Praying for each other
Notes
Transcript
Prayer for Understanding (1:15–23)
There are two prayers in Ephesians:
(1) “that you might know,” 1:15–23; and
(2) “that you might be,” 3:13–21.
The first is for enlightenment, the second for enablement. Paul prays first that we might know what Christ has done for us; then he prays that we might live up to these wonderful blessings and put them to work in our daily lives. Notice Paul’s requests:
A. That God may give you spiritual understanding (vv. 17–18a).
Spiritual truths must be spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:9–16), and this understanding can come only from the Spirit. He wrote the Word; He alone can teach us what it says.
B. That you might know the hope of His calling (v. 18b).
Because God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, we have a blessed hope for all eternity that depends not on our goodness but on His grace. Review vv. 4–6, where this calling is summarized for us. The Christian who does not know his high calling (Phil. 3:14), holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9), and heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1) will never be able to walk worthy of that calling (Eph. 4:1, where “vocation” is “calling”).
Ephesians 1:4–6 (NIV)
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Vs. 17
Exodus 28:3 (NIV)
3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
Vs. 18
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Called
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Riches
Romans 2:4 (NIV)
4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
C. That you might know the riches of His inheritance (v. 18c).
We not only have an inheritance in Christ, but we are an inheritance to Christ (see v. 11). The word “riches” appears often in Ephesians, suggesting that there is nothing lacking, nothing more that we need. Christians mature in the Lord when they learn how much they mean to Christ and then start living to bring joy to His heart.
D. That you might know His power (vv. 19–23).
The very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available for our daily lives! Christ has already won the victory over sin, death, the world, and Satan. God’s people do not fight for victory but from victory! We are seated with Him in the heavenlies, where there are power, peace, and victory.
Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in vv. 1–2. Note that Paul writes to living saints (not dead ones), people who have put faith in Christ. These saints (set-apart ones) have experienced God’s grace and now enjoy God’s peace. Nowhere does the Bible teach that the church makes people saints; only God can make a sinner a saint. And the sinner must become a saint while he is still alive, for after death is the judgment (Heb. 9:27).
Vs. 19-20
Power
Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)
26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Acts 2:24 (NIV)
24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Vs. 22
Colossians 1:18 (NIV)
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Vs. 23
1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Ephesians 4:10 (NIV)
10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
Vs. 15
Acts 20:21 (NIV)
21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
Colossians 1:4 (NIV)
4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—
VS 16
Romans 1:8 (NIV)
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
Vs. 17
Exodus 28:3 (NIV)
3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
Vs. 18
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Called
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Riches
Romans 2:4 (NIV)
4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Vs. 19-20
Power
Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)
26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Acts 2:24 (NIV)
24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Vs. 22
Colossians 1:18 (NIV)
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Vs. 23
1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Ephesians 4:10 (NIV)
10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)