As limited and finite beings, we are helpless and in desperate need of God’s love. Like oxygen provides life to the blood, so also experiencing the love of God provides vitality to the soul. While we may know this to be true cognitively, practically we are easily deceived and try to find our fulfillment with worldly opportunity. Unfortunately, this pathway leads us into redefining Biblical love that is more about our performance than Christ’s finished work on the cross.

Paul’s prayer is an encouragement to us and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ—that our top priority is to strengthen our soul and experience the love of God. We must remind ourselves that our unlimited capacity to need is superseded by God’s unlimited capacity to provide. As we let Him take care of our internal needs, our external concerns will also be taken care of. Why?

Because God is able to do all we ask Him to do.
He is even able to do all that we dare not ask but merely imagine.
He can do more than this.
Far more.
Infinitely far more.

Suggestions for Studying Ephesians During the Series:

1. Read daily passages along with NLT or ESV study Bible.
2. Read the whole book in one sitting once a week for the remainder of the series.
3. Listen to the whole book in one sitting once a week for the remainder of the series.

Click here to read or listen to the book of Ephesians.

Scripture References

Ephesians 3:14-21
Psalm 34:8

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Worthy of It All | Grace Church Worship | Listen
Hallelujah, What a Savior | Austin Stone Worship | iTunes
Great Are You Lord | All Sons & Daughters | iTunes
This Is Our God | Hillsong Live | iTunes
The Greatness of Our God | Vertical Church Band | iTunes

-How can you be more intentional about praying for inner strength instead of praying for your circumstances to change?
-In what ways have you tried to earn God’s love—either by feeling self-entitled or feeling unworthy of being loved?
-What prevents you from seeing and/or admitting your need for God and His strength?
-In what ways are you giving your life away in order to experience the fullness of God’s love?
-How do you intentionally arrange your day so that you find joy and contentment in Him?

How You Know When You Are Internally Weak in Spirit

1. When circumstances are difficult, you do not handle it well. If you get sick or experience physical difficulties, you might get angry and wrestle with God—especially if it does not go away quickly. You may feel like God is against you or has abandoned you.
2. The pressure of expectations becomes too much for you, so you release it in unhealthy ways, either taking it out on those you love or finding another outlet or way to escape.
3. The evil one doesn’t have to work that hard when he tempts you. You give into temptation very easily.
4. You are afraid—afraid of the past, afraid of the future, or afraid of your comfort being taken away. Weakness is also shown through loneliness or feelings of insecurity.