Praise, Prayer, and the Sovereignty of God (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Prayer for the church (Bible.tv)

Psalm 1:15-17 – Because they have been faithful as a young church, despite persecution, Paul prays that God will give them the ability to know God more intimately. Heaven will be the experience of having a relationship with God without the hindrance of sin and death. He wants them to begin experiencing this phenomena now.

Psalm 1:18-19 – In this passage he describes in more detail some of the things he wants them to know about God that will prove to be a blessing to them. He wants them to know: the hope before them (vs. 18a), the riches of the inheritance (vs. 18b), and the greatness of His power (vs. 19). All refer to the same thing: our resurrection, glorification and exaltation to reign with God forever. He wants them to be able to see what wonderful things these will be.

Psalm 1:20-23 – In these verses Paul completes his prayer by describing how these blessings were acquired and how they are presently administered. Those in Christ will be resurrected and be with God in heaven because that’s where Jesus is now. He prays that they can appreciate more and more the rewards that they have been called to receive as disciples of Jesus, who guarantees them by virtue of His sovereignty over all things.

Message Introduction

Two long sentences

Paul’s Hymn of Praise (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Paul’s Prayer of Thanks and Paul’s Petition to God for the Readers (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Message Outline

God deserves our Praise

We Should be People of Prayer

Knowing God

The Three Whats

Christ Exalted

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Ascension of Jesus Christ

Exalted

Dignity - place of honor

Dominion - at the right hand of the Father (participation in rule) - (Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:14)

Prayer and the Sovereignty of God

Message Exposition

Ephesians 1:15 ESV

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

Ephesians 1:16 ESV

16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

Ephesians 1:17 ESV

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

Ephesians 1:18 ESV

18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 1:19 ESV

19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

Ephesians 1:20 (ESV)

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 1:21 ESV

21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:22 ESV

22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

Ephesians 1:23 ESV

23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Application

Prayer

ACTS

Prayer meeting

Praise

ABC

Psalms

Prayer book

Praise book

Closing :The Word Made Flesh

The LIGONIER STATEMENT on CHRISTOLOGY

We confess the mystery and wonder of God made flesh and rejoice in our great salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

With the Father and the Holy Spirit, the Son created all things, sustains all things, and makes all things new. Truly God, He became truly man, two natures in one person.

He was born of the Virgin Mary and lived among us. Crucified, dead, and buried, He rose on the third day, ascended to heaven, and will come again in glory and judgment.

For us, He kept the Law, atoned for sin, and satisfied God’s wrath. He took our filthy rags and gave us His righteous robe.

He is our Prophet, Priest, and King, building His church, interceding for us, and reigning over all things.

Jesus Christ is Lord; we praise His holy Name forever. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What new thoughts have you had since reading and studying the passage or from hearing James’s message?

What verse from this passage will you commit to meditate on and memorizing this week? Write it down. Share it with others.

Bringing It Home

Pondering the Passage:

What is the main point of the passage?

Learn

What did I learn?

Where has my thinking, beliefs, and values been challenged in this passage?

Do I find any of the characteristics ways of thinking or behaving of the ungodly in my life?

List and describe those areas in which I struggle.

Love

What does this passage teach me about God?

Has my thinking about God changed?

How have I learned to love God more and others selflessly as a result of this passage?

Have I learned ways that I have acted unlovingly towards others that I must change?

Live

What are the practical steps that I can take to apply to what I have learned in this passage?

Where must I change?

What do I need to repent and confess?

How will pondering and personalizing this passage change how I live my life today and moving forward?

Praying the Passage (ACTS)

What specific things can I pray adoring God because of what I learned in this passage?

What specific things do I need to confess based on what I learned from this passage?

What specific things do I need to thank God for based on what I learned from this passage?

What specific things do I need to request in prayer (supplication) based on what I learned from this passage?