Sermon on Ephesians 3:20 | by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," — Ephesians 3:20

Explanation:

This verse highlights two key aspects: what we ask and what we imagine. The Lord invites us to ask, meaning there is no limit to what we can request. Not only does He promise to give what we ask, but this verse also assures us that He is capable of giving beyond our requests. It is not merely a matter of willingness—He has both the desire and the power to give abundantly.

If God has declared, “I delight in giving everything,” would He then withhold anything? If something is not granted, it is not due to a lack of power but rather a matter of divine will and purpose. Unlike humans, who may have the willingness but not the ability, God possesses both.

Additionally, this verse reassures us that even when we do not explicitly ask for something, but merely hold a desire in our hearts or imagine a need, God can still fulfil it. His provision extends beyond spoken prayers—He understands the unspoken longings of our hearts and answers even what remains in our thoughts. For a believer, this verse serves as a great source of assurance. It conveys that even without explicitly asking, praying, pleading, or requesting others to pray on their behalf, God knows the desires of their heart and fulfils them. A believer rejoices in knowing that before their thoughts even take the form of a prayer, before their requests are spoken, God has already begun to answer.

More than just fulfilling what is imagined, God gives beyond expectations. The words "above and beyond" should prompt believers to examine their own state, reflect on their struggles, and realize how much more they could trust in Him. Often, people do not know what or how much to ask for, and they assume that once they have asked for what they think they need, there is nothing more left to receive. However, God knows our needs better than we do. While humans may hesitate, wondering if they are asking for the wrong things, this verse removes all doubts.

A heartfelt prayer might be: “Lord, I have asked for what I remember needing, but if there is more that I should ask for, grant it to me—even if I fail to ask. I thank You for Your abundant grace and freedom.” It is good to keep this thought in every prayer. The book of Ephesians, often seen as a letter to the heavenly bride, reminds us of God’s eternal plan. From the very beginning, God chose us in Christ, and His voice declaring the fullness of all blessings still echoes through time.

This passage reminds us that God has already seated us with Him, a reality that is not a future promise but a completed act. Just as He has prepared and blessed us, He has also seated us with Him. Since this has already been established, our prayers should be grounded in this truth.

However, embracing such freedom in faith is not easy. To fully receive what God offers, we must let go of our weaknesses, recognize the intimacy He provides through His word, and boldly ask. Notably, the plural form used in the verse emphasizes that this promise is not for individuals alone but for the church as a whole. When the church unites in prayer, God does not withhold His blessings. In heaven, God desires the collective body of believers, not just individuals.

Yet, true unity in prayer remains rare. Why? Because the global church is still divided—different missions, denominations, and faith communities have not yet fully come together in one spirit. A closer examination reveals the reasons: a lack of unity, differences in scriptural understanding, and variations in faith. The Bible teaches that just as Christ loves the church completely, the church must also love Christ completely, but this is yet to be fully realized.

While many Christian groups strive for unity, it has not yet been fully achieved. As a result, the church as a whole has not been able to lift its hands in complete agreement to seek God together. Until true unity is reached, this remains an ongoing challenge.

The phrase "Glory to God" signifies giving honour and praise to Him. This phrase appears in Christmas hymns and angelic proclamations, affirming that Christ, who existed in heaven, came to earth to redeem humanity. Every action of the church must be cantered on Christ, for without Him, the church can do nothing.

The term "through Christ" emphasizes that all accomplishments of the church stem from the work Christ has already done. This statement holds true only when the church and Christ remain united. When the church strays from Christ or becomes divided, God's glory is diminished. There are two forms of separation: a church dividing within itself and a church separating from Christ—both hinder the manifestation of God’s glory.

The words "for generations" and "forever" are also significant. "For generations" refers to the period while humanity exists on earth, while "forever" extends beyond earthly life into eternity. The redeemed will not only glorify God on earth but also praise Him eternally in heaven.

The phrase "according to His power at work within us" highlights that God’s power operates within believers, but only to the extent that they allow Him to work. The word "abundantly" reveals that God blesses beyond what we ask or imagine, supplying not just adequately but overflowing without lack.