Ephesians 1:15-23

Set Up

Read vs. 15-16

Paul pays attention to the spiritual development of those he cared about

Continually prayed for them

Prayer is not “one and done”. There’s a continuing involvement

vs. 17

Prays that the people would know God better (have zeal)

know about God ≠ know God

John 17:3

Paul wants us to know 4 things:

Hope (vs.18)

What is hope?

Our hope is that we will be face to face with God, be filled with Him, and be like Him.

It shows us what God wants to do with our blessings: to use them for His mission

People’s worth

His inheritance = us, the one thing he doesn’t have

We have to let people know this

His power (vs.19-20)

His power is greater than all others

He has the power to turn bad things into good things

Thats good news because many of our lives are marked by mistakes and death/sin

If God brought life out of death with Jesus, then He can bring life and healing back to the mess you’ve made of your heart and your life.

(think) what part of your life needs a touch of God’s power? Your attitude? Your health? Your struggle with temptation? Your relationships? Your lifestyle choices?

The finality of Jesus’ rule (vs.20-23)

What do these verses say about Jesus?

raised from the dead, etc.

What does it mean for us?