>>>

Ephesians 3:20 - Nothing Is Too Big for God.

TRANSLATIONS AND PARAPHRASES

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) 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,

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20 (MSG) God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

Ephesians 3:20 (TLB) Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

CONTEXT

   The householder's dealing with the workers in his vineyard represents God's dealing with the human family. It is contrary to the customs that prevail among men. In worldly business, compensation is given according to the work accomplished. The laborer expects to be paid only that which he earns. But in the parable, Christ was illustrating the principles of His kingdom--a kingdom not of this world. He is not controlled by any human standard. The Lord says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8, 9.
   In the parable the first laborers agreed to work for a stipulated sum, and they received the amount specified, nothing more. Those later hired believed the master's promise, "Whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive." They showed their confidence in him by asking no question in regard to wages. They trusted to his justice and equity. They were rewarded, not according to the amount of their labor, but according to the generosity of his purpose.
   So God desires us to trust in Him who justifieth the ungodly. His reward is given not according to our merit but according to His own purpose, "which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ephesians 3:11. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5. And for those who trust in Him He will do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Ephesians 3:20.
   Not the amount of labor performed or its visible results but the spirit in which the work is done makes it of value with God. Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were thankful for an opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one who had accepted them; and when at the close of the day the householder paid them for a full day's work, they were greatly surprised. COL 397

INTRODUCTION

This doxology - a prayer of praise to God - ends part one of Ephesians. In the first section, Paul describes the timeless role of the church. In part two (Ephesians 4-6), he explains how church members should live in order to bring about the unity God wants. As in most of his books, Paul first lays a doctrinal foundation and then gives practical applications of the truths he has presented. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Immeasurably More
   I have no doubt that we shall soon receive an abundance of His grace, with which we can do all things, and, without which we can do nothing but sin. We cannot escape the dangers which abound in life without the actual and continual help of God. Let us pray to Him for it constantly. - Letter 9
   How good is your imagination? God's power is greater than that! Paul tells us that God can "do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." God has plans far above anything we can dream up and desires that we join Him in His plans. Too often though, we limit our expectations based on our own power or what we perceive will happen. We need to stop living in our own strength and instead rely wholly on His. God is not there to grant every wish we have but rather to provide us "an abundance of His grace" as we faithfully lean into His love, power, and guidance. Don't limit God's activity in your life to what you think is best. Be open to letting Him work fully even when you do not understand. [The Practice of the Presence of God: 40 Day Devotional by Brother Lawrence/Alan Vermilye]

COMMENTARY

   I am currently experiencing an amazing season of God's blessings. Prayers I've whispered for years are now being answered favorably. Dreams I've kept close to my heart are finally coming to fruition. The joy I imagined for my future is what I am feeling today. Some days I have literal "pinch me" moments as I think about all Jesus is doing in my life.
   But as blessed as I am, nothing has unfolded exactly as I asked or envisioned. In my imagined future, I was thinner, richer, funnier, and way more successful. I worked for fun, not to pay the bills. My children cleaned their rooms without being asked. My car never broke down. My husband and I never disagreed over what to eat for supper or how we would pay for the kids' college.
   Quite simply, I thought the perfect future was a life without trouble so I could praise Jesus and glorify Him in every blessing. Instead, the life I'm living is immeasurably more than the one I imagined. It's one in which I can praise Jesus in good times and bad. That's the real reason I am experiencing an amazing season of God's blessings. It's not that a few things are finally turning out well. It's that I've found joy in Jesus that gives me the "pinch me" life. Emily E. Ryan
   Faith Step: Think about how the future you imagined when you were younger is different from the life you're living now. How has Jesus made it better? [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

CLOSING PEARL

Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. DA330

GREAT PRAISE SONG ON THIS TOPIC

Goodness of God (Official Video) - CeCe Winans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sE5kEnitqE

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 3:20 - Nothing Is Too Big for God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211012-1006.html

Philippians 1:6 - Jesus Can Do It! - Will You Let Him?
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20241129-1601.html

Ephesians 3:20 - Is God Running Late?
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211030-0839.html

2 Peter 3:9 - What Is Taking The Lord So Long In Coming Back?
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210220-1049.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/