Thankfulness and Prayer

Open Bibles To: Ephesians 1:15-19 (Raise your hand if Bible Needed)

Series: Ephesians - The Mystery Revealed

Topic: Thankfulness and Prayer

Prayer

Introduction

Historical Context

Third missionary journey he stayed in Ephesus three years

Paul was a prisoner at the time he wrote this letter, House arrest

Structure

Ch 1-3 Doctrine

The Apostle Paul is unpacking an understanding of Salvation

We saw in vs 3-14:

Blessing of Salvation (Parts 1-3) - Spiritual NOT Material

We are Chosen

We are Predestined

We are Adopted

We are Redeemed

We are Forgiven

We are Given Grace

We are Given Spiritual Revelation

We Have an Inheritance

We are Sealed by The Holy Spirit

We Have Assurance

So let’s dig in now to todays passage in Eph 1:15-19a Where we saw Paul expresses Thankfulness & Prayer for the Church at Ephesus

Ephesians 1:15–19 ESV

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe

The Apostle’s Thankfulness

Ephesians 1:15–16 ESV

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you,

Their Faith in Jesus Christ

Displaying the core of what saves us  -

This church stuck to to core of faith alone in Christ

The Christian Walk is a journey of Faith

We start placing faith in Christ’s work on the Cross

We grow in Faith trusting with various areas of our lives

Home

Job

Resources

He reprimanded the church of Galatia for combining faith and circumcision

In addition to their continuing Faith in Christ he is also thankful for:

Their Love for the Saints

Our vertical relationship with God also affects , our horizontal relationship with one another

A proper relationship with God should lead to a proper relationship with other Christians

Timely word for Valentines Day

Jesus Command to Love

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Loving others Is what we're called to do but especially loving Those within the body of Christ 

he specifies that are showing love for the Saints not just the whole world -

Mike and Hazel story

God commands us to love one another as a body of believers but there is a flip side to that - Receiving

Love Being Received

Support & Assist

Don't be inhibited by self-sufficiency or pride

Growing isolation since Covid

Allow myself to be known and vulnerable

Example: Saturday Morning Prayer Group - HPW

Can we receive loving correction?

Hebrews 12 - Those who the Lord loves he disciplines

Paul correcting church of Corinth

1 Corinthians 4:14 ESV

14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

Note how Paul in this particular situation and the whole letter If so others centered That he takes His own situation out of mind

SO we see Paul’s Thankfulness in vs 15 but now let’s explore this special prayer he has for the church

The Apostles Prayer

Ephesians 1:16–17 ESV

remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

Praying That God will give them The spirit of:

Wisdom - in the Knowledge of God

Wisdom is effectively applying knowledge and truth to the twists, turns, and affairs of everyday life.

Wisdom itself is a gift requiring both divine initiative and human response

James 1:5 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Knowledge vs Wisdom

Knowledge involves simple awareness of things, while wisdom involves selecting, organizing and utilizing them toward a specific purpose

someone uneducated may possess greater wisdom than a scholar

Bryan College Physics teacher - nutty professor

In human experience, knowledge can exist without wisdom, though wisdom cannot exist without knowledge

Examples of using Wisdom for given situations

Husband & Wives

On the job

With government officials

Attacked by the enemy

Along with Wisdom in the Knowledge of God, Paul also prays for:

Revelation - In the Knowledge of God

Revelation - unveiling of that which was not known, seen, or understood

Paul shares much of this in the Spiritual Blessings from vs 3-12 and will reveal more of the mystery of the church in Chapter 3

The Key to Wisdom & Revelation - Hearts Being Enlightened

Ephesians 1:18–19 ESV

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,

Hearts enlightened and illuminated to 3 things:

To Understanding The Hope of our Calling

The Father initiated the work of the calling by choosing us (vs 4)

The Son did the work of redeeming In (vs 7)

the Holy Spirit did the work of sealing (vs 13)

Our hope is not based on ourselves but what Godhead is done on our behalf

To Understanding the Riches of God’s Inheritance in Us

Ephesians 1:18 “18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”

Clarifying this is not being Christian's inheritance But God's inheritance in us of the called out ones

He sees inheriting us as being glorious (The God of Glory Sees you and I As having such great value And Glory) We are his inheritance

Come Again Song - Brandon Lake “I’m what you wanted all along”

To Understanding The Greatness of God's Power Demonstrated for Us

Ephesians 1:19 “19a and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,

(vs 19 ) God was intentional and purposeful in demonstrating his power through Jesus Christ

All the Spiritual Blessing we have already received

What He continues to do in our lives today

Paul Prays that our hearts will understand and comprehend:

This Hope of our Calling

How Glorious He sees us as His Inheritance

The Greatness of His Power Demonstrated on our Behalf

It Starts in the Heart

True spiritual transformation does not come from behavior modification but the inward metamorphosis of the heart.

It’s not about trying harder or working harder but about falling in love with Jesus

Recognize the amazing love of God the grace of God 

Loving Him drives us into obedience to God and surrendering Our Lives 

Matthew 22:37 ESV

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

When your heart is fully given to God, your actions, thoughts, and priorities naturally align with His purposes.

Conclusion

Summary

Help us to be those who;

Affirm our Faith in Jesus Christ

Love One Another Deeply and Position to Receive love

Be a part of a loving community

DC Groups

Growing in Our Knowledge of God

Wisdom & Revelation

Personal Time with the Lord - Word & Worship

Worship & Word in Community

Pray for Hearts are to be Enlightened

Our First

Others we have contact and relationships with

Play Song: Open the Eyes of My Heart

Call to Salvation

Prayer

Groups