A Doxology of Praise Ephesians 3:20-21 Doxology •By definition—A hymn of praise to God • “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace goodwill towards men.” (Luke 2:14, NIV) • “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.” (Other notable doxologies: 1 Tim 1:17; Rom 11:36) “A Doxology of Praise” Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (ESV) “A Doxology of Praise” A Pyramid of Praise Now to him Who is able to do Far more abundantly Than all that we ask or think, According to the power at work within us, To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus Throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. “A Doxology of Praise” God Is Able to Do All We Ask “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask” (3:20) Lucy “A Doxology of Praise” Psalm 8:3-4 “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?” (ESV) “A Doxology of Praise” Do Far More Abundantly •Do (poieō)—“To make, cause, bring about, accomplish, or create.” •Far More Abundantly (hyperekperissou, 1x)— quite beyond all measure, infinitely more than thought possible. “A Doxology of Praise” God Is Able •God is “neither idle, nor inactive, nor dead, but a God who is able to do all that we ask of him.” —John R.W. Stott “A Doxology of Praise” A Word Play •Dynameno, “to him who is able” •Dynamis, “according to his great power” “A Doxology of Praise” What a Friend We Have in Jesus •“Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.” —Joseph Scriven “A Doxology of Praise” James 4:2-3 “You desire and do not have …You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (ESV) “A Doxology of Praise” 1 John 3:21-22 “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” (ESV) “A Doxology of Praise” Verses of Promise •If we are praying with a clear conscience, and, •If we are doing what God’s word commands, and •If we are seeking to please God in every possible way, then •We can know that God can and will respond to our prayers. “A Doxology of Praise” God Is Able to Do What We Are Unable to Ask “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask” (3:20) Bible Characters •Jeremiah lamented his condition before God • David cried out to God who seemed silent •Isaiah listened intently for even a small faint voice from God •The 1st century official said, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief” “A Doxology of Praise” A Key to Prayer •A key to prayer is simply our willingness to take matters before him expectantly and trust him completely. We may not know what to pray for—but God does. We may not know how to pray—but God meets us there. If we simply approach him and let him know our circumstances, he is able to do what we are unable even to ask. He may even do what we dare not ask. “A Doxology of Praise” Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (ESV) “A Doxology of Praise” Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (ESV) “A Doxology of Praise” T.K. Abbott •“Neither the narrowness of our knowledge nor the feebleness of our prayer will limit the richness of his gifts.” “A Doxology of Praise” God Is Able to Do More Than We Even Imagine “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (3:20) Far More Abundantly (hyperekperissou) •“Exceedingly more, infinitely more, far more abundantly, exceeding abundantly beyond.” • Used 1x, only by Paul. “A Doxology of Praise” Think (noeō) •Perceive, gain insight into, understand, imagine. “A Doxology of Praise” Ephesians 3:20-21 “… according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (ESV) “A Doxology of Praise” You think he can’t use you! •He used a murderer •He used a prostitute •He used a tax collector •He used a man who persecuted the church •He used old men •He used a young teenage girl •He used a demon-possessed man •He even used those involved in politics “A Doxology of Praise” God Has Chosen to Work Through Us •God will rarely do for us what he can do through us. •God has all the power needed to carry out his plan. •It appears that the only thing lacking is the confidence and willingness of his people— the church. “A Doxology of Praise” He is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think! Will we serve an infinite and eternal God and allow Him to direct our paths?.