CHAPTER 3
[p. 135] CHAPTER 3
Chapter 3 is a parenthesis.
The prayer is for that which brings us ability to carry out our vocation. Elisha could say, All I want to do is to set forth Elijah, nothing of Elisha, and the power that took the man above was to carry on the man down here. In verse 9, Paul wanted it to be seen, and would like all to see it. The administration can be seen. It is by “the surpassing greatness of his power” - the mighty power coming in (chapter 1: 19).
Angels see it. It is the angels’ lesson-book. They see the administration now. Paul would like men to see it. The apostle in his prayer in chapter 1 is leading you up to association with Christ, that you may know the power that elevates you to that position. He makes me first acquainted with the power that puts me in that position, and I can thereby predicate the power (chapter 3) that will enable me to come forth in the power which I have learned for myself, into the administration of the mystery. In verse 17 the point is that Christ might dwell in the heart, domicile there, have a home in it. This is individual.
“In your hearts” is every believer’s heart. I am able (verse 18) to survey the position, and turn back to something I know, the love of Christ. Now, you know God’s power that lifted you out of everything here, and in that power you are enabled to face everything (chapter 6). The power that raised me up works in me. We find the principle in Joshua 3, “Hereby shall ye know that the living God is in your midst”. This is, I believe, the first time “living God” is mentioned. The seven nations represent man’s complete power. The prayer commences with power and glory, and ends with it. Christ gets His place in our hearts first, as the fruit of the power. The inner man (verse 16) is in contrast with the outer man. I am the same person as before. I shall know by the Spirit,
[p. 136] and not by natural memory, when I have my glorified body.
Are we looking for divine power to mortify the old man, that we may come out in the power of the new? There is a great difference between the discipline to help us and the discipline to correct us; the latter is generally before men. You have power now to face your vocation.