COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS
LESSON NUMBER 37
Eph 3:16b " . . . to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love." (Eph 3:16b-17)
STRENGTHENED, ROOTED, AND GROUNDED
INTRODUCTION
One of the most significant things believers can learn is that salvation involves more than extricating them from a state of condemnation. Justification and the remission of sins is unparalleled in greatness, and yet they are only the introduction to what God intends to do. They are a necessary prelude to the fulfillment of God's purpose within the believer. Realizing that this is a matter that requires more than sound doctrine, Paul now informs the Ephesians that he has not only exercised diligence to communicate the knowledge he has received, he has also taken their case to the God of heaven. There are things that will not happen unless they are earnestly sought from the Lord. While the people are in the process of gaining such knowledge, Paul is not content to simply sit back and wait until the Ephesians have a good grasp on these things. There is a work of God that must be performed, and the nature of it is not yet clear in the minds of these brethren - noted for their faith in Christ and love of the saints. While those two virtues - faith and love - are absolutely indispensable, there is something that must take place within them that requires Divine strength. Thoughtful men should be able to reason this out, concluding that such a staggering investment by God must lead to results that are complementary of such an outlay of Divine plentitude. But, alas, this kind of reasoning is not at all common. Babylon the Great has produced a kind of thinking that basically inhibits spiritual development. It leaves people quite content to remain fundamentally ignorant of God, Christ, and God's eternal purpose. The quest of such benighted souls is to understand life in this world, and be able to capitalize upon life in the flesh. Thus, problems are primarily related to fleshly concerns, and blessings are assessed as pertaining to life in the body. The text we are now considering is moving us into the theological holy of holies. Here we will learn something of the magnitude of God's "eternal purpose." It is so large that it requires ongoing and contiguous Divine involvement.
STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT
Eph3:16b " . . . to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man."
The revealed purpose involving the tutelage of heavenly principalities and powers concerning the manifold wisdom of God, and doing it "by the church" has prompted Paul to begin praying for the Ephesians - not because they had, at that time, some glaring fault, but because the purpose of God was bigger than where they were at that time. Compared with their peers, they had made significant progress, having trusted in Christ and been sealed with the Spirit of promise (Eph 1:13-14). For many, that is quite sufficient, but for Paul, it was not. He knew that these were qualifying conditions, not ultimate ones.
TO BE. Other versions read, "that you may be." NRSV The idea is that of altering the state or capacity of the individual. It involves becoming something, versus merely receiving something. In the salvation of God, what is received alters the person receiving it. It is similar, yet superior, to the experience of king Saul. Samuel told him he would become "another man" (1 Sam 10:6). After that it is written that "God gave him another heart" (1 Sam 10:9). While Saul himself is not a suitable example for the saints (for he went backward), what God did to him was introductory to the greater work of the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. It involves making the people different - a "new creation" (Eph 2:10). Yet, even in that working, there is progression, as our text will plainly affirm.
STRENGTHENED. Other versions read, "make you strong," BBE "strength and power," GWN "enable you to grow firm in power," NJB "empower you," NLT and "to be strengthened and reinforced." AMPLIFIED The word "strengthened" means "to be made strong, to increase in strength, to grow strong." THAYER
Here Paul is speaking of a process, not a fixed state. That is, becoming strong is involved in spiritual growth - increasing in strength, power, and ability. This is not a seasonal strength like that of Samson, whom the Lord moved "at times" (Judges 13:25). Paul is not praying that the Ephesian brethren may be made strong when strength is need, or at special times - like "the evil day."
Remember, this work will be "according to the riches of His glory," which is its source. That is, the condition for which he prays will be directly proportionate to what the Ephesians can perceive of God's glory. The condition for which he prays is that they will grow stronger and stronger. The purpose for this strength will be specified later in this passage.
WITH MIGHT. Other versions read "with power." NASB The lexical meaning of the word translated "might" is: "1) strength, power, ability 1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth 1b) power for performing miracles 1c) moral power and excellence of soul 1d). THAYER Simply put, this is miraculous power - power that can only come from the Lord. Yet, even though the source of the power is God, yet it can work within man - which itself is a most arresting consideration.
BY HIS SPIRIT. The means by which this power is experienced is the Holy Spirit of God. He is the One who actually imparts the "might," making it effectual in the individual. Knowing this, and the criticality of this need, it is no wonder that believers are admonished, "grieve not the Spirit of God" (Eph 4:30), and "quench not the Spirit of God" (1 Thess 5:19).
The requirement of the Holy Spirit is seen in the work He performs. He leads us in mortifying the deeds of the body (Rom 8:13). He washed, sanctified, and justified us (1 Cor 6:11). He changes us from glory unto glory (2 Cor 3:18). He enables us to "wait for the hope of righteousness" (Gal 5:5). He renders us capable of obeying the truth (1 Pet 1:22).
Yet, with all of this, Paul is speaking of yet another facet of the Spirit's work. As necessary and essential as all of these things are, there is even a high consideration - one that includes all of these things, yet is not confined to them.
IN THE INNER MAN. The place where strength is imparted by the Holy Spirit is "the inner man." This is synonymous with "the inward man," in which the saved "delight in the law of God" (Rom 7:22). This is the unseen part of the redeemed that is renewed day by day. As it is written, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day" (2 Cor 4:16).
This is "the new man" (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10), the "new creation" (2 Cor 5:17), and what has been "created in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:10). It is "whatsoever is born of God" (1 John 5:4), and "he that is begotten of God" (1 John 5:18).
This new creation is not sufficient of itself. It is a growing creation, not a static one like the sun, moon, and stars. It is a life that grows, advances, and matures. It is totally reliant upon the Lord, and has no life of itself. I do not believe this is generally known in the Christian community. In our time, there is altogether too much indifference toward spiritual strengthening and growth. This kind of indifference cannot be seen in any of the apostolic writings. The apostles' doctrine never leads to indifference or casualness. It always represents the need for ongoing and productive affiliation with the Godhead: The Father the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH
3:17a "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith . . ."
THAT CHRIST. This is the "Christ" made known in the Gospel (Rom 1:16). It is the One into whose hands all things have been delivered (Matt 11:27). He is "the Christ" that God reveals (Matt 16:16-17). It is the One of whom it said, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God"(1 John 5:1). As made known in the epistle to the Ephesians, this is the Christ in whom "the faithful" are found (1:1). He is the one who sends grace and peace (1:2). He is the One in whom are found "all spiritual blessings" (1:3), by whom adoption is realized (1:5), and in whom "all things" will be gathered (1:10). He is the primary exhibit of Divine power (1:20), in whom we have been quickened (2:5), and in whom we have "made to sit together" in heavenly places (2:6). It is the One in whom we have been "created" anew (2:10), who is "our peace" (2:3), who is the chief Cornerstone of the church (2:20). The promise associated with God's "eternal purpose" is in Him (3:6). The "unsearchable riches" that Paul was ordained to preach are all "of Christ" (3:8).
Paul has spent considerable time identifying the Christ, not taking for granted that his readers will think properly concerning the Christ. In our day, a considerable percentage of the preaching and teaching concerning Christ has been omitted. The Christ of whom great numbers of professing Christians are identified is not the real Christ. He is rather one that is identified with the affairs and experiences of this present evil world.
This is not the Christ of whom Paul writes - which means it is not the real Christ. What Paul now says will simply not fit into modern theology. What he associates with the working of God and the activity of the Holy Spirit is largely taken for granted in the modern churchman. Therefore we often hear of asking Jesus to come into your heart. While the Word of God does speak of men receiving Christ (John 1:11-12), Paul now extends our thinking beyond an initial experience to one that is ongoing. It is an experience that is facilitated by the Holy Spirit imparting strength to the inner man of those who have been made "accepted in the Beloved" (1:6).
MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS. Other versions read, "may have His place in your hearts," BBE "may live in your hearts," CJB "will make His home in your hearts," NLT "make His permanent home in your hearts," WILLIAMS "that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in," MESSAGE and " [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts!" AMPLIFIED
I want to draw especially attention to the miserable representation of The Message Bible. "that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite Him in." Mind you. Paul spoke of the condition as being accomplished by God strengthening the people by the Holy Spirit. Yet, the Message Bible represents the indwelling Christ as the result of opening the door and inviting Him in. That perfectly depicts much of the theology of our day, but seriously conflicts with what the text actually says.
It at once becomes obvious that Jesus coming into the heart is not the point, but Him remaining there, making it His abode. This is not accomplished by initially receiving Christ (John 1:11). All of this postulates that there is a possibility that as Jesus left Nazareth, so He can leave the individual who is not duly strengthened to retain His presence. As difficult as it may be to receive, Jesus will not dwell, or abide, where moral and spiritual weakness prevail. This is why He was depicted as being outside the church in Laodicea (Rev 3:14). Paul alluded to the qualified presence of the Lord when he wrote, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2 Cor 6:17).
The indwelling Christ is not to be assumed. Christ in "in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27), is not an unqualified guarantee. There is a work within you that must be done if Jesus is to remain in you. Sin has had such an impact upon all men, that an ongoing work must take place in us until we are liberated from the body. That work is here defined as God Himself strengthening us with power - the power that brought Jesus back from the dead - and that by the Holy Spirit. Paul is praying that this will take place because, left without this strengthening, there is no hope of participating in the salvation is "ready to be revealed in the last day" (1 Pet 1:5). This is, in fact, the outcome of being strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.
BY FAITH. Christ dwells in our hearts "by faith" - i.e. His indwelling is directly proportionate to our faith. The stronger our faith, the more secure is Christ's indwelling. It is possible for professing believers to live by fits and starts, becoming more aware of their need for Christ during crises. Whatever influences or thoughts that do not harmonize with Christ neutralize His presence. The idea that Deity is sensitive concerning environment is often forgotten by men - but it should not be. The expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, and the removal of Israel from Canaan is proof enough that the condition of the one in whom the Lord is to dwell is of critical importance. All of this postulates that faith is growing stronger and stronger, and more and more dominates the individual. This is all related to Christ making His abode in us. In our text it was necessary for someone with spiritual insight to seek this benefit for others. That is something to be considered.
ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE
3:17b " . . . that ye, being rooted and grounded in love."
Now, we come to the aim of Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith - this being owing to God strengthening us with might by His Spirit in the inner man. What follows is not a recommendation, but is an intention that is integral to the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. This is something salvation is calculated to produce.
BEING. Other versions read, "will be," CJB "may be," GWN "because you have been," NET "having been," YLT "will have," IE "You must be," WILLIAMS and "May you be." AMPLIFIED
There is a vast difference between being and doing. Both are necessary, to be sure. However, in Christ doing depends solely upon being. That is, what we ARE is responsible for what we do. Paul has labored to identify what we ARE in Christ Jesus: faithful (1:1), chosen (1:4), predestinated (1:5), accepted (1:6), sealed (1:13), enlightened (1:18), quickened (2:1-5), raised up and seated (2:6), His workmanship (2:10), made nigh (2:13), fellowcitizens (2:19), and built (2:20).
According to the letter to the Ephesians to this point, things that we do or have done are fewer in number, including "trusted" (1:12), and "believed" (1:13). The accent has clearly been on what we ARE in Christ Jesus, not what we do! This certainly does not eliminate doing, as the rest of the letter will confirm. However, it does determine the things that are to be done. In my opinion, very few professing Christians have a proper view of what we ARE in Christ Jesus, and what salvation is calculated to cause us to BE.
ROOTED AND GROUND. Other versions read, "rooted and established," NIV "rooted and based," BBE "rooted and founded," CJB "rooted and firmly established," CSB "the ground into which you sink your roots," GWN "planted and built," NJB "Your roots will grow down into, " NLT and ":with both feet firmly planted." MESSAGE
Some of the versions completely miss the point, representing the text as though it was an exhortation to get grounded, or attain a deep root. This text is not about what men do, but what they ARE - and it is all owing to the working of Deity, who strengthens us with might by His Spirit in the inner man, in order that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith. "Rooted and grounded" is something we are - something we become - not something we do.
While the implications of this text are rather alarming, it seems to me that we must consider them. Where professing believers are not rooted and grounded, it is because Christ is not dwelling in the hearts by faith. If Christ is not dwelling in their hearts by faith, it is because they have not been strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner man. If that circumstance is true, and they are really in Christ, then they are either ignorant of what God is doing in Christ Jesus, or they have quenched and grieved the Spirit, deferring to the flesh.
IN LOVE. The rooting and the grounding take place "in love." And, what "love" is this? Is it our love for the brethren? Is it our love for God and Christ? Is it our love for those outside of Christ? Are the people of God ever depicted as being solid and unmoveable because of their own expressions? It should not be necessary to say that this is not possible. Rooting and grounding, like all other salvational conditions are owing to our participation in the Divine nature.
This is the love of God, not our love for God. After all, "We love Him, because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). This letter emphases Divine love. God has determined we will be "without blame before Him in love" (1:4). There is "His great love wherewith He hath loved us" (2:4). He refers to knowing "the love of Christ" (3:19). Christ is said to have "also loved the church" (5:25). While our love is included indirectly, the focus is on the love of God that drives salvation, and is manifested within it. If we love one another, John writes, "God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us" (1 John 4:12). We can view God as a demanding God (which He is), or as a God who has provided salvation because of His love. The former stance will not produce spiritual maturity. The latter will.
The idea is that if our salvation is itself rooted in the love of God (Eph 2:4; 5:2; Rom 8:37; 2 Thess 2:16; 1 John 4:10-11), then as we perceive that love, walking in it and abiding in it (John 15:10), we will become spiritually stable, leaving erratic and inconsistent manners behind us.
Paul knows that if growing ever ceases in the believer, falling is imminent. Satan always exploits continued spiritual childishness. As confirmed by this text, Divine activity is the cause of spiritual growth and its attending stability. This is not something for which we must simply wait, saying to ourselves that in due time those in Christ will grow up. There is a total absence of this kind of thinking in Paul's words. He knows the criticality of growing, and of the established objective of being presented to the Lord "without blame" (Eph 1:4). He therefore teaches the brethren of the purpose of God, and of the appointed means through which it is being carried out. He then supplements his teaching with strong prayers and supplications for the people, that God will so work in them that they may increase their participation in the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The absolute necessity of this approach will be verified by the words that follow, which are startling for their depth.