their spiritual capacity and help them grasp the full volume of His love.
## He Is Able
You might read these four prayer requests and think, "No way. This could never happen to me." But the prayer closes with a powerful reminder: God is able.
He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think. He has the supply. He has the ability. He has the exceeding abundance. He has riches beyond finding out. And He has the power through the Holy Spirit working in us to accomplish these things.
This isn't just a teaching to be studied; it's a prayer to be caught, not taught. These promises aren't for the early church only—they're "to all generations, forever and ever." The same power available to Paul is available to us today.
## Fill Your Bag with Heaven
Imagine going outside with a large bag and filling it with the air of heaven around you. No matter how much you take, you never deplete the supply. That's the nature of God's glory and riches.
We can grab our bags and start scooping up the glory of God, knowing we won't put even a dent in the heavens, but we will have the fullness of God.
The question isn't whether God has enough. The question is: Will we take advantage of the access we've been given? Will we move beyond programs and embrace the power of prayer?
Let's pray.
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