God’s Plan Involves Power
Ephesians 1:1-15-23
Know – what the Word says
Main idea of the passage: Paul’s prayer for the saints in Ephesus reveals not only a healthy pattern of prayer, but also the desire he had for believers to truly know God more deeply.
Explanation:
It is very common for epistles (books of the Bible that were written as letters) to begin with some form of a prayer. In these verses, Paul chooses to share with the Ephesians the content of his consistent prayers for them. Interestingly, he makes no mention of their daily needs, personal happiness, or even ministry effectiveness. There are, of course, plenty of other biblical examples where these needs are the subject of righteous prayers before God. Paul, however, continues to focus on the relationship the saints in Ephesus have with the living God.
First, in verses 15-17, the apostle asks specifically for God to give the saints in Ephesus, “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Paul knows the church will only be the powerful and beautiful bride of Christ on earth when she seeks to know God more. Second, in verses 18-19, this deeper knowledge Paul asks for is connected to results. He asks for them to be able to discern God’s calling, which also translates into their hope (v. 18b). He prays for them to grasp how valuable they are to God by calling them “His inheritance” (v. 18c). Then he prays they will fathom the tremendous power available to those who believe (v. 19).
Third, in verses 20-23, Paul prayerfully expands on the power of God in Christ first mentioned in verse 19. This immeasurable power, ultimately displayed in the resurrection, is both eternal and available to the church through the headship of Christ.
Live – what the Word says
Main application of the passage: It is possible to know God more deeply, and how we pray for this deeper knowledge matters.
Application:
I once heard a woman say, “You can learn a lot about a man by listening to him pray.” I have come to believe this is true. I am not so much moved by eloquence or lofty speech, but I am increasingly in tune to what individuals pray for and about. Most of our prayer lists look more like grocery lists for life than heartfelt pleas to become more in tune with almighty God. Paul knew full well the physical and emotional needs of his brothers and sisters in Ephesus. He chose, however, to pray for their greatest need: to know God more. This is, without question, our greatest need. The question is, do our prayers show this?
D.J. Horton
Bucky Rogers– Lessons by D.J. Horton and Bucky Rogers. Horton is pastor of Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church, Spartanburg. Rogers is minister to students at Anderson Mill Road.