Power And Wisdom

Scripture:

Ephesians 1:15–23 NLT

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Memory Verse

Ephesians 1:18 NLT

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

Ephesians 1:22 NLT

God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.

References:

Colossians 1:9–12 NLT

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Ephesians 3:14–21 NIV84

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Philippians 1:9–11 NIV84

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Background Research:

Theme: Pray Helps us to understand the power and wisdom to know the depth of God’s love for us . It also reveals to us how we should live to fulfill the plan God has for us. And this power and wisdom is our BLUEPRINT to daily live out the plan God has for us.

Object Lesson:

Here’s a Grace Kids–style, joyful, visual, hands-on object lesson for Ephesians 1:15–23—perfect for large group, small group, or a Sunday morning teaching moment.

⭐ Kids Object Lesson: “The Power Light!”

Based on Ephesians 1:15–23

Big Idea:

Because we belong to Jesus, God gives us hope, a special place in His family, and His amazing power to help us live for Him.

🎒 What You Need

A or lamp flashlight

A (if using a lamp)power cord

A or outlet power strip

A labeled big heart cutout “Faith & Love”

A (optional prop)lightbulb

A sign that says “God’s Power”

📖 Set the Scene

Tell the kids:

“Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus because he heard something amazing about them—they loved Jesus and loved people! And he prayed that they would really understand three big things: Hope, God’s family, and God’s power.”

🔦 THE OBJECT LESSON

1. The Lamp That Won’t Turn On

Hold up the lamp or flashlight without batteries or unplugged.

Ask: “Does this lamp look like it’s supposed to shine? Yes! But is it shining right now? No!”

Explain: “Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know the hope God gives. Hope is like the power that helps us shine even when life feels dark.”

2. Plugging Into Hope

Plug the lamp into the power strip or add batteries to the flashlight.

Turn it on.

Say: “When we remember the hope Jesus gives—His promises, His love, His forever life—it’s like plugging into the power source. We shine because we know God is with us.”

3. The Heart of Faith & Love

Hold up the heart labeled “Faith & Love.”

Say: “Paul thanked God because the Ephesians had faith in Jesus and love for others. When we trust Jesus and love people, it’s like our lamp has the right bulb inside.”

Place the heart next to the lamp or tape it on.

4. God’s Power Is Greater Than Anything

Hold up the sign “God’s Power.”

Say: “Paul prayed that they would understand how incredibly great God’s power is. It’s the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and put Him in charge of everything!”

Turn the lamp on and off dramatically.

“God’s power helps us do what we can’t do on our own—be brave, be kind, forgive, obey, and shine His light.”

🌟 Wrap-Up: Three Things Paul Wanted Them to Know

Use the lamp as a visual:

— God gives us a bright futureHope

— We belong to Him and He treasures usGod’s Family

— The same power that raised Jesus helps us every dayGod’s Power

Say: “When we stay connected to Jesus, we shine His light everywhere we go!”

🙌 Kid Challenge for the Week

“Every time you turn on a light this week, say: ‘Jesus helps me shine!’ And remember the hope, the family, and the power God gives you.”

Songs:

Absolutely, Lynn — here’s a kid‑friendly, ministry‑ready list of songs inspired by Ephesians 1:15–23, focusing on themes of faith, love, hope, God’s family, and God’s power. Each item includes why it works well for Grace Kids.

🎶 Kids Songs Based on Ephesians 1:15–23

⭐ 1. “Power to Live God’s Way” — Colin Buchanan

Theme: God’s mighty power at work in believers Connection: Ephesians 1:19–20 Why it works: Upbeat, motions-friendly, and clearly teaches that God gives us power to follow Him.

⭐ 2. “My God Is So Big” — Kids Worship Classic

Theme: God’s greatness and power Connection: Ephesians 1:19–21 Why it works: Simple, memorable, and perfect for illustrating God’s “incomparably great power.”

⭐ 3. “The Same Power” — Hillsong Kids

Theme: The power that raised Jesus lives in us Connection: Ephesians 1:20 Why it works: Big, joyful worship energy; great for elementary kids learning about resurrection power.

⭐ 4. “I Am Yours” — Seeds Family Worship (Ephesians 1:7)

Theme: Identity in God’s family Connection: Ephesians 1:18 (the riches of His inheritance) Why it works: Scripture-based, easy to memorize, reinforces belonging to God.

⭐ 5. “Hope Is Here” — Yancy & Little Praise Party

Theme: Hope in Jesus Connection: Ephesians 1:18 Why it works: Bright, joyful, and perfect for teaching that Jesus gives us real hope.

⭐ 6. “Faith, Hope, and Love” — Go Fish!

Theme: Faith and love for God’s people Connection: Ephesians 1:15 Why it works: Directly ties into Paul’s praise for the Ephesians’ faith and love.

⭐ 7. “God Is for Me” — Go Fish!

Theme: Confidence in God’s care and power Connection: Ephesians 1:19 Why it works: Catchy, high-energy, and reinforces that God’s power is on our side.

⭐ 8. “This Little Light of Mine” — Kids Worship Standard

Theme: Shining with God’s power Connection: Ephesians 1:17–18 (eyes opened to God’s truth) Why it works: A classic that pairs beautifully with the “Power Light” object lesson you’re using.

⭐ 9. “Open the Eyes of My Heart” — Kids Version

https://youtu.be/KmpmwStmsWA

Theme: Seeing God clearly Connection: Ephesians 1:17–18 Why it works: Directly echoes Paul’s prayer that God would open the eyes of our hearts.

⭐ 10. “Mighty to Save” — Kids Worship Version

Theme: God’s mighty power to save Connection: Ephesians 1:19–20 Why it works: Big worship moment for older elementary; reinforces God’s unstoppable power.

Outline:

Knowing Him: The Heart of Our Faith

Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:15–23

Summary: In this passage, Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus, asking God to give them wisdom and revelation so they might know Him better and understand the hope and power available to them as believers.

Application: This message can help children understand the importance of knowing God personally and relying on His power in their lives. It reinforces that even though they may feel small or powerless, God has great plans and strength for everyone who believes in Him.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that knowing God is not just about facts; it's about a relationship that brings hope and empowerment. It emphasizes how prayer can deepen our understanding and relationship with God.

How this passage could point to Christ: Paul's prayer highlights Christ's central role in God's plan, positioning Jesus as the one through whom believers gain access to God’s wisdom, hope, and power. This reflects God's ultimate plan throughout Scripture for redemption through Christ and encourages a deep connection with Him.

Big Idea: Knowing God deeply empowers us to live with hope and strength as His children, regardless of our circumstances.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider using Logos to explore the cultural and historical context of Ephesians, particularly focusing on the significance of wisdom and revelation in the early church. You might also find it helpful to look at commentaries that discuss the meaning of 'the hope of His calling' and how it applies to children today, ensuring your message resonates with their understanding.

Questions:

What does Paul thank God for regarding the church in Ephesus?

What are the three big things Paul prays for the believers to understand?

What type of power does Paul mention that is available to those who believe?

Why is it important for us to understand the hope that God gives us?

How does knowing God’s love help us in our everyday lives?

What does it mean for our hearts to be "flooded with light"?

Why is it significant that God gave us hope, according to Paul's prayer?

Why is it significant that God gave us hope, according to Paul's prayer?

How can we show love to others like the Ephesians did?

What does it mean to belong to God's family?

How can we use the power that Jesus gives us in our daily lives?

Introduction:

The object lesson

The light Christ brings us

1. Wisdom and Revelation

Ephesians 1:15–17 NLT

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

May God Give the Spirit of Wisdom and Insight

May you know Him Better

That you may know His Love

That you may know His Will

That you may know what is blameless and pure

2. Confident Hope

Ephesians 1:18 NLT

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

May your hearts be flooded with light

May you understand the hope God has given

As His holy people we are rich with a glorious inheritance

3. Power in Perseverance with Christ

Ephesians 1:19–23 NLT

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

May you understand the greatness of God’s powers for thise who believe...

May you see this is the same Power God gave his son to raise from the dead...

May you see this is the power that give Christ Authority over all things

May you see how this power is given to you so you might know God’s will for you...

May you see that as the church this power was given...

Through God’s power we are made full and complete by Christ.

Sermon:

01Welcome and Set the Scene Explain that Paul is writing a thankful letter to the church because he sees their faith and love growing.

02Read the Passage Together Share a kid-friendly reading of Ephesians 1:15–23, highlighting Paul’s prayer for believers.

03Explore Paul’s Big Prayer Tell kids that Paul prays for God to help believers really KNOW Him—eyes of their hearts opened wide.

04Explain the Three Big Truths Teach that Paul wants them to know hope, God’s love for His people, and God’s great power.

05Show Jesus’ Power and Position Describe how Jesus is above everything—every ruler, power, and name—and leads the whole Church.

6Connect It to Their Lives Help kids see that the same power that raised Jesus is at work in everyone who follows Him.

07Pray Paul’s Prayer Over the Kids End by praying that God opens their hearts, fills them with hope, and helps them know His power.