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: Eph. 1:16-17

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

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

What are the reasons for the strengthening?

– For the indwelling of the Lord Jesus: Eph. 3:17a; Rev. 21:3; Phil. 1:21-24; Col. 3:1-3

– For the vitality and foundation of a life of love: Eph. 3:17b; John 15:1-9; 1 Cor. 3:10-11; Matt. 16:18

B. The second petition to be strengthened: Eph. 3:18

1. To understand the realms of Christ’s love : Eph. 3:18

a) Breadth: John 3:16

b) Length: Jeremiah 31:3

c) Height: Psalm 36:5

d) Depth: Psalm 130:1-4

2. To experience the love of Christ: Eph. 3:19a; 1 Cor. 2:11-12; John 17:3

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

a) The Bread of Life: John 6:48

– Life out of the fullness of God

b) The Good Shepherd: John 10:11

– Care out of the fullness of God

c) The True Vine: John 15:5

– Fruitfulness out of the fullness of God