Paul's Prayer For The Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15-23)
Mr. Jeremiah Mooney, May 21, 2017Part of the Morning Worship at North Greenville Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
The opening of Chapter 1 give us a panoramic view of God's sovereignty in salvation. We contribute nothing to our salvation. Paul prays for the church starting in vs. 15. If God is sovereign, why pray? Paul acknowledges God's saving grace, but then he prays for his spiritual brethren. So should we. The components are thanksgiving, petition, praise. Paul thanks God for their faith (even though God provided this through His grace). We should give thanks for the fruits of faith in our own bretheren near and far. Paul then prays for spirit of wisdom and revelation (illumination, not dreams and visions). Growth in experience of what they have in Christ. Gaining a deep knowledge of what is recorded in God's Word; having the eyes of their hearts enlightened. There are three aspects: hope, riches and power. Not a "maybe," but the assurance of the promises of Christ. The riches we possess are Christ's glorious inheritance in His people--His imputed righteousness upon us. The power of God at work in His redeemed, that sanctifies and perseveres us in the face of criticism and persecution. Praise is the third prayer component, for Christ's resurrection and glorification. We also share in this power that makes Christ the eternal King of all the nations.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « Living Stones | None | Transformation And Contentment » |
Ephesians 1:15–23 (Listen)
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 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, 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, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked 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 above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things 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.
(ESV)