Prayer and Power

Paul’s First Prayer for the Saints

I. The Occasion of the Prayer (vv. 15, 16). Paul had heard of:

A. Their faithin the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. Their loveto all the saints.

II. The Subject of the Prayer (vv. 17–19).

A. The preparation of the subject.

1. The spirit of wisdom.

2. The spirit of revelation.

B. The progression of the subject. Paul prayed for three things:

1. The hope of His calling.

2. The riches of His glory.

3. The exceeding greatness of His power.

The Measurement of the Father’s Mighty Power

I. Resurrection. The Father showed His power in raising Christ from the dead (v. 20).

II. Exaltation. The Father showed His power in raising Christ to His own right hand in heaven (vv. 20, 21).

III. Lord of the Earth. The Father showed His power in putting all things under Christ’s feet (v. 22).

IV. Head of the Church. The Father showed His power in making Christ the head of the church (vv. 22, 23).