What Paul is aiming for in the Ephesian body of believers is a step above your average group of “ho hum” saints, mild mannered in their Christian existence, still donning their suits and ties and horn-rimmed glasses, when all along they should be sporting a cape while experiencing an unfettered powerful life on this earth.
This is what Paul prays for, a triad of attributes that should be present in seasoned believers: 1) knowledge of the hope of His calling, 2) possession of the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and 3) the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, all available with (and through) the working of the strength of His might. (Ephesians 1:18–19)
As parents we spend most of our waking hours getting our kids to live up to their God-given potential. This should by far exceed the ability to hit or throw a ball, but to, in the end, fulfill their destinies, whatever they might be. Paul had a clear view of what that should look like in the Ephesian church, and he prayed adamantly that his vision for them would be clearly manifested.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. (Ephesians 1:18)
Now the Ephesians were certainly not flagging in their faith or squandering valuable time. They led a stellar existence, drawing praise from the Apostle for their “faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints.” (Ephesians 1:15) Seeing their potential, the hope was that they’d receive from God “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” (Ephesians 1:17). As Paul was fond of saying, despite their obvious progress, he wanted the Ephesians to “excel still more.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1 and 4:10)
This speaks to whatever station we are in our Christian lives. There’s always more ground to gain, another vista over the horizon to witness, or another blessing waiting to be bestowed. The working of the strength of his might can be feebly described in our vernacular as turbocharged horsepower. We enjoy just a fraction of it in our lives because we lack the faith to use it. This same power was apparently used in fullest measure to raise Jesus from the dead and permanently install him on the throne:
These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:19–21)
Actually, describing such strength and power in our own words is an exercise in futility. Better to memorize these verses for utilization at the proper time, whenever we feel underpowered and hopelessly mismatched, which should be about all the time if we’re honest.
As for the church itself, imagine if Satan himself would understand the reality he faces and just give up. He should but he doesn’t. In truth, the church is untouchable if it actuates its innate power, which is resident “in His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:23)
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