The Apostle Paul lays out the formula for spiritual growth in Ephesians 3. He reminds us in chapters 1-3 what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Then in chapters 4-6, Paul reminds of how we are called to live in gratitude because of what Jesus has done for us.
In chapter 3, Paul says that God’s plan all along has been to offer salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. When we believe we come together as the church, then Paul says God’s intention is to show His power through the church, not only to the world, but to those rulers in the unseen, heavenly realms.
So God is going to use me and you to show all creation, seen and unseen, how amazing He truly is. But in order to be a part of His plan, you and I must make Jesus the priority in our lives. Jesus has to be the first thing in our lives. See, our identity is IN JESUS. The world would have us make our identity in our sexuality or gender; our money and things; our diplomas and titles; our relationships and family. But Paul reminds us if we are going to show the world how amazing our God truly is, we are going to have to make Jesus the #1 thing in our life.
So how do we do that? What’s the formula? What are the steps I can do that would make it obvious to those around me, Jesus is my priority? Paul gives us three things, found in his prayer in Ephesians 3, to do in order to grow in faith and clearly have a life seated in Jesus.
The first one is so very hard. As humans, it’s hard to submit…to acknowledge someone is more important than we are. But Paul says the first thing to do in Ephesians 3:14-15. He says, “I fall on my knees and pray…” In other words, he humbles himself before the Father, acknowledging someone greater than he is in control. We hate to give up control.
There is something to be said about body posture. We really don’t worry too much about this in our American culture but I challenge you to try it. There is something about praying on your knees that creates a submissive attitude. And we humble ourselves more than just before the Father but also with others.
Paul says in Philippians 2, our attitude MUST be like Jesus Christ who humbled himself. So if you follow Jesus, it’s not an option to humble yourself. It’s a requirement to forget your life then find your life in Jesus. So our attitude of humility not only includes Jesus but those we work with, those in our family, those in the neighborhood. Our spirit must take on the spirit of Jesus.
Secondly, Paul says we need to allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in verses 16-17. When we get in step with the Spirit, it’s then that we discover a better way of life. Paul gives us the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we exhibit these traits in our lives, we’ll recognize we are in step with Spirit who is transforming us to look more like Jesus. Start with just choosing one of those and work on it in your life. Once you feel you have the hang of it, try adding another one to work on.
Finally, Paul encourages us to experience the love of Christ. His love is all encompassing. It’s everywhere if we just look. The Apostle John tells us what love looks like in 1 John 4:19. We know how to love because He first loved us. We see Jesus’ unselfish act, giving his life on a cross so that each of us could have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Jesus gave up his life even when I was sinner.
Paul finishes up this prayer by telling us how we can be complete and feel complete. He says to humble ourselves, allow the Holy Spirit to transform us and experience the all encompassing love of Jesus Christ. When we do all three, we will be complete with all the fullness of God and power God can give us. That’s exciting and encouraging.
So remember, when we make Jesus the priority, we gain adoption into the family of God and are strengthened with power to live this life for Jesus. Embrace Jesus today. Make Him the center. Choose Jesus as your identity and see if that doesn’t change everything in your life! Blessings on the journey.