Prayer For Knowledge & Power
February 13, 2020
Commentary
Paul commends the Ephesian Christians for their faith in the Lord and their love for all the saints (v. 15). Because of their spiritual growth, both as individuals and as a church, he rejoiced and gave thanks for them (v. 16). He prayed continually for them to know God more deeply (v. 17). Paul knew the believers in Ephesus might have understood Christian doctrine with their minds but not fully grasped its truth in their hearts. He prayed that their understanding would be opened so they might experience hope, riches, and power.
The first truth Paul mentions is the hope of God’s calling (v. 18). The believers in Ephesus struggled to accept that their salvation was secure in Christ. Like many Christians today, they worried they might lose it if they failed in some way. Paul wanted them to know that their eternal destiny was guaranteed, not by their performance, but by what Christ had already done on their behalf.
The second truth is the riches of God’s inheritance (v. 18). Perhaps the church in Ephesus seemed small and unimportant to others. Yet Paul re-minded them that even the humblest believer is precious to God. If they truly understood the riches of their glorious inheritance, they would find strength and lasting hope.
Finally, Paul speaks of the greatness of God’s power (vv. 19–23). A Chris-tian’s hope and inheritance do not depend on human effort. Paul reminded them that this divine power was revealed when the Father raised Jesus from the dead (v. 20). Because of this, we can live with confidence, knowing that God rules over all and no power—whether political, spiritual, or personal—can overcome Him.
Application
Do I truly know God, or do I only know about Him? I can study the Bible and still miss its truth in my heart. How can I grow in faith and love this week? When I feel weak or unimportant, will I remember that God’s power, hope, and inheritance are mine in Christ? Today, I want to live with confidence in His greatness.
Ephesians 1:15–23 (NET)
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you when I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him, 18 —since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened —so that you can know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. 20 This power he exercised in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms 21 far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And God put all things under Christ’s feet, and gave him to the church as head over all things. 23 Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Recipe For Better Understanding
A recipe for better understanding is one cupful of listening when the person speaks: measure words carefully. Add a heaping teaspoonful of sympathetic consideration. Sift together to get a smooth batter for a consistent reply. Use generous amounts … Continue