Ephesians 1: 15-23

Are you thankful for your church family?

You and I were chosen by God to receive forgiveness and reconciliation…and not just that. He also gave us the privilege to be part of his family. And that family is the Church! Your spiritual family.

You being member of a local church, where you can use your gifts and resources, where you can grow in the faith to maturity, is God’s plan and purpose.

I am thankful to the Lord for bringing me into this Local church -

I was with CCAC for 8 months ( they helped me grow in faith).

I was with LW for 6 years ( I was equipped there).

Then I was with Word of Truth for a year (It is where God installed me to serve as Pastor in Cordova Outreach.).

Now with GCCC for 4 years and counting (where I continue to grow and use the gifts and resources that God has given to show his grace and love.

So I am very thankful to God for my church family,...

Now, going back to our text, the Apostle Paul stayed for 2 years in Ephesus (Acts 19:10) and He loves the Church in Ephesus and he thanked the Lord for them.

verses 15-23 is the Thanksgiving and Prayer of the Apostle Paul for the Church in Ephesus.

Ephesians 1:15 NASB95

15 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,

Paul heard 2 wonderful things about them:

1. Their faith in the Lord Jesus - Worship

2. Their love for one another - Fellowship

The identity of the Ephesian church is their faith in the Lord and their Love for one another

May we be known by these two characteristic.

Will you pray to God that our church will be known for our faith in the Lord and our Love for one another?

Paul’s response to knowing their faith to Jesus and love for one another (v16)

Ephesians 1:16 NASB95

16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;

Paul’s response to knowing their faith to Jesus and love for one another

a. thanksgiving to God

b. prayer for the saints.

This is a good example to follow in the Church

Paul’s prayer for the Church (vv.17-19)

Ephesians 1:17–19 NASB95

17 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. 18 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, 19 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’s prayer is For God to give them:

a. spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.

b. the eyes of the heart may be enlightened.

to know what is the HOPE of his calling

to know the riches of the GLORY of His inheritance

to know the surpassing greatness of his POWER.

We can see here a beautiful promise! Listen to this.

We have a blessed assurance that when we pray in accordance to the will of God - He will answer it through the Lord Jesus Christ.

why?

For Jesus has authority and power, and dominion over all things. (vv.19-22a)

Ephesians 1:19–23 NASB95

19 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 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 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. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

For Jesus is the head of the Church and He loves his church! (v.22b-23)

Ephesians 1:22–23 NASB95

22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

JESUS wants those who belong to His family to grow in the knowledge of God, to be united in the faith, and to pray for one another.

sins to correct:

a. what are you doing for you to grow in the knowledge of God?

b. what have we done to show unity in the faith?

b. have we been diligent in praying for one another?