Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. There are some passages in God's Word which are sermons in themselves. And if this part of the apostle's prayer can be made to apply in our thoughts, in our hearts, not only during this hour of worship, but through our coming lives, the text alone will be a most blessed inspiration. I. I remark, in the first place, that whatever is meant by this, "That ye may be filled with all the fulness of God," it is a something which was within the possibilities of all the members of the Church. He prayed for what was possible; he would ask for nothing impossible, specially when guided by the Holy Spirit. II. In the second place, there is no intimation that whatever this is, it was to be limited in its attainment to the period of death or any future period. The apostle prayed the Church might enjoy it then, and he follows this prayer with some directions with regard to their conduct and their duty, showing that he expected the attainment of these blessings, so that the Church might direct and employ them for the benefit of others. 1. The exercise of faith. "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." 2. Now notice that the whole quality from this on his love. Christ dwells in our hearts and imprints His nature. "God is love." Christ is love, and dwelling in our hearts makes us love God. I love the brave fireman who puts up the ladder and comes down with my child. I can't help taking that man to my arms. He saved my boy. Shall I not love God — Jesus — who died for all my children to save them from eternal ruin and rescued them from that perdition to which they were going? I want no other proof of the depravity of the human heart than the fact that men do not love God. I had a friend who preached once on the love of God and its unfathomable nature. He used this figure. Brought a sounding line and reached away down and said, "So many fathoms." Another expression, "So many fathoms," and then cried out, "More line!" "More line!" He had not line enough to measure the depth of the love of God. I am not able to describe it all, but, thank God, you and I have all eternity to try our line. (M. Simpson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. |
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