Teaching summary
In this heartfelt teaching, Pastor Leonard Rola explores Ephesians 3:16-19, emphasizing the importance of understanding and being rooted in God’s love. He contrasts religious mindsets of fear and condemnation with the truth of the Gospel of Grace, which reveals how deeply we are loved. The message centers on how experiencing this love activates the power of God already within us, leading us to walk in fullness. Pastor Lenny urges listeners to shift from striving to believing, from fear to love, and from knowledge to intimate revelation.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 3:16- "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man."
Ephesians 3:17- "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love."
Ephesians 3:18- "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;"
Ephesians 3:19- "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
Ephesians 1:3- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"
Ephesians 1:4- "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:"
1 John 4:17- "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
1 John 4:18- "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
1 John 4:10- "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
2 Corinthians 3:14-15 – "But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even today, the veil is upon their heart."
John 3:16- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Colossians 1:12- "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Study in Ephesians
- The Tragedy of a Legalistic Mindset
- God’s Eternal View of Us
- Verse 16: Strengthened in the Inner Man
- Verse 17: Christ Dwelling by Faith
- Verse 18: Comprehending the Dimensions of Love
- Verse 19: Filled with the Fullness of God
- Love vs. Fear
- The Veil of the Old Covenant
- Closing Encouragement
Introduction: A Study in Ephesians
Pastor Leonard begins the session by sharing that the study will focus on Ephesians 3:16-19, setting aside verses 20–21 for future teaching due to their depth. He expresses gratitude for the viewers' love, support, and financial gifts, emphasizing that giving should be Spirit-led, not pressured. He affirms his love and appreciation for everyone watching, both in-person and online.
The Tragedy of a Legalistic Mindset
Pastor Lenny reflects on a video reel he encountered on YouTube featuring ministers preaching about God's love—Steve Furtick, Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, and Andrew Wommack. Though these preachers shared a grace-centered message, another minister appeared in the reel condemning their message, emphasizing wrath, law, and judgment. Pastor Lenny grieves this response, lamenting that many in Christianity reject the Gospel of love and grace.
He candidly shares that from 1977 to 2012, he too believed in a God who was upset with him, never imagining that God could love him unconditionally.
God’s Eternal View of Us
Citing Ephesians 1:4 — "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:— Pastor Lenny reminds listeners that God saw us as holy and blameless from the beginning. This truth redefines how we see ourselves and God’s intentions for us.
He candidly shares that from 1977 to 2012, he too believed in a God who was upset with him, never imagining that God could love him unconditionally.
Verse 16: Strengthened in the Inner Man
Ephesians 3:16 says, "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;"Pastor Lenny critiques translations that imply we lack this strength and must be granted it. Instead, he teaches that strength already resides within us—waiting to be realized. He reads alternate translations (like The Passion and Mirror Bible), but emphasizes that unveiling this strength is our role through believing and receiving.
Verse 17: Christ Dwelling by Faith
Ephesians 3:17 says, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love." Pastor Lenny explains how the Spirit of God is the Spirit of Christ and that the love of God becomes our root and foundation. Alternate translations use the term “release,” highlighting that this is not something we’re waiting to receive, but something already inside us—released by our faith and understanding of love.
Verse 17: Christ Dwelling by Faith
Ephesians 3:18 says, "May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height." Pastor Lenny emphasizes that Paul is trying to get us to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ’s love. This isn’t merely theological—it’s experiential. He connects this verse to Ephesians 1:3 — "Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" and explains that love is the key to unlocking these blessings.
Verse 19: Filled with the Fullness of God
Ephesians 3:19 says, "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Pastor Lenny takes issue with translations that imply the fullness *might* come upon us. Instead, he believes it’s already present and flows out as we grow in awareness of God’s love. He reads from The Passion Translation and the Mirror Bible, which better reflect this inward-to-outward truth.
Love vs. Fear
Referencing 1 John 4:17-18 —
"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Pastor Lenny teaches that fear is the opposite of love—not faith. When we are rooted in love, fear disappears. When fear rules our lives, it brings torment. But love brings rest, healing, and provision.
The Veil of the Old Covenant
Quoting 2 Corinthians 3:14-15— "But their minds were blinded… when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart."
Pastor Lenny says many cannot see the new covenant of love and grace because they still read Scripture with a veil—through the lens of the Old Covenant and law. Only through Christ is that veil removed.
Closing Encouragement
Pastor Lenny brings the message full circle with John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…"
1 John 4:10 — "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
He reiterates that the more we know we’re loved, the more fully God’s image and likeness are revealed in us. He invites listeners to become intimately acquainted with love, emphasizing that fullness flows from within. The key to healing, provision, and power lies in resting in love—not fear.
Quoting 2 Corinthians 3:14-15— "But their minds were blinded… when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart."
We hope this article blessed you. Share this teaching with someone who needs to know how deeply they are loved. Stay rooted and grounded in love—and let the fullness of God flow from within you.