More: A Prayer for More Spiritual Growth

Ephesians 1:15–23 CSB

This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Romans 8:11 CSB

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.

“A Prayer for MORE Spiritual growth”

The content mainly comes from Vv. 17-23

17: Prayer:

highlight that Paul prayed to the glorious Father

Highlight that the prayer consisted of a request for God to give them a Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him

18: Prayer continues:

The eyes of your heart may be enlightened (purpose) so that you may know...

What is the hope of his calling. Verse 18b- calling to be holy and blameless (1:4) [difficult calling]; hope of future, eternal life

What is the wealth of his glorious inheritance. Verse 18c- difficult grammar; two suggested meanings, both with great significance: (a) the wealth of our inheritance (the Kingdom); (b) the wealth God considers us as His inheritance. Regardless, we are valued by God, and our Kingdom inheritance is a glorious wealth.

What is the immeasurable greatness of His power. Verses 19-23. Verse 19a contains the content, and verses 20-23 elaborate on His power:

Resurrection power: V. 20a (Romans 8:11)

Exalted power: V. 20b-21

Supreme power: V. 22

Conclusion: we need to be a people who desire MORE spiritual growth; people who desire more knowledge (not just head knowledge [informational] but heart knowledge [relational]). Father God, enlighten our hearts and reveal to us your hope, your glorious inheritance, and your immeasurable power. Help us to pursue that more than anything else. In Jesus’ name.

Romans 8:11 ESV

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.