In the first verses of Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church we read about God’s grace freely given to all believers through the Holy Spirit, the seal of God’s everlasting love, a deposit toward the great inheritance promised onto us by our divine father.
Paul, having just confirmed his readers are marked by the Holy Spirit, now commends his audience.
“15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:15-16)
While Paul seemingly was not an actual witness of the faith and love portrayed by his readers, he never the less praises them and mentions they are in continually in his prayers.
The apostle then shares his desire for the Ephesians to be blessed with wisdom and revelation from God almighty so that we may get closer to Him.
“17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Praying for his readers to be spiritually enlightened through the “eyes of their hearts” Paul wishes for his readers to understand their mission according to God’s perfect plan.
“18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
Relying on God’s measureless power for strength, believers are called to share in the hope that is the desire to be holy and blameless. Striving for righteousness is only possible through God’s strength that dwells deep within us through the Holy Spirit.
“That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
God’s power is mighty in deed, and confirmed in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Using the Greek word “dunamis”, meaning miraculous, mighty and abundant strength, Paul affirms God’s limitless power in both the present age and that to come, according to Jewish end time beliefs divided in two periods.
According to the Jews, the first period of the end times is the “present time” while the “age to come” will be the time of the “Messiah”, the “Coming one.”
“22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Paul identifies Jesus as the head of the body, head of the church. By “church” Paul refers to the family headed by Christ rather than any particular denomination, assembly or building.
Giving thanks for the saints’ faith in Jesus Christ and praying for us to receive the gift of revelation and wisdom from the Father, we are called to do the same, loving one another just as our father loves us. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through trials,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Fill our hearts Lord with revelation, kindness, with wisdom,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
