THE LOVE THAT PASSES KNOWLEDGE

THE LOVE THAT PASSES KNOWLEDGE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 3:14-21

Key Verse: “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19, KJV).

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 3:16-21; Romans 5:6-8; Romans 8:35-39; John 3:16; John 15:13; 1 John 4:9-10; Philippians 3:10; 1 John 4:16.

Description: This message reveals the immeasurable love of Christ, which surpasses human understanding, transforms believers from within, and leads them towards the fullness of God's purpose.

INTRODUCTION

The love of Christ is one of the greatest mysteries and privileges of the Christian faith. It is a love that can be experienced but never completely exhausted by human understanding. We can study it in Scripture, testify of its power, experience its comfort, and demonstrate its reality, yet there will always be more to discover about the greatness of Christ's love. Human knowledge has limitations, but the love of Christ is immeasurable in its richness, depth, and eternal significance.

In Ephesians 3:14-21, the Apostle Paul offers a profound prayer for the believers at Ephesus. He asks God to strengthen them with might by His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith, and that they may be rooted and grounded in love. He then prays that they will comprehend the dimensions of Christ's love and know the love that passes knowledge. The apparent paradox is remarkable: Paul prays that believers will know something that surpasses knowledge. He is not suggesting that Christ's love is unknowable, but that it is so vast that no amount of human understanding can exhaust its fullness.

Many people know facts about Jesus without allowing the reality of His love to transform their hearts. Others judge God's love only by their present circumstances, forgetting that the cross is the greatest evidence of His love. When we begin to grasp the love that passes knowledge, fear gives way to confidence, bitterness gives way to forgiveness, selfishness gives way to service, and spiritual weakness gives way to a deeper relationship with God. This love is not merely a doctrine to be discussed; it is a divine reality to be experienced and expressed.

1. THE LOVE OF CHRIST IS GREATER THAN HUMAN UNDERSTANDING

Human understanding is limited by experience, observation, emotion, and reasoning. We often measure love by what someone does for us, how long they remain with us, or how they respond when we disappoint them. Christ's love, however, cannot be measured by ordinary human standards. It is revealed through His divine nature, His redemptive work, and His eternal purpose for humanity.

To know the love that passes knowledge is to enter a growing relationship with Christ in which His love becomes increasingly real to us. We may not understand every circumstance we face, but we can trust the character of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

a) His Love Exceeds Human Reasoning (Ephesians 3:19)

Paul prays that believers may know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge. The expression reveals that Christ's love is greater than the capacity of the human mind to comprehend fully. We can understand genuine aspects of His love without claiming to have exhausted its greatness.

Consider the fact that Jesus gave Himself for sinners who could not save themselves. Human reasoning might expect God to reject the guilty, but the Gospel reveals God's provision of redemption through Christ. His holiness does not ignore sin, and His love does not abandon sinners to their condition. At the cross, God's justice and mercy are revealed in His redemptive plan.

Therefore, do not reduce God's love to what you can explain. Study His Word, seek His wisdom, and trust Him even when you do not understand everything He is doing.

b) His Love Is Revealed at the Cross (Romans 5:8)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, KJV).

The cross is God's unmistakable demonstration of His love. Christ did not wait for humanity to become worthy before providing the way of salvation. He came to redeem those who were spiritually helpless and separated from God by sin.

This truth should humble every believer. We did not earn salvation through our goodness, achievements, religious activities, or personal righteousness. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The cross therefore leaves no room for pride and gives every believer a reason for gratitude.

When you struggle to understand whether God loves you, look again at the cross. Your feelings may change, and your circumstances may be painful, but the saving work of Christ remains the central evidence of God's love.

c) His Love Cannot Be Exhausted by Time (Psalm 103:17)

The psalmist declares that the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him and that His righteousness extends to their children's children. God's faithfulness is not a temporary emotion that disappears when circumstances change.

Human relationships may be affected by distance, disappointment, and the limitations of people. God's character, however, remains faithful. His love is consistent with His holiness, truth, mercy, and covenant faithfulness.

This does not mean that every earthly desire will be fulfilled or that believers will never suffer. It means that the character of God remains trustworthy through every season, and His purposes extend beyond the circumstances we can presently see.

d) His Love Invites Us into Deeper Fellowship with Him (Philippians 3:10)

Paul expressed his desire to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings. Although he had already served Christ faithfully, he continued to pursue a deeper knowledge of Him.

The Christian life is not meant to stop at an initial experience of salvation. We are called to grow in our knowledge of Christ through prayer, obedience, Scripture, worship, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

The more we know Christ personally, the more deeply we appreciate His love. We begin to understand not merely what He has done for us, but also the kind of people He desires us to become.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:7-10)

Paul possessed religious learning and had achieved considerable standing before his conversion. Yet after encountering Christ, he considered knowing Him to be of surpassing worth. His life demonstrates that intellectual knowledge and religious accomplishment cannot replace a living relationship with Jesus. He continued to pursue Christ because the riches of knowing Him were greater than anything he had previously valued.

2. THE LOVE OF CHRIST IS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH SACRIFICE

The love that passes knowledge is not an abstract idea. It was demonstrated through the incarnation, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross reveals the extraordinary cost of our redemption and the willingness of Christ to give Himself for us.

True love is often revealed through sacrifice. While human beings may express love through words, genuine love also involves action, commitment, and a willingness to seek the good of others. Christ's sacrifice establishes the highest standard of love and gives us a pattern for our own lives.

a) Christ Left Heavenly Glory to Come into the World (Philippians 2:6-8)

Jesus Christ humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. His coming into the world was an expression of His willingness to fulfil the Father's redemptive purpose.

The incarnation reveals that Christ did not remain distant from the human condition. He entered human history and accepted the humiliation associated with His earthly mission. He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.

This challenges every believer to reject pride and selfish ambition. If Christ humbled Himself for our salvation, we should be willing to serve others in humility and fulfil God's purpose without always seeking recognition.

b) Christ Died for Us While We Were Yet Sinners (Romans 5:6-8)

Paul explains that Christ died for the ungodly at the appointed time. Human love often responds to the worthiness or attractiveness of the person being loved, but Christ's redemptive love reached us in our helpless condition.

We could not save ourselves from sin. Religious observances and good works could not purchase our redemption. Christ willingly gave Himself so that forgiveness and reconciliation with God could be offered to those who repent and believe in Him.

This should encourage anyone who feels unworthy to approach God through Jesus Christ. You do not need to repair yourself completely before seeking the Saviour. Come to Him in repentance and faith, receive His grace, and allow Him to transform your life.

c) Christ Bore the Cost of Our Redemption (1 Peter 2:24)

Peter declares that Christ bore our sins in His own body on the tree so that we might die to sins and live unto righteousness. His death was not a meaningless tragedy; it was central to God's plan of salvation.

The cross reveals both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God's provision. We must never treat sin as something insignificant when we remember the price Christ paid to redeem us.

The proper response to His sacrifice is not careless living but grateful obedience. Because Christ gave Himself for us, we should dedicate our lives to His service, turn away from sin, and seek to honour Him in our thoughts, words, and actions.

d) Christ Calls Us to Practise Sacrificial Love (John 15:12-13)

Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. He then pointed to the laying down of one's life for others as the greatest expression of love.

Most believers may never be required to die physically for another person, but every believer has opportunities to sacrifice time, resources, comfort, and personal preferences for the good of others. Christian love is expressed through generosity, compassion, faithful service, and willingness to help people in need.

We should therefore ask ourselves whether our love is visible in our actions. It is not enough to sing about the love of Jesus while refusing to show kindness, forgive offences, support the needy, or serve faithfully.

Biblical Example: The Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15)

Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep. Unlike a hired worker who abandons the sheep when danger comes, the Good Shepherd willingly lays down His life for them. This picture reveals Christ's personal care, sacrificial commitment, and willingness to protect His people through His redemptive work.

3. THE LOVE OF CHRIST GIVES US SECURITY IN DIFFICULT TIMES

One of the greatest benefits of comprehending Christ's love is the assurance it gives us when life becomes difficult. Trials can raise questions, disappointments can weaken our emotions, and unanswered prayers can test our patience. Yet the love of Christ provides a foundation that is deeper than our changing feelings.

The assurance of His love does not mean that believers will never experience pain or loss. Rather, it means that hardship does not prove that God has abandoned us. We can trust Him in seasons we do not understand because His love has already been demonstrated in Christ.

a) Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love in Christ (Romans 8:35-39)

Paul asks who can separate believers from the love of Christ and proceeds to name tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword. He concludes that nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul does not deny the reality of suffering. He declares that suffering does not have the final authority over the believer's relationship with Christ. God's love remains the foundation of our confidence even when our circumstances are painful.

When trouble comes, do not immediately interpret it as evidence that God has stopped loving you. Pray, search the Scriptures, seek wise Christian counsel where necessary, and continue to trust the Lord who gave His Son for your redemption.

b) His Love Gives Us Courage to Face Fear (1 John 4:18)

John teaches that perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment. In context, he is speaking about confidence in God's love and the assurance believers may have as they grow in Him.

Fear often grows when we feel abandoned, insecure, or uncertain about the future. As our understanding of Christ's love deepens, we learn to place our confidence in His character rather than allowing fear to govern our decisions.

This does not mean that a Christian will never feel afraid. It means that fear need not control us. We can bring our concerns to God, obey His Word, seek appropriate help, and move forward in faith.

c) His Love Sustains Us in Seasons of Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The Lord told Paul that His grace was sufficient for him and that His strength was made perfect in weakness. Paul learned that God's power could sustain him even when he faced limitations he could not remove.

There are seasons when our strength seems inadequate and our resources appear insufficient. During such times, the love of Christ reminds us that we do not have to depend entirely on ourselves. We can seek His grace, receive support from others, and continue faithfully with the strength He supplies.

Do not conclude that weakness makes you worthless. Bring your weakness to Christ, follow His guidance, and allow Him to teach you dependence, endurance, and humility.

d) His Love Gives Us Hope Beyond Present Suffering (Romans 8:18)

Paul declares that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. His words place present difficulties within the larger perspective of God's eternal purpose.

Christian hope does not deny pain; it refuses to regard pain as the end of the story. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures believers that death, suffering, and the brokenness of this world will not have the final victory over God's redemptive purpose.

When you face a difficult season, remember that your present experience is not the whole of your future. Remain faithful to Christ, take wise practical steps, and hold firmly to the hope He has given you.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 50:19-21)

Joseph experienced betrayal by his brothers, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment before being elevated to leadership in Egypt. Looking back, he recognised that God had worked through events intended for evil to preserve many lives. His story does not suggest that every painful event is good in itself, but it demonstrates that God can work through human wrongdoing and suffering to accomplish His purposes. The love of God gives believers reason to trust Him even when the full picture is not yet visible.

4. THE LOVE OF CHRIST TRANSFORMS OUR CHARACTER

The love that passes knowledge is not intended merely to make us feel comforted. It is meant to transform us into people who reflect the character of Christ. When His love takes root in our hearts, our attitudes, speech, relationships, and priorities begin to change.

A person cannot grow deeply in the knowledge of Christ's love while deliberately remaining committed to hatred, pride, selfishness, and unforgiveness. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, the love we receive from Christ begins to shape the way we treat others.

a) His Love Teaches Us to Forgive (Ephesians 4:32)

Paul instructs believers to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven them. Our forgiveness of others grows out of the forgiveness we have received through Christ.

Forgiveness does not mean that wrongdoing is unimportant or that every relationship must immediately return to its former condition. It means that we refuse to nurture vengeance and bitterness, and we seek a response that honours God. Reconciliation may require repentance, accountability, wise boundaries, and time.

When you remember the mercy Christ has shown you, ask Him to help you release resentment and respond with grace. Where a relationship has been damaged, seek peace when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

b) His Love Produces Humility (Philippians 2:3-5)

Paul calls believers to reject selfish ambition and vain glory and to esteem others with humility. He then points them to the mind that was in Christ Jesus.

Pride demands attention, insists on being right, and often measures worth through superiority over others. Christlike love enables us to serve without needing applause and to recognise the dignity of other people.

In the home, humility helps family members listen to one another. In the church, it enables leaders to serve rather than dominate. In the wider community, it encourages respect, fairness, and compassion.

c) His Love Moves Us to Serve Others (Galatians 5:13)

Paul teaches believers to use their liberty to serve one another through love. The freedom we have received in Christ is not an invitation to selfishness; it is an opportunity to serve God and people willingly.

Practical love may be expressed through visiting the sick, supporting a struggling family, encouraging a discouraged believer, mentoring a younger minister, or helping someone who cannot repay us. Such actions make the love of Christ visible in ordinary life.

Every believer should ask, “Whom can I serve today?” A church that understands the love of Christ will not merely gather to receive blessings; it will also reach out to become a blessing to others.

d) His Love Produces Genuine Concern for the Lost (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

Paul declares that the love of Christ constrains us because we recognise that Christ died for all. His love gave Paul a compelling reason to proclaim the Gospel and live for the One who died and rose again.

When we comprehend the love of Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to those who have not received Him. We should pray for the lost, share the Gospel faithfully, show compassion, and invite people to respond to the message of salvation.

Evangelism must be truthful and loving. We should neither dilute the message of repentance nor treat people with contempt. Our purpose is to point them towards the Saviour whose love offers forgiveness and new life.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 4:32-35)

The early believers were united in heart and soul, and they willingly shared their possessions so that people in need could receive assistance. Their generosity demonstrated that the Gospel had affected not only their beliefs but also their relationships and use of resources. Their example challenges the Church today to express Christ's love through unity, generosity, and practical care.

5. THE LOVE OF CHRIST LEADS US INTO THE FULLNESS OF GOD

Ephesians 3:19 connects knowing the love of Christ with being filled with all the fullness of God. This does not mean that finite human beings become God or possess every divine attribute. It points to God's desire for believers to be increasingly filled with His presence, character, power, and purpose.

The Christian life is a journey of spiritual growth. We are saved by grace through faith, and we continue to grow as the Holy Spirit transforms us into the likeness of Christ. The more deeply we know His love, the more our lives should display His holiness, compassion, truth, and spiritual maturity.

a) Allow Christ to Dwell in Your Heart by Faith (Ephesians 3:17)

Paul prays that Christ may dwell in believers' hearts by faith. The picture is one of Christ exercising His rightful influence in the centre of our lives, shaping our desires, choices, and relationships.

We must not reserve certain areas of life from His authority. Our private thoughts, family decisions, ministry responsibilities, finances, and relationships should all be brought under His lordship.

Ask yourself whether Christ is merely part of your religious activities or whether He governs your entire life. Invite Him to expose what needs to change and give you grace to obey His Word.

b) Become Rooted and Grounded in Love (Ephesians 3:17)

Paul uses the language of roots and foundations to describe stability. A tree needs deep roots to draw nourishment and withstand difficult weather, while a building needs a firm foundation to remain secure.

In the same way, believers must become established in the love of Christ rather than being governed by every changing emotion or opinion. Our stability grows through Scripture, prayer, obedience, fellowship, and a personal relationship with Jesus.

Being rooted in love also changes the way we treat other people. We learn to speak the truth without cruelty, correct with humility, forgive with wisdom, and serve without seeking selfish recognition.

c) Be Transformed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Paul teaches that as believers behold the glory of the Lord, they are changed into the same image from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. Spiritual growth involves an ongoing transformation of our character.

The Holy Spirit works through the Word of God to expose sin, renew our minds, and develop Christlike attitudes in us. We must cooperate with His work through repentance, obedience, prayer, and willingness to change.

Do not be satisfied with outward religious activity while your inner character remains unchanged. Ask the Lord to make you more loving, patient, truthful, self-controlled, compassionate, and faithful.

d) Pursue Spiritual Maturity Continually (2 Peter 3:18)

Peter commands believers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This reveals that spiritual maturity is not a destination we reach through one emotional experience; it is a continuing walk with God.

We must keep learning, praying, serving, and allowing Scripture to correct our attitudes. Even long-standing believers need fresh understanding of God's Word and continued dependence on the Holy Spirit.

The love of Christ is so rich that there is always room for deeper fellowship and greater Christlikeness. Let every season of life become an opportunity to know Him more and reflect Him more faithfully.

Biblical Example: The Transformation of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector who encountered Jesus and welcomed Him joyfully. That encounter produced visible changes: Zacchaeus committed himself to generosity and offered restitution for wrongs he had committed. Jesus declared that salvation had come to his house. Zacchaeus's response illustrates how an encounter with Christ can transform the heart and produce practical evidence of repentance and a changed life.

6. GROW DAILY IN THE EXPERIENCE OF CHRIST'S LOVE

Knowing the love that passes knowledge is not a one-time achievement. It is a continuing journey of faith, fellowship, and spiritual growth. We must cultivate habits that keep our hearts attentive to the Word of God and responsive to the work of the Holy Spirit.

We cannot manufacture God's love by our efforts, because His love has been revealed through Christ. However, we can respond to that love by seeking Him, obeying His Word, and allowing His truth to shape our daily decisions.

a) Meditate on the Word of God (Psalm 119:105)

The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Scripture reveals God's character, His promises, His standards, and His redemptive purpose through Jesus Christ.

Regular meditation helps us move beyond vague ideas about God's love to a clearer understanding of what He has revealed. Read the Bible prayerfully, reflect on its meaning, and consider how its truth should influence your actions.

When doubts arise, return to Scripture rather than allowing fear or painful experiences to become your final authority. Let God's revealed truth shape your understanding of His character.

b) Maintain a Consistent Prayer Life (Jude 20-21)

Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Ghost, and keep themselves in the love of God. Prayer brings our concerns before the Lord and helps us remain attentive to His guidance.

Prayer is not a means of forcing God to love us. It is an expression of our dependence on Him and our desire to know Him more deeply. Through prayer, we confess our sins, seek wisdom, intercede for others, and receive strength to obey His Word.

Set aside regular time for prayer. Do not allow busyness, discouragement, or disappointment to destroy your fellowship with God.

c) Practise Obedience to Christ (John 14:21)

Jesus connects love for Him with keeping His commandments. Obedience is not the price we pay to earn salvation; it is a response of love and faith to the Lord who has redeemed us.

If we claim to love Christ, we must take His Word seriously. This includes honesty, sexual purity, forgiveness, generosity, integrity, compassion, and faithfulness in our responsibilities.

Where the Holy Spirit reveals an area that needs correction, respond promptly. Do not allow the knowledge of God's grace to become an excuse for disobedience. Let His love motivate you to honour Him.

d) Fellowship with Other Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)

The writer of Hebrews urges believers to consider how to provoke one another to love and good works and not to forsake assembling together. Christian fellowship provides encouragement, accountability, instruction, and opportunities to serve.

Isolation can make discouragement more difficult to bear, while healthy fellowship helps believers grow in faith and love. Through the church, we learn from one another, pray together, bear one another's burdens, and work together in the service of Christ.

Choose fellowship that encourages biblical truth, spiritual maturity, and godly conduct. Be willing not only to receive encouragement but also to become a source of encouragement to others.

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-8)

Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear His Word and later expressed devotion by anointing Him with costly perfume. Her actions reveal the importance of listening to Christ and responding to Him with heartfelt devotion. Her example reminds us that growing in the knowledge of Christ's love involves both attentive fellowship with Him and a willing response of worship and service.

CONCLUSION

The love of Christ passes knowledge because it is greater than human reasoning, deeper than our failures, more enduring than changing circumstances, and richer than anything we can fully comprehend. At the cross, we see the greatness of His sacrifice; in our trials, we can find assurance in His faithfulness; through the Holy Spirit, we grow in the experience of His love; and in our daily conduct, we are called to demonstrate that love to others. God's purpose is not merely that we should know facts about Christ's love, but that we should be rooted and grounded in it and increasingly filled with His presence and character.

Today, make a fresh commitment to know Christ more deeply. Spend time in His Word, pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen your inner man, obey the Lord faithfully, and allow His love to transform your relationships. If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, repent and put your faith in Him, for salvation is found in Him. If you already belong to Him, do not settle for a shallow understanding of His love. Keep growing until your life reflects His grace, holiness, compassion, and truth to the world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, open the eyes of my understanding and reveal to me the greatness of the love of Christ that passes knowledge, in Jesus name.

2. Lord Jesus, let the reality of Your sacrificial love become deeper in my heart and transform my thoughts, attitudes, and conduct, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, strengthen my inner man and help me grow continually in the knowledge and experience of Christ's love, in Jesus name.

4. Father, deliver me from every fear, insecurity, rejection, and false belief that hinders me from resting in Your revealed love, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, help me to remain rooted and grounded in Your love through every trial, disappointment, and changing circumstance, in Jesus name.

6. Father, remove bitterness, hatred, pride, selfishness, and unforgiveness from my heart, and make me reflect the character of Jesus, in Jesus name.

7. Lord Jesus, teach me to demonstrate Your love through practical service, generosity, patience, compassion, and faithful witness, in Jesus name.

8. Father, fill me with Your presence and transform me by the Holy Spirit into a believer who reflects Your holiness, truth, and grace, in Jesus name.

9. Lord, give me fresh hunger for Your Word, consistency in prayer, and grace to obey You in every area of my life, in Jesus name.

10. Father, let the love of Christ flow through me to my family, church, community, and generation, and use my life to draw many people to salvation, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall grow daily in the knowledge of Christ, and the Holy Spirit shall strengthen your heart to experience the immeasurable greatness of His love.

2. You shall not be ruled by fear, rejection, or condemnation; you shall grow in the assurance of God's love as revealed through Jesus Christ.

3. You shall remain rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, and your faith shall be strengthened to withstand the challenges and uncertainties of life.

4. You shall receive grace to forgive, courage to love, wisdom to serve, and strength to demonstrate the character of Jesus in your daily relationships.

5. You shall not allow painful circumstances to become the measure of God's love for you; you shall continue to trust His revealed character and faithfulness.

6. You shall grow in spiritual maturity, and the Word of God shall renew your mind and guide you into a life of holiness, obedience, and fruitful service.

7. You shall become an instrument of Christ's love in your family, church, and community, bringing encouragement, practical help, and the truth of the Gospel to others.

8. You shall receive grace to remain faithful to Christ in every season, and your hope shall remain anchored in His promises and eternal purpose.

9. You shall grow in the fullness of God's purpose for your life as the Holy Spirit transforms your character and equips you for faithful service.

10. You shall know the love of Christ more deeply, reflect His character more faithfully, and become a living testimony of His grace to your generation, in the mighty name of Jesus.