A Prayer That We Might Know God’s…Calling, Riches, Power
Sermon Series in Ephesians 1:15-23
A Prayer That We Might Know
Paul says wherefore I also, or for this reason. He’s talking about all the blessings he’s already laid out in the previous statement, Ephesians 1 :3-14. He is continuously in prayer for them. He has even heard a good report about their conduct. They are living the Christian life. The two main things we are supposed to do as Christians; have faith in Jesus and love our neighbors. They are getting it. But there is more, that’s the starting point. They and we are to continue to grow in the faith and knowledge of Christ. Grow in Christian maturity.
He told the Philippians this:
Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Even the apostle Paul had not attained complete knowledge of God and His Word.
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;”
Ephesians 1:17-18a
Spiritual Understanding
The apostle Paul prays for God to open the eyes of their hearts. That they may have wisdom and God would reveal to them knowledge. So they might really dig deep with their knowledge and understanding of God.
Paul Mentions Three Specific Things He Prays For
To Know God’s Calling
The church in Ephesus, and our churches today, are “called out”. The word Ekklesia is a Greek word translated as “church” in the New Testament. It means a called out assembly or congregation. Called out and set apart to do God’s Will and show Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”
1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”
Paul prayed if we can know and understand our calling we will realize the meaning of being a lighthouse in the world of darkness.
To Know God’s Riches
Not just our riches but that we are of His Glory and inheritance. Paul mentions His Glory and Grace back in verse 6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
John 17:24 “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”
Colossians 3:4 “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
We will be part of His glory. Christ actually desires us to be there with Him.
Paul’s prayer is also for understanding of our position as adopted children of God. We have an inheritance with Jesus.
To Know God’s Power
Paul’s prayer was for the Ephesians and subsequently us, to know and have confidence in God’s awesome power. God’s power and strength is available to us as we walk in this world of darkness. We can’t stand on our own. When we leave things to ourselves, without God’s help, we fail. Just like these apostles did with Jesus in the garden. Jesus told them to watch with Him while He prayed. Jesus comes back to find them asleep.
Matthew 26:40-41 “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
We may have good intentions, but our flesh is weak. Paul’s prayer included a knowledge and understanding of God’s Power. Resurrection power is available to us.
“that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.”
EPHESIANS 1:18b-19
In Christ, Who is Above All and Head of the Church
In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we see God’s unequaled power in the ministry of Jesus. And then in Acts we see that same power working through the church, and Christ is the head of the church.
Ephesians 1:20-22 “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church”
1 Corinthians 12:12 “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”
We work and serve God through a local church and Jesus is head of His church and has been set above all.
The Ephesians lived in a city of power, ruled over by idolatry, witchcraft, magic, and demonic powers. Much like the cities we live in today. Jesus has been given all power and set above things. The resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead also powered the Ephesians to over come the darkness surrounding them in their city. We too are surrounded by darkness but through Jesus we can shine His light in our cities today.
“Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
EPHESIANS 1:23