Read Ephesians 3:1-21.

In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul reminds us of the heavenly blessings available to us and describes the conditions for grasping, understanding, and implementing the power of those spiritual blessings here and now. Sadly, many Christians have knowledge of these blessings, but fail to apply it to everyday life. We can read about these wonderful gifts in Scripture, but that’s like getting a note from the post office telling you there’s a package waiting for you—the next step is to go pick it up. In the same way, there are things we must do to take hold of God’s blessings and grow spiritually.

First, we must be daily empowered by the Spirit of God (see v. 16). When you came to Christ, your spirit was made alive—but your spirit and your flesh still war with each other. Feed your spirit on the Word of God. Then, you will grow spiritually, and when you grow spiritually, sin will be stunted. Ten years from now, you’ll look back on your life and see a tremendous difference.

Second, Christ must dwell in our hearts (see v. 17). You may be thinking, But I thought Christ came to live in me through the Holy Spirit the moment I first believed. Yes, that is true. However, being indwelt by Christ means that we give our lives over to Him more and more each day. We allow Him to shape us so that we become more like Him.

Third, we are to be mastered by love (see vv. 18-19). The more room you give Christ in your life, the more He will reveal to you His indescribable love. The more He exercises lordship over your decisions, finances, calendar, and relationships, the more He will display His love in and through you to others.

Finally, the apostle Paul says we are to be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (v. 19). Every time you give Jesus more space, more territory, more control in your life, the more His presence will fill you. He will fill your heart, your mind, your emotions—until His presence spills over onto the people around you.

Whatever areas of your life you have not given over to Jesus yet, bring them to Him today. Invite Him to take total control, that you might be indwelt by Christ, mastered by love, and filled to overflowing with the love and joy of God.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for neglecting Your precious gifts to me. I long to grow spiritually, rooted and built up in You for my good and for Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, . . .” (Ephesians 3:16).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Discover Your Treasure House, Part 4: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.