In our message, MAKING CHRIST AT HOME (Eph. 3:8-21), Paul continued to explain why the mystery of the church is important.
In the church, God’s limitless, “unsearchable” grace is revealed (Eph. 3:8), and it was Paul’s job (as well as ours today) to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan “which from the beginning of the ages [had] been hidden in God (Eph. 3:5, 9; Matt. 28:18-20; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:8; 4:12, etc.) As unique objects of God’s grace, we are told even angels now look to “the church” in an attempt to discover “the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:15; Heb. 2:5-9; 1 Pet. 1:12, etc.). This was “according to [God’s]… eternal purpose,” and it grants believers today, in the church age, “boldness… [direct] access… [and] confidence” with God (Eph. 1:5, 11; 3:11-12). It is because of these precious promises that we should “not lose heart” or become discouraged (Eph. 3:13; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 4:16-5:8, etc.).
And it is also to this end that Paul prayed to his heavenly “Father” for us (Eph. 3:14-15)- that we would “be strengthened… according to the riches of His glory… with might through” the Holy Spirit in our “inner” being (Eph. 3:16), so “that Christ may dwell in [our] hearts” (Eph. 3:17a). As His children, God already indwells us “forever” (John 3:7; 14:16-18; Eph. 1:13-14, etc.), but Paul prays here that Jesus might BE AT HOME IN our lives. Are there any parts of our lives closed off to God? Christ should be first (1 John 4:19; John 14:21, etc.). Letting Him have control of our lives- day by day and moment by moment means we are “through faith… being rooted and grounded in [His] love” (Eph. 3:17b; Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 5:16-18, etc.). When we do this, we can then begin “to comprehend with all the saints… the width and length and depth and height— [of the]… love of Christ which passes knowledge…” (Eph. 3:18-19).
This is all for the glory of God who can “do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” when we make Christ at home in our lives (Eph. 3:7, 16, 20; 6:12; 1 John 4:4; 1 Cor. 4:1-2; Gal. 5:16-18, 25, etc.). Today, it is through “the church” that God is showing His glorious eternal kingdom to “all generations forever and ever” (Eph. 3:21).