14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  Ephesians 3:14-17

The prayer life of the Apostle Paul

1st prayer emphasis – knowing God: Ephesians 1:16-17

2nd prayer emphasis – experiencing the love of Christ/fullness of God: Ephesians 3:19

A. The petition to be strengthened Ephesians 3:14-16

Why be strengthened?

– Because of what is being sought: Rev. 1:12-17; Rev. 1:5; John 13:1

– Because of the opposition to what is being sought: 1 Thess. 2:17-18; 1 Thess. 2:7-8;

John 13:34-35; 1 John 2:15-16; Matt. 26:41; Gal. 5:16-17

Who does the strengthening?

– The Spirit of God

Rom. 5:5; Rom. 8:9-11, 30

Where does this strengthening occur?

– The inner being

2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 4:24

1. For the indwelling of the Lord Jesus: Eph. 3:17a

2. For the vitality and foundation of a life of love: Eph. 3:17b

B. The petition to be strengthened Ephesians 3:18-19

1. To grasp with understanding the realms of Christ’s love: Eph. 3:18

2. To experience the realms of Christ’s love: Eph. 3:19a

3. To experience the fullness of God: Eph. 3:19b