Ephesians 3:20 is an incredible verse that describes the power and ability of God. It says “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This verse teaches us that God’s power working in and through us is beyond anything we could ever think up or request on our own.
To fully understand this verse, we first need to look at the context. Ephesians 3 opens with a prayer from Paul on behalf of the Ephesians. He prays that they would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and comprehend the incredible love of Christ. Paul goes on to say that this love surpasses knowledge. He wants the Ephesians to be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19).
It’s after this prayer that Paul then declares the immense power of God to do far more than we could ever imagine. The original Greek word translated “more” is huperballo. It means to throw beyond, overshoot, or excel. It paints the picture of God’s ability exceeding all expectations, plans, thoughts or requests.
There are several key truths we can take from Ephesians 3:20 about God’s incomparable power:
1. God’s Power Has No Limits
Human beings operate within certain limitations. There are things we would love to do but simply cannot accomplish. Our imaginations and desires have boundaries. But God’s power has no boundaries. There is nothing limiting Him. He has no weakness or inadequacy. He is able to act beyond any human capacities.
Isaiah 40:28 tells us, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” God does not get tired. He has unlimited strength and wisdom.
2. God’s Power Can Accomplish the Seemingly Impossible
God is able to bring about miracles that defy all human logic. He can make a way when there seems to be no way. Just as He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21-22), God can still perform the utterly impossible today according to His divine purposes.
Luke 1:37 emphasizes this truth, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” He can override nature, change circumstances in an instant, even raise the dead if He so desires. No situation is beyond His ability to change, control or conquer.
3. God’s Power Works IN and THROUGH Us
A key aspect of Ephesians 3:20 is that God’s immeasurable power is “at work within us.” As believers, we have access to the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead. That power lives in us through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19-20).
God’s power working in and through us allows us to do things that would normally be impossible – like boldly sharing the gospel, loving difficult people, and being joyful in suffering. Human effort alone cannot manufacture these things. As we yield to the Spirit working within us, He empowers us to do the miraculous.
4. God’s Power Accomplishes His Plans, Not Ours
A major mistake Christians make is thinking they can manipulate God’s power to accomplish their own desires and plans. But Ephesians 3:20 says God works according to the power “that is at work within us.” In other words – His power conforms to His purposes, not our own.
We cannot attempt to twist God’s arm and demand He do something outside His will. But as we walk closely with Him, trusting His desires, He will empower us to accomplish incredible things that align with His supreme plans.
5. God’s Power Fuels Transformation, Not Temporal Success
One of the most common misconceptions is believing God’s immeasurable power is promised to help us achieve worldly success like fame, comfort or prosperity. But Ephesians 3:20 is within the context of being strengthened in our inner being and comprehending Christ’s love.
The primary purpose of God’s power is inner transformation, not temporal success. As Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” As our inner being is renewed, then we are able to discern and act according to God’s good and pleasing will.
6. God’s Power Requires Faith
In Matthew 13:58, Jesus did not do many miracles in His hometown of Nazareth because of their unbelief. He was hamstrung by their lack of faith in who He was. The townspeople did not access the power of Christ because of their doubt.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus would often say things like “your faith has healed you” after performing a miracle. The release of God’s power requires faith. Unbelief, skepticism and cynicism hinder God’s ability to work in miraculous ways. If we want to experience Ephesians 3:20, we must set aside all doubts and believe God can do the impossible.
7. God’s Power Aligns With His Calling
God’s power flows through each of us differently based on His unique assignment and calling for our lives. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). We should not expect God’s power to look the same in everyone else as it does for us.
A pastor, for example, needs God’s power to preach truth, love people and lead the church. A teacher needs His power to explain concepts clearly, answer questions, and model integrity. No gift is better than another. God’s immeasurable power works to propel us into whatever purpose He has called us towards.
8. God’s Power Produces Praise, Not Pride
Pride was the original sin that led to Lucifer becoming Satan. It easily pervades human hearts as well. But displaying God’s power should produce praise, not pride. We must remember that His infinite strength working through us has nothing to do with our own worth or ability.
John the Baptist displayed the proper attitude when told that Jesus was attracting more followers than him. He said, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven” (John 3:27). Any accomplishments achieved through God’s power should point back to Him, not ourselves.
9. God’s Power Does Not Exempt Us From Difficulties
Believers who expect to be exempt from problems, pain and trials have an unrealistic perspective of God’s power. His ability does not preclude challenges in life. In fact, Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s power is often “made perfect in weakness.” It works most profoundly during difficult times.
We should not judge God’s power based on our personal comfort. Even when we cannot understand all of life’s perplexities and suffering, we can still trust in the reality of His immeasurable strength operating on our behalf behind the scenes.
10. God’s Power Will Defeat All Evil At The End of the Age
The book of Revelation describes a great cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil. No person or entity can thwart God’s plans forever. His power ensures all wickedness will ultimately be overthrown.
1 Corinthians 15:24-25 says Jesus “will come to have first place over everything. For he must rule until he puts all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be done away with is death.” God’s power through Christ will gain final victory for eternity.
Although evil still reigns for a season, Ephesians 3:20 guarantees we serve the all-powerful King who will definitively annihilate all spiritual darkness. The war has already been won even though some skirmishes remain. We can cling to the certainty that His power will prevail.
Conclusion
Trying to comprehend everything God can accomplish is like attempting to empty an ocean into a teacup. No matter how much we learn about His power, far more remains a mystery. But based on Ephesians 3:20, we know that God’s strength can achieve infinitely more than any human mind could conceive or request.
Rather than demanding God do something specific or doubting His capabilities in impossible circumstances, our role is to trust, obey and walk in close relationship with Him. His power flows through those surrendered to His will. As we align our hearts with His, we become conduits of the supernatural strength only He possesses.
May Ephesians 3:20 increase our awe, faith and intimacy with the all-powerful God who transcends anything our minds can understand. He is able to not only meet our needs but work in us and through us to accomplish the unimaginable. What an incredible, humbling truth about our great God and King!
