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Measuring the Immeasurable

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Adapted from Spurgeon’s sermon notes:

“…that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 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.”
(Ephesians 3:16-19)

The ability to comprehend and measure described in our text was the subject of the apostle’s prayer, and therefore we may be quite sure that it is a most desirable attainment.

Observe how he prays, and how wisely he arranged his petitions.

He would have us measure the immeasurable, but he would first have us made fit to do so.

We shall make our chief point the fourfold measurement, but we shall note that which comes before, and that which follows after.

1. Requirements before the measurement.

In order to comprehend the astounding and limitless breadth and height of God’s love for us in Christ, we must first be “strengthened with power through his Spirit.” The power and ability required is spiritual, holy, heavenly, divine, and actually imparted by God the Holy Ghost.

It is also required that Christ dwell in our hearts. Makes sense, right? If we want to understand the depths of Christ’s love, Christ must first dwell in us “in (our) hearts through faith.” Christ must be ever near, that we may learn to measure Him. Communion with the Godhead is the basis of this knowledge, and such communion is only possible by abiding in Christ.

2. The measurement itself.

The breadth. The breadth of God’s love for His people is immense in it’s comprehending, covering, and compassing. The breadth of God’s love is comprehending all nations – we are to “proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). It is covering the host of our iniquities (Psalm 51), and it compasses all needs and every care. Imagine sailing across the breadth of the river of God’s love and surveying its broad surface.

The length. The length of God’s love for His people is eternal. Have you ever wondered why it is that God should love us at all? His fountain is eternal and ever-flowing (John 4:14). His love continues everlasting in faithfulness (Philippians 1:6).

The depth. The depth of God’s love for His people is incomprehensible. Consider the scandal of God’s incarnation. The glory of God in Jesus Christ stooped in divine love, condescending to walk with us and commune with us. Jesus received the church in love, bore our faults and iniquities, and to take us up with Him from our low estate (Philippians 2 & Ephesians 2). Even moreso, consider the depth of our weakness, sinfulness, and despair; then consider Christ’s glory, holiness, greatness, and Deity. Incomprehensible!

The height. The height of God’s love for His people is infinite. In Ephesians 1:19-23 we see that the present and future glory of Christ is without bounds. All things are under the dominion of His power. And from His throne on high, He chooses to show consideration for us and even love us.

3. The practical result of this measurement.

Paul prays for God’s people to get this so that we “may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Here are a few words full of incredible mystery, worthy to be pondered.

Be filled. What an amazing thing for us creatures to hold!
Filled with God. What glorious exaltation and privilege!
Filled with the fullness of God. God is supremely sufficient to fill us and satisfy us.
Filled with all the fullness of God. Amazing.

What a wonderful display of God from our almighty God.

This love and this fullness will also lead to the imitation of Christ’s love. May our love to Him be broad, long, deep, high.

 

Comments

  1. Hello, I have a question about FORGIVENESS. If in a relationshio for several years, and your mate has abused you mentally,emotionally and has pretty much broken your spirit, being both belivers but sinners in the same breath HOW MANY TIMES DO WE FORGIVE, BEFORE MOVING ON?? i KNOW HE LOVES ME BUT this behavior has landed him in jail. HOW many times exactly do we forgive and attempt to be Godlike in putting it behind and going forward or just move on? Thank you for your time Have a Very Merry CHRISTMAS to All! And God Bless~

    • I, as a sister in Christ, yet still a stranger, would never answer that for you. What does the Lord tell you? That question is too hard, too personal. It is easy for us who have loving unsaved husbands to quote scripture to you. But if you are being abused, that takes on a whole new character. Please see a loving and understanding counselor who will guide you appropriately. There are women’s shelters that offer confidential counseling. Please dont stay where you could be killed. Love, Debi C.

      • Debi C,

        I know you would open a door for her!

        Yes, I am worried also for her well-being.

        I hope she seeks an abused women’s group.

        Just to say get a grip on yourself further damage. I find this most distressing should someone treat Angela in such a manner.

        Yes pray absolutely first. But action is required NOW.

        ======

        Angela,

        Know that there are telephone hotlines locally and nationally that may refer you to IMMEDIATE sources.

        Debi, Bob, and I hear your cries!

        Please let us know that you have taken a first step. You need not elaborate.

        We will be praying for you.!

        You are not alone sister I assure you!

        Pat. G.

        Praying: Father, please help Angela take her first step. Show her a path to loving help in her area. I know you will send her an angel.

        In Jesus’s name. Amen!

    • Angela,

      Please come back at Bob and I. You need not answer these questions on-line.

      Just let us knowo you have read them please.

      Bob – * My dear sister if you will take the time to speak with your Pastor or someone who is spiritual and that you can trust then you will get through this trial. Remember to take your stand on the Word of God and fight against these wicked forces of evil in the name of Jesus as you pray. *

      Pat-

      Do you have a Pastor? Does he counsel?

      Could he recommend someone to you who does?

      Christian counseling to help mend your body, emotions and spirit?

      Do you have a good TRUE Christian friend who will physically open their door to you?

      Any family who may help you?

      Do you know someone who practices these attributes?

      Matt 25:31-46
      John 13:34-35
      Matt 7:12
      Luke 17:10

      Please reach out to people in your area. You need their help to get you to safe grounds.

      There are secular government agencies that may lend you financial support if you need it.

      Do you have a support group for battered and abused women you can join?

      Have you gone to the Salvation Army for help?

      Have you gone to a YM(W)CA.

      I know our local Y has scholarships where you may be a member at no cost.

      Explain your needs to these organizations.

      They will point you to help.

      I have been abused as a younger woman. Please reach out!

      Please let us know how you are doing.
      I hope these suggestions help you now!

      In Christian love,

      Pat G.

      Praying: Father please send Angela her help she needs right now. Guide her steps.
      In Jesus Christ’s Holy Name.
      Amen

    • Father in Heaven, may all the Glory go to you. Please guide me.

      Angela,

      If you are not legally married and do not feel safe, LEAVE. Continue to Pray, and try really hard to hear God’s response it will be a very quiet voice almost drowned out by the louder non stop negative chatter in your head. The loud chatter puts you down, and repeats many negative things to make you feel: angry, self pity, overwhelmed, hopeless, dispair. To fight this, praise God out loud and thank him for any blessing he has given you. This praise will interup the negative chatter. maybe enough for you to hear God’s answer more clearly.

      • Angel, it takes continued practice to interrup the negative chatter implanted in your thoughts by the enemy.

        Next, do not allow FEAR to bind you up mentally and stop you from physically doing something. Do something that moves you in the direction that you believe God wants you to move. If that means you should leave, make that call or do one or several of the things suggested below by someone else. True faith is asking God then acting/doing somethiing that shows you believe He will answer your request. Faith in God is an action word, a verb. Do something! Ask God for wisdom and good judgement as you do something.

        I pray God blesses you and your mate. May God protect you and give you courage to do His will. Amen

    • Angela,

      One more thing. You can truely forgive you mate and leave. Forgiving your mate does not mean you have to stay. Forgiving frees you spiritually.

      If you are married then its easier to understand your reluctance to leave. I am not telling you to leave if you are married, because marriage is different than “being in a relationship”. God honors marriage.

      If married, like someone said below, pray and seek counseling by someone that is qualified and accepts Jesus as their savior.

  2. * Be filled. What an amazing thing for us creatures to hold!
    Filled with God. What glorious exaltation and privilege!
    Filled with the fullness of God. God is supremely sufficient to fill us and satisfy us.
    Filled with all the fullness of God. Amazing. *

    Amazing!
    God’s breath!

    Thank you Father!

    Thank you for always being with me, in me.

    • Jesus abides in me. A love so very great.
      Thank you for your mercy and grace.

      Words cannot express how very much I appreciate your love.

      You are in me, even me.

      Praying: Lead me. Lead me!
      Order my steps.

      Thank you Jesus!

      Amen

  3. Mat 18:22-23 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

    1Pe 2:18-24 Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

    This is not popular teaching, but it is the Bible and the Bible is truth. These verses have allowed me to love my unsaved husband for the last 13 years and have given me peace in dark times. Remember, we are not working for our husbands, but for the LORD, every time you love as Jesus loved, God is pleased with you. There is an excitement that comes when someone is so cruel and you are able to love them with Christ’s love. When you are unable to look to sinful man to be your encouragement look to God, because mentally and emotionally he will lift you up and mend your broken spirit.

  5. Sister Angela,
    Peter asked the same question you have asked in the book of Matthew (Mat 18:21-22) Then Peter came to him (Jesus) and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
    “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! (NLT)
    Jesus was teaching us that we need to be longsuffering and patient with our brothers and sisters in the Lord even when they sin against us.
    For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)
    If your husband is physically harming you then you should not stay in the relationship where you will continue to be physically injured.
    Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church and gave himself for it. Wives are to submit to their own husbands as the church submits to Christ.
    Demons tempt husbands and wives, children and parents, brothers and sister s to say hurtful things to one another. They don’t just put thoughts in our minds but they also put false or lying emotions along with these thoughts.
    The Word of God exhorts us to not be ignorant of the devils devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Husbands need to feel supported by their wives and wives need to feel loved by their husbands. When fighting begins between them know this, there are demons that are tempting each of them to hurt one another because they want to destroy what our God has set up in this world and that is to Love one another.
    If someone does not want to be forgiven by God of their sins then God does not forgive them allows them to go to hell. Likewise if someone does not want us to forgive them then we do not need to forgive them. Now I want to qualify this statement, we should ALWAYS be willing to forgive them, seventy time seven times in one day if necessary.
    The Lord’s Prayer is very clear on this when it clearly states, Father forgive us our sins (debts) as we forgive those who have sinned against us” this though shows that we are willing to forgive because we want to be forgiven.
    If someone is unrepentant and their actions continue to show that they are not sorry for hurting and injuring someone then a person has to break their ties with them until they become willing to repent and ask for forgiveness. Then we are right there ready to forgive.
    Even while they are unrepentant we should be praying for them to become repentant. We need to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21) and pray for those who despitefully use us (Matthew 5:44).
    When praying for them we begin to get God’s love (Agape) for them and when it comes time to forgive them because they are sorry then we will have an easier time of forgiving them.
    The devil or demons will fight against us with lying emotions and will bring back memories of what someone did to us but we need to say and pray, “you spirit/demon of unforgiveness I command you to leave me in the name of Jesus”. This is how we learn to overcome through the Spirit of God and use the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
    My dear sister if you will take the time to speak with your Pastor or someone who is spiritual and that you can trust then you will get through this trial. Remember to take your stand on the Word of God and fight against these wicked forces of evil in the name of Jesus as you pray.
    Much Agape,
    Brother Abob

    • Thank you Brother Bob!

      I am so very glad a loving answer was given by you to our sweet Angela.

      Our neighbor across the street had a similar situation.

      God delivered her.

      She is a very Godly women. She brought me to Jesus.
      I am here for her now too.

      There are Christian counselors you can go to help guide you. They will lead you to resources to help you with your physical and emotional needs.

  6. Pray Angela.
    Pray the Lord’s Prayer.

    Only God can answer our prayers.

    We cannot judge.

    We should not judge.

    Ask God the Father in the Name of the Son.

    He will help you.
    He is with you always.
    Our ever present HOPE in time of NEED.

    I am praying for you Angela!
    Prayer multiplication so very important!

    God bless you!

    Pat G.

    Song helps in times of trouble.

    http://www.gospelsonglyrics.org/songs/the_lord_bless_you_and_keep_you.html

    GospelSongLyrics.org: The Lord Bless You And Keep You lyrics

    Click to listen to the music of The Lord Bless You And Keep You and sing along!

    The Lord bless you and keep you
    The Lord lift His countenance upon you
    And give you peace, and give you peace;
    The Lord make His face to shine upon you
    And be gracious, and be gracious;
    The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you.

    About the Gospel Song The Lord Bless You And Keep You

    The lyrics and music to “The Lord Bless You And Keep You” is by Peter C. Lutkin and is based on Bible verses Numbers 6:22-27.

    • Please all open your doors to Angela in her time of need.

      My friend opened her door to me even in the middle of the night.

      True friends open doors.

      • Bob!

        Was waiting for a Brother Bob type.
        A door opener.
        After yesterday’s debackle (mine) I dare not tread into unknown territory. (sigh)
        It started all by admiring the stars.
        And trying to picture that Special Star of David.

        Any time people please wade in. I am a perfect mess.

        Thank you Bob! Agape!

        Matt 25:31-46
        John 13:34-35
        Matt 77:12
        Luke 17:10

        Do all go consider David’s AMAZING Course!
        Working through it right now.
        So much to learn from a skilled Godly man!
        Wow!
        Sure would have saved many baby steps. (sigh)
        So many steps ahead to go.

        Blueletter Bible Institute

        http://www.blbi.org/course/catalog.cfm

        Course Description
        Christology, by Dr. David Hocking

        • Typo boo boo correction (mine, inadequate) and much clearer descriptions (Christology Course)

          Typo fixed: Matt 7:12

          Whew!

          David’s lecture talks about worshipping God not His creations. Stumbled and stammered but was on the right track. He makes it more clear.

          Exciting he is taking us through the Old Testament comparing John to Genesis. Jesus has always been. He does a great job telling us terms of God’s names too. Jesus is of course God! He is alll over the OT. Another messy thing I was attempting to explain.

          Also look for his Polycarp and St. John references. I’ve mentioned Polycarp of Smyrna many times. David does an excellent job clarifying these two men for us.

          OK hoping at some point to get the 3rd Heaven part from here. Still walking, walking.

          Hope more of the “true light = Jesus – life” verses “false light = death – darkness the instead of – disguised as light”

          Blueletter Bible Institute

          http://www.blbi.org/course/catalog.cfm

          Course Description
          Christology, by Dr. David Hocking

          Join David!

          Praying: Lord please bless this mess. Only you are able. You are everything! Our all in all. All praise and glory to you Lord!

  8. I just glanced at “Measuring The Immeasurable.” Even though I have not really read it fully, a statement caught my attention. It was – imagine sailing across the breadth of the river of God’s love and surveying it’s broad surface. The reason it grabbed my attention was this. I had a dream many years ago where I saw myself in a small rowboat, on a vast rough sea. For along time I thought the rough sea represented life itself. But perhaps now after reading some of this, maybe I was on the sea or the river of God’s love for me. There are many more details to this dream that I will not share at this time. Perhaps another time, but for now this is what I will share. Thank God for this blog.