Ephesians 3:1-21
3:1 It is interesting yet not peculiar that Paul would describe himself as being captive to Jesus. After all, learning and absorbing His philosophy of life is a captivating experience. Paul adds "...for you..." and this is similarly intriguing because though not often described in such terms, we actually enlist to do God's work for the benefit of humanity.
As there are no spiritual boundaries, within the "prison" of God is a truly freeing place to be. From within boundlessness, we are kept away only from adversity. Locked away from it! Certainly we can be appreciative of those bars.
3:2 Continuing to give particular attention to the minutia of Paul's words, notice that he chose "which was given to me." Paul is thorough and consistent in acknowledging that all spiritually constructive words and actions said and done respectively by him only came through him. Moreover, what Paul received was not for himself but for others. Absolute humility only can recognize and utilize such circumstances.
Notice that Paul has never asked for a personal reward or recognition. He happily and appreciatively does the work of God. His work is selfless, he claims no ownership of his accomplishments. He desires no reward. Perhaps Paul exemplifies to us the recipe for changing the world.
3:3-4 Paul references the catalyst spark of his own faith, having been confronted and recruited directly by God (documented in the Book of Acts). He references his own journey of faith in the hope that we come to understand how it was inspired.
3:5-7 Paul was an extraordinary choice for the mission God wished to accomplish. Paul vehemently and productively worked to dismantle this very philosophy. We was renowned for his success in diminishing this faith. Therefore, when Paul converted, that action by itself preached a bold message the world. God hoped and worked to unite two opposing populations and through Paul, the mission was indeed accomplished.
3:8 Again, Paul's humility is a tangible element of the verse and not without reason. Paul's life is an example to us that working with God produces incredible results among humanity. Even having formerly opposed and oppressed this faith, Paul was offered an opportunity for not only redemption but for changing the world.
3:9-11 Through the prophets, Messiah, disciples, apostles, and other children of God, the door to spirituality was burst wide open. From the door a gleaming, eternal wisdom and inclusive compassion. Humanity was in a spiritual-slumber, focused entirely on the superficial world and in a bold and multi-generational way, God said: Awaken. Let me tell you about your home.
3:12 Through our faith we have courage and confidence and the opportunity put our ideas into the world. Why? Because when you join the intention of the universe, you strive together to complete your task.
3:13 Paul's mission is to confront adversity and injustice. To acknowledge its place and sometimes prevalence in people's lives. When you acknowledge and then confront adversity it becomes an element in your life as well... a surmountable adversity. You challenge and then defeat it. So Paul asks us not to grow disheartened by adversity and tribulation because as we work through it, we work against it and ultimately diminish its power over our lives and the lives of others. Paul reassures us that all good things are being produced and inspired by his work, and to not let his tribulation overshadow that fact.
3:14-16 For Paul, the strengthening of our spirit and faith makes every tribulation in his life worthwhile. Paul wishes (but more importantly: works) for us to become familiar with the glorious love and guidance of God. Paul knows what God's love produces in us and the more of us who experience that, the more that is produced in the world.
3:17-19 Paul wishes for us to know the undefinable, immeasurable, indescribable presence of spiritual in our lives. For us to be secured by pure, sturdy, eternal love, invulnerable to chaos and adversity.
3:20-21 Paul's attempt at descriptions of the joy and blessing that come from Creation through our faith and participation in good works is beautiful and comforting. "... Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think..." We are given more blessing (truth! knowledge! opportunity! love!) than we can even process enough gratitude for. We are given more than we even know to ask for.
3:17-19 Paul wishes for us to know the undefinable, immeasurable, indescribable presence of spiritual in our lives. For us to be secured by pure, sturdy, eternal love, invulnerable to chaos and adversity.
3:20-21 Paul's attempt at descriptions of the joy and blessing that come from Creation through our faith and participation in good works is beautiful and comforting. "... Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think..." We are given more blessing (truth! knowledge! opportunity! love!) than we can even process enough gratitude for. We are given more than we even know to ask for.
