“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his 
Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.“

Ephesians 3:16-17a  

–

JULY 22, 2025

When you think of power, what comes to mind? Is it physical strength, political control, machines that perform heavy work, electricity? It may also be interesting to consider the source of power. In the above examples, power might originate from strenuous exercise, a national electorate, diesel engines and hydraulics, and fossil fuel-powered generators or hydroelectricity.  

But in the context of this passage, Paul envisions a wholly different concept of power. First, the source of this power is neither a person nor human ingenuity, but the glorious riches of God transmitted through His Spirit. This is an inexhaustible resource that supplies exactly what we need at precisely the right time.  

We believers exercise this power in our inner being, as Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. Paul understood clearly that Christ’s dwelling was something beyond human capability; thus he prayed for supernatural strength. When Christ dwells in our heart, He is Lord. This is His rightful place in our lives.  

We may claim that Christ is Lord, but we are constantly shifting allegiances. Our own agendas and selfish desires drive our lives far too often. We exercise the power of the Spirit when we hold our tongues from saying what is hurtful or when we render service incognito. The Spirit’s power returns good for evil, and provides patience in the face of provocation. It reminds us of how much we have been forgiven, thereby enabling us to forgive others. 

These are all transactions of the heart or our inner being. Paul is praying for change or transformation from the inside out. This is real transformation: when we give our will over to Christ, who is dwelling in our heart by faith. Even Jesus prayed in the same way when He asked, “Not My will, but Your will be done.”    

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • What examples could you cite regarding the strength of the power of the Spirit in your life?  
  • What is a battle that you fight between your will and the Spirit’s leading?            

Church Reading Plan: Judges 5; Acts 9