Ephesians - Part 6

 

     This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 2ns August 2026, by Andrew. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here.  

A Prayer That Changes Us from the Inside Out

Lessons from Ephesians 3:14–21

When we think about prayer, our minds often go to asking God for help—healing, provision, guidance, or solutions to life's challenges. While these are good and necessary prayers, the Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into something even deeper in Ephesians 3:14–21.

His prayer isn't primarily about changing circumstances. It's about God transforming people.

A Prayer Rooted in the Gospel

Paul begins by saying,

"For this reason I kneel before the Father..."

What is "this reason"?

It's everything Paul has been building up throughout the first three chapters of Ephesians. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, those who were once far from God have been brought near. Jews and Gentiles have become one family. The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is now at work bringing people into God's family.

Our confidence in prayer doesn't come from using the right words or having a particular style of praying. It comes from knowing who our Father is—a loving Father who knows what's best, hears His children, corrects them wisely, and provides generously.

Paul's First Request: Strength for the Inner Person

Paul's first petition is surprising:

"I pray that... He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."

Why does Paul pray for power?

Not for influence.
Not for recognition.
Not even for miraculous abilities.

The purpose is much greater:

"...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."

The greatest display of God's power is not simply changing our external circumstances but transforming our hearts.

Strength That Doesn't Fade

Our physical bodies grow weaker with time. No matter how fit or healthy we are today, our bodies have limits.

But Paul reminds us that our inner being can continually grow stronger.

The Holy Spirit renews us day by day, producing a faith that matures regardless of age or circumstance.

Perhaps our prayers should increasingly sound like this:

"Lord, strengthen me inwardly so I remain faithful, whatever happens around me."

Rooted in a Love Beyond Understanding

Paul then moves to his second prayer:

"...that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."

This raises another question:

Why do we need God's power just to understand His love?

Because God's love is not merely an idea to study.

It is a reality to experience.

Knowledge alone cannot heal deep wounds. Only God's love revealed by the Holy Spirit can restore what years of pain have broken.

Many people carry invisible scars from rejection, loss, disappointment, or broken relationships. The Father's love reaches places that human words cannot.

His love doesn't simply inform us.

It transforms us.

Knowledge and Experience Go Together

Christian maturity isn't built on emotional experiences alone.

Neither is it built on knowledge alone.

Paul points us toward both.

We need to know God's Word.

We also need to encounter the God of the Word.

As we grow in both truth and relationship, we become spiritually mature—stable, loving, generous, united, and resilient believers who reflect Christ.

A Bigger View of God

Paul concludes with one of the Bible's most powerful declarations:

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

How often do we limit God with our expectations?

Sometimes unanswered prayers tempt us to believe that God isn't powerful enough—or perhaps not generous enough.

Paul reminds us that neither is true.

God's resources are limitless.

His wisdom is perfect.

His power has already been demonstrated through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The same power is still at work today.

Let Christ Make Himself at Home

One beautiful picture helps us understand Paul's prayer.

Imagine buying an old house that needs renovation. The walls need painting, the flooring needs replacing, and every room requires attention.

Before moving in, everything is slowly restored.

That's exactly what Christ does when He dwells in us.

He doesn't merely visit.

He takes up residence.

Room by room, He transforms our lives.

Over time, what once looked broken begins to resemble the character of Christ.

Spiritual growth is often gradual, but it is real.

The longer Christ dwells within us, the more our lives reflect Him.

A Prayer Worth Praying

Paul's prayer challenges us to pray differently.

Yes, we can continue bringing our needs before God.

But alongside those requests, may we also pray:

• Lord, strengthen my inner being.
• Let Christ dwell fully in my heart.
• Help me experience the immeasurable depth of Your love.
• Make me spiritually mature.
• Shape me to look more like Jesus.
• May my life bring glory to You.

Ultimately, Paul's prayer isn't centered on our comfort.

It's centered on God's glory.

And when God transforms us from the inside out, His glory shines through His people and His Church for generations to come.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Baby Dedication - A Commitment by the Parents

 

    This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 5th July 2026, by Colin. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here.  

Baby Dedication: More Than a Ceremony—A Parent's Commitment to Raise a Child for God

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him." — Psalm 127:3

A baby's dedication is one of the most joyful moments in the life of a Christian family. It is filled with smiles, photographs, and heartfelt prayers. But beyond the celebration lies a much deeper spiritual significance.

Recently, during the dedication of baby Zachariah, an important question was asked:

What exactly is baby dedication, and why do Christians practice it?

The answer takes us back to one unchanging foundation—the Word of God.

The Bible: Our Standard for Truth

How do we know Jesus was born in Bethlehem? How do we know His first miracle was turning water into wine? How do we know He was crucified between two criminals?

Not because we witnessed these events, but because God's Word records them.

Our beliefs should never be shaped by tradition, popular opinion, or human reasoning. They must always be measured against Scripture.

Even after His resurrection, Jesus did not simply reveal Himself immediately to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Instead, He explained the Scriptures, showing them that everything had happened according to God's Word.

The Bible remains the believer's ultimate authority.

Why Don't We Baptize Babies?

Many Christian traditions practice infant baptism, while others practice baby dedication. This naturally raises the question:

What does the Bible teach?

Scripture consistently presents a clear order:

1. Repent
2. Believe in Jesus Christ
3. Be baptized

Peter declared on the Day of Pentecost:

"Repent and be baptized..."

Likewise, Paul told the Philippian jailer:

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

Repentance and faith require a personal decision.

A baby cannot yet understand sin, repent, or place personal faith in Christ. Therefore, baptism—which publicly identifies a believer with Christ—belongs after someone personally trusts Him.

Understanding Original Sin

Every human being is born with what Scripture calls a sinful nature.

We are not sinners because we commit sins.

Rather,

We commit sins because we are born sinners.

Parents quickly discover this reality. Children do not need lessons in selfishness, disobedience, or lying. Those tendencies arise naturally because humanity inherited a sinful nature through Adam.

Only faith in Jesus Christ can deal with that deepest problem.

What Is Baby Dedication?

Baby dedication is not a command in Scripture.

Rather, it is a meaningful and biblical practice that allows believing parents to publicly acknowledge that:

• Their child is a gift from God.
• God has entrusted that child to their care.
• They desire to raise the child according to God's Word.
• They seek God's blessing and guidance as parents.

In many ways, dedication is similar to having a wedding reception or celebrating birthdays. These practices are not commanded in Scripture, yet they are good and meaningful expressions of joy and gratitude.

Biblical Examples of Dedication

Although Scripture does not command baby dedication, it provides meaningful examples.

Hannah and Samuel

Unable to have children, Hannah prayed earnestly for a son.

When God answered her prayer, she fulfilled her promise by presenting Samuel before the Lord, acknowledging that he ultimately belonged to God.

Her dedication reflected gratitude and surrender.

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus

After Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph presented Him at the temple according to Jewish custom.

This was not baptism.

Years later, Jesus Himself chose to be baptized at around thirty years of age.

This distinction reminds us that dedication and baptism serve completely different purposes.

What Happens During a Dedication?

The child is not making promises.

The parents are.

They publicly commit themselves before God and the church to:

• Raise their child according to Scripture.
• Teach God's Word faithfully.
• Pray consistently for their child.
• Provide a loving Christian home.
• Point their child toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The dedication is less about dedicating the child and more about dedicating the parents to God's calling.

The Biblical Responsibility of Parents

Parenting involves far more than providing food, education, or financial security.

God entrusts parents with the eternal responsibility of shaping a child's heart.

Scripture instructs parents to:

Teach God's Word Daily

Deuteronomy encourages parents to speak about God's commands:

• at home,
• while walking,
• when lying down,
• and when rising up.

Faith is meant to become part of everyday family life.

Lead by Example

Children learn far more from what parents do than from what they say.

A parent who teaches honesty while practicing dishonesty sends conflicting messages.

Authentic Christian living becomes one of the greatest lessons a child will ever receive.

Pray Constantly

Prayer should surround every stage of a child's life.

Parents can pray for:

• protection,
• wisdom,
• spiritual growth,
• friendships,
• education,
• future decisions,
• and ultimately, salvation.

Talk Naturally About Jesus

Faith should never be limited to Sundays.

Simple conversations about God's goodness, answered prayers, and daily dependence on Christ help children see Christianity as a living relationship rather than merely a religion.

Model Repentance

Christian parents are not perfect.

When they fail, admitting mistakes and asking forgiveness teaches humility, grace, and genuine repentance.

Children benefit enormously from seeing authentic faith lived out.

Raise Children Within Christian Community

God never intended families to walk alone.

The church plays an important role in encouraging, teaching, praying for, and supporting children as they grow in faith.

Parents, grandparents, relatives, and the wider church family all share the privilege of pointing children toward Christ.

The Goal of Every Christian Parent

The ultimate purpose of parenting is not simply to raise successful adults.

It is to raise children who know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.

Parents cannot make that decision for their children.

Each child must eventually repent, believe the gospel, and personally place their faith in Christ.

But parents can faithfully prepare the way by teaching God's truth, living godly lives, and praying without ceasing.

Final Thoughts

A baby dedication is not about securing a child's salvation.

It is about recognizing God's gift, thanking Him for that blessing, and committing to raise the child according to His Word.

While baptism belongs to those who personally believe in Christ, dedication reminds parents of their sacred calling.

May every Christian home become a place where children learn not only about God—but come to know Him personally.

Because the greatest inheritance any parent can leave is not wealth or success, but a life firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Ephesians - Part 3

    This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on 28th June 2026, by Lasya. For the audio , please click here.  For the worship, please click here.  

In the opening chapter of Ephesians, Paul celebrates the incredible blessings believers have received in Christ—we have been chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, all to the praise of God's glory. Having established these wonderful truths, Paul transitions into a heartfelt prayer.

Surprisingly, he isn't praying because the Ephesian believers are struggling. He is praying because they are thriving.

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." (Ephesians 1:16)

His prayer reveals God's deepest desire for every believer. More than success, comfort, or even effective ministry, God wants us to know Him.

1. A Prayer to Know God Better

Paul prays that God would give believers "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better" (Ephesians 1:17).

This is the heartbeat of the Christian life.

Jesus echoed the same desire in His prayer:

"I have made you known to them... that the love you have for me may be in them." (John 17:26)

Likewise, Paul wrote in Philippians,

"I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:8)

Christian maturity is not measured primarily by knowledge, achievements, or ministry accomplishments—it is measured by growing intimacy with Christ.

Wisdom and Revelation

Notice that Paul asks for both wisdom and revelation.

We can faithfully read the Scriptures, but true understanding comes as God opens our hearts. We can desire to obey Him, but we need His wisdom to know how.

Knowing God requires both diligent pursuit and divine illumination.

Peter encourages believers to "make every effort" to grow in faith and godliness (2 Peter 1:5–8), yet that effort must always be accompanied by dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Like any healthy friendship or marriage, intimacy grows through intentional time together. Our relationship with God is no different.

2. Eyes That See Beyond the Natural

Paul continues:

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened..." (Ephesians 1:18)

Imagine someone born blind suddenly receiving sight. No description of colour could compare with actually seeing a sunrise, a rainbow, or the face of a loved one.

Spiritually, many people live with closed eyes.

God's Word can seem ordinary until the Holy Spirit opens our hearts.

Paul says enlightened hearts allow us to see three incredible realities.

The Hope of God's Calling

Our world often struggles with hopelessness. Many pursue temporary freedom while feeling uncertain about the future.

Yet God's calling is rooted in hope.

Even in exile, God declared through Jeremiah:

"For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future."

Romans 8 reminds us that our present suffering cannot compare with the glory awaiting God's children.

Biblical hope is not wishful thinking—it is confident expectation based on God's promises.

God's Treasured Inheritance

Paul speaks of "the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people."

Remarkably, this is not describing our inheritance.

It is describing God's inheritance.

We are His treasured possession.

Like the merchant who sold everything to obtain the pearl of great price, God delights in His people.

When we begin seeing fellow believers through God's eyes instead of our own, criticism gives way to compassion, and love replaces judgment.

Perhaps this is why the Ephesian church was later warned about losing its first love. Love for Christ naturally overflows into love for His people.

God's Incomparable Power

Paul's third focus prepares us for what comes next—God's immeasurable power at work in every believer.

This is not ordinary strength.

It is resurrection power.

3. The Power Above Every Power

Paul reminds us that the same power that raised Christ from the dead now works in us.

Jesus is seated:

• Far above every ruler
• Every authority
• Every power
• Every dominion
• Every name that can ever be named

Nothing—whether earthly, spiritual, technological, or future—surpasses Christ's authority.

Then Paul makes an astonishing statement.

Everything is placed under Christ's feet.

The Church is His body.

This means the Church is not a powerless institution struggling to survive. It is the visible expression of Christ's reign on earth.

As Eugene Peterson paraphrases,

"The church is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church."

God intends His wisdom to be displayed through His people.

That should completely transform how we view the Church.

4. The Beautiful Path of Grace

At this point someone might object:

"That's true of Jesus—but what about me? I've failed too many times."

Paul answers by reminding us where every believer began.

Stage One: Dead in Sin

Before Christ, we were spiritually dead.

We followed the ways of the world and lived according to our own sinful desires.

Whether our sins looked rebellious or respectable, we were equally separated from God.

No one could rescue themselves.

Stage Two: But God...

Then come two of the most beautiful words in Scripture:

But God.

Because of His great love and rich mercy, God made us alive with Christ.

Not because we deserved it.

Not because we earned it.

Simply because He loved us.

The gospel does not merely make bad people good.

It makes dead people alive.

That is grace.

Stage Three: Raised With Christ

Grace doesn't stop at forgiveness.

God raises believers with Christ and seats them with Him in the heavenly realms.

Why?

So that throughout eternity His grace would be displayed through transformed lives.

We become living evidence of His kindness.

Salvation is entirely God's gift.

Our role is simply faith.

There is no room for boasting.

Stage Four: Created for Good Works

Finally, Paul writes:

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..."

Notice the order.

Grace comes first.

Good works follow.

We do not work to earn God's acceptance.

We work because we have already received it.

Our obedience becomes the natural expression of our new identity in Christ.

Living It Out

Paul's prayer invites us to ask some important questions:

• Am I praying that others would know God more deeply?
• Am I intentionally pursuing a closer relationship with Christ?
• Do I truly live with the hope of God's calling?
• Can I see God's people as His treasured inheritance?
• Do I believe Christ's power is greater than every challenge I face?
• Am I living as someone transformed by grace?

The Christian life is not simply about knowing more information.

It is about having our eyes opened to see who God is, who we are in Christ, and the incredible grace that has changed everything.

May our prayer echo Paul's:

"Lord, open the eyes of our hearts, that we may know You better."

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.