Ephesians 1:15-23 From Praise to Prayer

Review

Choosing: The Plan of the Father Ephesians 1:4-6 The Eternal Plan

Redeeming: The Work of the Son Ephesians 1:7-10 The Present Grace

Blessing: Ephesians 1:11-12 The Future Hope

Sealing: Ephesians 1:13-14 The Current Proof

Note the attitude behind all that God has done for us!

-Chosen “in love”

-Adopted into His family according to the “kind intention of his will

-Grace Lavished on us Abundently

Choosing in Eternity Past

Redeeming in History

Blessing in the Present

Sealing for Eternity Future

God the Father: There is great hope because Salvation is not a matter of chance, it was not even God’s reaction to man’s sin. Salvation is the eternal plan of God. It is a plan that is filled with love and brought about because it pleased God to do so. It is a plan that is not contingent on any goodness on our part.

God the Son: It is a plan that from eternity centered on the person and work of God the Son, Jesus Christ. It is a plan that did not ignore sin but dealt with it perfectly through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who gave His life as a ransom for many!

God the Holy Spirit: It is a plan that is confirmed in the heart of every believer, certified by the indwelling Holy Spirit who is a pledge of the inheritance to come when all things are finally and completely subjected to the rule and reign of Jesus Christ, our great Lord and Savior.

God’s Goal our Response: Praise

As we recount the great blessings that God has blessed us with our only proper response is to bless God. The blessings of God are to flow in a circular pattern for From Him and Through Him and To Him are all things, to Him be the Glory forever, Amen!

Introduction

Read the text first, then discuss generally among the group.

Ephesians 1:15–23 NASB95

For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ask: As we considered what we learned 2 weeks ago, what are some of the things that jump out at you in this passage? What is the passage about?

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers

In our text this morning, Paul moves from praise to prayer. It is a prayer of thanksgiving to God and a prayer of intercession for those to whom he was writing. At the end of our text last week, Paul spoke of the conversion of the Ephesians, how they had heard the gospel, believed it and how they had been sealed in the Holy Spirit.

Prayer and Preview

Prayer for enlightenment about the work of Christ

Preview of what will be expanded upon throughout the letter.

Thanksgiving for Faith in the Lord - Love for the Saints vs 15-16

Ephesians 1:15–16 NASB95

For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;

Because of that and because He had heard of their faith in the Lord Jesus which existed among them and their love for all the saints, Paul was led to prayer. Specifically, he was first led to give thanks to God for them.

He was thankful that they had faith in the Lord Jesus because they had believed the message of truth, the gospel of their salvation. And the fact that he had also heard of their love for all the saints was confirmation that their faith was true. For true faith in Jesus leads to true love for other believers.

And the love that Paul speaks of here is is “agape” love, the same type of Love found back in verse 4, the love of God in election and predestination.

“Agape” love is a love that is shown in action. It is a sacrificial love for others. It is working for the benefit of others even if there is a great cost to me. That is the type of love with which these believers loved all of the saints, all those who had been set apart by God.

And so often today we want to get around this ourselves. We may just speak of love with a warm feeling and yet never be led to action. Or we may leave out the emotion and make the “love of the saints”, just mere words. We might say, “I love them in the Lord, I just don’t like them”. This way of thinking is found no where in the New Testament. What we are really saying is that we don’t love them and that is evident because those whom we “don’t like” we don’t serve, we do not love in action.

But Scripture is clear that true followers of Christ will truly love other believers. John makes this a great theme of his first letter. 1 John 3:14 ‘We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death’. 1 John 4:7–8 ‘Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love’.

If you do not love the believers that God has placed around you, then either your understanding of the Scriptures are lacking or you are not a believer. For as John makes clear in his letter, believers will love the saints. And that is exactly what led Paul to thank God for the Ephesian believers, their faith in the Lord Jesus had led them to love all of the saints.

Prayer of Intercession Vs 17-19

Ephesians 1:17–18 NASB95

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

As we move on in the text we see that Paul’s thanksgiving was done in the context of his prayers to God for them. And in verses 17-19 Paul explains exactly what it is that he prayed.

And what was Paul’s specific prayer?

Who: God of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of Glory

What: Wisdom & Revelation of Knowledge

Paul asks that God would give them a “spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Paul prayed these believers would have a true knowledge, a greater knowledge of God. That knowledge would lead to an enlightening of their hearts as we read in verse 18.

The knowledge that Paul was requesting for them has the sense of an intimate knowledge, a relational knowledge. Knowledge of facts that builds and strengthens the relationship.

What: Enlightened Hearts

As the truth is given by God, the believer’s heart is enlightened. In Scripture, speaking of the heart of a person has to do with with their very being. The heart of a person speaks of their very thinking and disposition. It speaks of who they are because of what they know. Paul’s prayer was that the believers would know God in such a way that it would affect their very lives, who they were and therefore how they lived.

And certainly, salvation alone had an affect. They were indeed new creatures in Christ, the old things passed away, behold new things had come. But while all believers are renewed at salvation, every believer still needs to grow in their understanding of God.

This fact can be illustrated by the marriage of a man and a woman, an illustration that Paul himself will use in chapter 5. The fact is that when Joelie and I were married, we knew and loved each other. However, throughout the past 20 years, our knowledge and love has grown. Imagine the difference between a marriage where you do not grow to know your spouse more intimately versus one where you do. When you grow in your knowledge of your spouse your love grows greater than it was at first. And that love is shown in loving actions towards your spouse.

Paul’s prayer was that the believers would know God in such a way that it would affect their very lives, who they were and therefore how they lived.

How Their Hearts would be Enlightened, the Content of Knowledge to be Gained

Ephesians 1:18–19 NASB95

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might

Paul continues and explains specifically what he desires that they understand or know better. The truths that would lead to a greater love of God.

The knowledge that Paul wanted God to give to these believers would have an effect on their understanding of three things:

the Hope of His Calling,

the Riches of the Glory of His inheritance and

the Surpassing Greatness of His Power.

Hope of His Calling

What is meant by Paul when he speaks of “Calling”? What is this calling?

Think back to verse 13. They had listened to the message of truth, the Gospel of their salvation.

They were called with the Gospel.

No doubt someone came to them and called them to Christ, proclaimed the Gospel to them.

Romans 10:14–15 NASB95

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

Paul does not just mention that they were called, that they heard the Gospel, wants them to know the Hope of this calling

What was the hope of this calling? (Who's callling was it?)

Not only had they been chosen by God, but He also called them. God called them with the Gospel. Paul’s desire was for them to understand the hope of that calling. That it was not just someone proclaiming the Gospel, but that it was actually God’s calling. As we have seen throughout this chapter, salvation is all by the sovereign plan and working of God. He chose them before the foundation of the world and He called them with the Gospel. But not only that, they had been sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Trinitarian Hope

There was great hope in His calling, because it centered on the work of Jesus Christ which was surrounded by the election of the Father and the Sealing and protection of the Holy Spirit.

Riches of the Glory of His Inheritence

Present and Eternal Hope - Inheritence

It was a hope that was not just for this world, but a hope that looked ahead to the final redemption of God’s own possession. Paul desired that God would give them a glimpse of the great riches of Glory that was ahead, which they would inherit. It was an inheritance that was for all the saints.

Surpassing Greatness of HIs Power

A Certain Hope - Greatness of His Power

Ephesians 1:19 NASB95

and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might

And for them to fully grasp the hope and the riches of the glory that waited, they needed to have a true knowledge of the surpassing greatness of His power toward them as believers. It is

a power that is greater than all greatness,

as Paul will explain from the end of verse 19 through verse 21.

The hope of the calling, the riches of the glory of the inheritances and the surpassing greatness of His Power toward believers was, as we see in verses 19-20, “in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,”

What kind of power is at work to give believers hope that they will receive the inheritance that has been promised?

It is resurrection and exaltation Power.

Resurrection Power

The same power of God that raised the dead body of Jesus to new Life, the same power with which Jesus rules all things, that is the power that gives believers hope.

Authoritative Power

When Paul says that Jesus was raised up and seated at the right hand of God, far above all rule and authority, he is not pointing to a physical place or location. The point is not that Jesus is not above in the sense of direction. The point that is being made in verses 20-23 is that Jesus Christ has an authority that is greater than all other authority.

The right hand of God is the place of Honor, Power and Authority. Jesus was given authority not just over the physical world, but also over the Spiritual world, His is seated at God’s right hand in heaven.

Spiritual Authority in the Heavens

His authority is far above all other authority, which is described in verse 21 as “rule, authority, power, dominion and every name that is named.” Paul is likely referring to angels with these words. Angels were understood to be of different ranks and authorities. Paul is making clear that Jesus is not just another rank of Angels, but far above even their highest rank. He has authority over all no matter what authority might be named, whether in heaven or on earth, whether Kings or Angels. And His authority is in no way temporary, it is an authority for this age and the age to come!

Spiritual Authority in the Church

Paul continues in verse 22, “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,” This verse is a reference to Psalm 8:6, “You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,” Not only is Jesus the highest authority aside from His Father, the Father has put everything in subjection to Him. Jesus truly is King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords.

And notice that in verse 22 Paul speaks of the authority of Jesus in relation to the Church. God’s exalting of Jesus to the highest authority is for the Church. The church is described in verse 23. Ephesians 1:23, “which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Paul describes the church as the body of Jesus Christ. He is the head and believers are the body. We are intimately connected to Christ, we are part of Him. Collectively, all believers are the body of Christ. We are part of Him just as my finger is a part of me.

The church is described as the fullness of Him who fills all in all. This last phrase is a difficult one. What does it mean that the church is the fullness of Jesus or is that what it means at all? There are 3 main ideas as to what this phrase could mean. It could actually mean that Jesus is the fullness of God who fills all in all. But that is unlikely as Christ is never spoken of as the fullness of God.

Another idea is that Christ fills the church with all things. That is true, of course. But is that what Paul meant? The most likely idea is that the church is indeed the fullness of Jesus. That in some sense, Jesus is incomplete without the church. Calvin explains it this way. He says, “This is the highest honor of the Church, that, until He is united to us, the Son of God reckons himself in some measure imperfect.”

Now, that is not to say that Jesus, as eternal God is somehow dependent upon man for His perfection. That would be taken this point beyond what is meant. Calvin continues in his commentary. “That filleth all in all. This is added to guard against the supposition that any real defect would exist in Christ, if he were separated from us. His wish to be filled, and, in some respects, made perfect in us, arises from no want or necessity; for all that is good in ourselves, or in any of the creatures, is the gift of his hand; and his goodness appears the more remarkably in raising us out of nothing, that he, in like manner, may dwell and live in us.”

Conclusion

Paul’s great desire was that those to whom he was writing would continue to grow in their knowledge of God. He desired that they would come to a greater understanding of their great salvation. He desired that they would be led to have great confidence knowing that the great power of God that raised Jesus was the same power that raised them from Spiritual death. A point that Paul will make clear in chapter 2. The power that raised Jesus from the dead was able to raise those who were dead in their trespasses and sins and lived accordingly, in rebellion to God.

And if God used that great power to bring them to Spiritual life when they were spiritually dead rebels, how much more would He continue to expend His power toward those who now believe, toward those who now call Jesus Lord, who have been adopted into His Family!

How much more confident could they be knowing that all things had been subjected to Jesus, that his authority was greater than any authority on the earth or in the spiritual realm. How much more confident could they be knowing that Jesus was the head of the church, that He exercises His authority and power for their good since they are His very Body.

That is the great hope of His calling. That is the riches of the glory of His inheritance. There is nothing to fear for the Christian and nothing for the Church to fear, for the Head of the Church is none other than the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who is currently ruling and reigning from the place of highest authority and power.

God is truly to be praised. He is the author of Salvation and it is the surpassing greatness of His power that will bring all believers to final redemption. As believers, God has truly blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. And it is the fact that He is all powerful, that nothing is outside of His control that gives believers true and lasting Hope that leads to a transformed life.

Application

1. Paul’s prayer should be our prayer. When we hear of others who have come to saving faith, who have a love for all the saints, it should cause us to thank God for them as we lift them up in prayer. It should be our desire that all believers continue to grow in the true knowledge of God.

Do any of you have examples of times that you have been led to give thanksgiving to God because of the Faith and love of a believer or group of believers in your life?

2. Confidence to Face Difficulties: As we grow in our understanding of the Work of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in salvation, as we realize the great love with which He loved us and the great power with which He saved us, we will be pointed beyond the difficulties and challenges of this life to the riches that lie ahead. We will have confidence to face the difficulties of this life, whatever they may be, because Jesus Christ, who has all authority and all power, is the head of the church. He is our Lord to whom we submit and He is our Lord who protects us and will complete the work which He has begun in us.

3. Love the Saints: All of this of course does not mean that we sit back and watch as God works. God has ways to accomplish what He has determined to do. And if you have not already noticed, our focus is not to be on ourselves but on other believers and on the glory of God. Just as the saints at Ephesus loved all the saints we are to do the same.

We are to sacrifice for the other believers, especially the believers in this local church. We need to pray for one another that God would give us a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him and then we are to work toward that end.

Summary: May we continually thank God for one another and pray for one another that our knowledge of God would grow and may we then pour out love on one another in practical discipleship.

And as we do all of these things, may we continually look away from ourselves and look to Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith! Amen.

How have your experienced growth in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ since you came to Christ?

Are there specific times in your life that you can point to where you grew in your knowledge of Christ and therefore your life changed (beyond your conversion)?

What do you think were some of the reasons for that growth?