"An Astounding Prayer"

I. Paul’s MOTIVE for Prayer: The TESTIMONY of the Ephesians - (1:15)

1. Their FAITH in the Lord - (v.15a)

2. Their LOVE for all the saints - (v.15b)

II. The CONTENT of Paul’s Prayer: THANKSGIVING & PETITION! - (1:16-23)

1. Paul’s GRATITUDE & CONCERN! - (v.16)

2. Paul’s PETITION - (vv.17-23)

Three measures of maturity:

1) What is the HOPE of His calling - (v.18b)

2) What are the RICHES of His inheritance - (v.18c)

3) What is the surpassing greatness of His POWER - (vv.19-23)

a) DUNAMIS (δυνάμεως) – (v.19a) – “…incomparably great power”

b) ENERGIA – (ἐνέργειαν) – (v.19b) – “…the working”

c) KRATOS – (κράτους) – (v.19c) – “…mighty”

d) ISCHUS – (ἰσχύος) – (v.19d) – “…strength” – Speaks of power as ability! – (Mk 12:30)

Why does God give us this power?