That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (Ephesians 3.16)
This verse speaks profoundly after 2000 years to all those who would follow Christ. Looking at one verse has its limitations, for we should be careful in isolating a single verse. It can be done as long as the context is understood and therefore the application remains biblical. This particular verse has manifested itself as God’s special gift to me in more ways than I could possibly articulate here.
Paul’s single statement to the believers in Ephesus has become my prayer for those who chose to bridge the divide between being a believer and becoming a disciple. Their struggle is real and their provisions are equally as real. When a believer decides to accept the challenge of our Lord to move beyond their blessed assurance and into personal ministry they find themselves in shark-infested waters spiritually. The call from our Lord is profound and blunt. It can be found in numerous places but one particularly enlightening one is Luke 14.33- “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” What a different mode than we see practiced today! How many believer do you know that are willing to walk off (forsake) all they have to follow Jesus? He doesn’t even mention the intention of being willing in fact He makes it clear they are to actively do it prior to following. That in itself seems beyond the norm of todays so-called christianity. How could you survive? What would you do? Talking about a challenge to be radical! Could we really trust that the Lord would sustain us? Would He provide? Paul’s statement in verse 16 is an answer to those questions.
Jesus made it clear: until your willing and actively doing this, do not even attempt to follow me. Wow! I imagine you are thinking as I have, how could I ever do this? Fortunately Jesus has provided us with special provisions.
The provisions are as follows:
1. His Bank Account.
Notice the phrase “according to the riches of his glory.” What He will grant (provide) you is according to His riches (bank account) of His glory. Has this calling caused some worry about how you will get by when you completely sell out to this life and its riches? Easy, He will provide according to His riches! Personally, I can only provide or help someone according to what I have. So ask yourself the obvious question, What does God have? How are you in your belief of His infinite nature? No one will continue in their walk as a disciple without dependence on God and the infinite riches of His glory. His “riches” far exceed our imagination and equally exceed the subject of money. He can provide for you “according” to based upon what He has. Is there any questioning of the Lord’s provisions?
2. His Personal Representative.
He wants to strengthen disciples with might. A might that cannot be seen by exercising, at least in the physical sense. It is an exercise in relationship. When you were saved you were indwelled with the Holy Spirit. His strengthening of you is done so “by His Spirit.” We have the tendency to fret, worry, talk, think, and even try praying things into or out-of existence. When the provision God gave is His own Spirit, in you! He wants to increase your might and strengthen you by way of His Spirit. We need to talk to Him, then listen to Him. I cannot think of a greater gift than the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is my comforter, my guide, my peace giver, my joy-giver and sustainer. Provision? God has given me His personal representative, Himself, in the person of the Holy Spirit.
So when a believer decides to stop living the present nominal christian life and accept the challenge of Jesus to be His disciple; they will need this verse. I pray this for those who start the journey. They will be tempted many times a day to depend on what they have known more easily than those things they are learning. It is a series of life choices made multiple times a day. It is also takes place in secret, for it is done on the inside (inner man). The decision to follow Christ means you decide on the inside to depend on His Spirit and His provisions instead of yourself, this world, and what you have known. This Faith-walk is impossible without His strengthening provisions.
Do you know someone who is considering this step? Maybe you? Experience has shown that the internal battle will completely wipe you out before you ever start. The excitement of the moment and the emotion of obeying will quickly dissipate when the press of the devil comes upon you. Begin immediately memorizing this verse and depending on the infinite provisions of the Lord. He is sufficient in all things, even this calling.