Of the three realities Paul longed for the church to realize, this last one seems to have pressed most deeply upon his heart, which is why he expanded upon it more than the first two. What would God’s people be if they knew of God’s great power toward them? Consider God's power.
Read moreKnow God's Power, Ephesians 1:19
The third, and final, request of Paul in this opening prayer is for the church to know the profound power of God “toward us who believe.” To add emphasis and color to this power, Paul unleashes an arsenal of words...
Read moreBecome United To The Reality Of His Riches (Ephesians 1:18)
Now we come to Paul’s second prayer for the church, that we would know of the inheritance God has given us. Paul referred to the inheritance as “riches” six times in Ephesians. This wealth is not material, but spiritual...
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Read moreUnited To Reality — His Calling, Ephesians 1:18-19
Paul continued his prayer for revelation with three specific requests. Three realities stood out in Paul’s mind. He believed that, if the church knows these realities — deeply, inwardly — the church would be strong. So he prayed for revelation concerning these three truths, the first of which we will discuss here...
Read moreUnited To Reality — Through Enlightenment, Ephesians 1:15-18
When the Syrian army encamped against Elisha’s home, his servant saw them first. Trembling, he ran to Elisha. Elisha exhorted him, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Elisha then prayed for his servant: “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see" (2 Kings 6:16-17)...
Read moreUnited To Blessings — Location And Purpose, Ephesians 1:3-14
Before moving to the next portion of Paul’s letter, we must ask two questions of the blessings Paul has already spoken of (see Ephesians 1:3-14). First, where are they located? And second, why are they given?
Read moreUnited To Blessings — From The Spirit, Ephesians 1:13-14
Each of the blessings Paul lists in Ephesians 1:3-14 can only be understood from a spiritual vantage point, for they are spiritual blessings. Fortunately, one of the greatest blessings God gives is His Spirit.
Read moreUnited To Blessings — From The Son, Ephesians 1:7-12
Next, Paul moves from the spiritual blessings from God the Father to the spiritual blessings from God the Son. The first blessing believers have received from the Son is that of redemption and forgiveness...
Read moreUnited To Blessings — From The Father, Ephesians 1:4-6
Here, Paul runs on with his sentence of praise regarding the blessings which come from God. He first focuses on blessings from God the Father, next the Son, and finally the Spirit. To describe the blessing which come from the Father he uses two concepts which boggle the mind, God’s choice and predestination...
Read moreUnited To Blessings — Spiritual Blessings, Ephesians 1:3
Paul begins Ephesians with a long song of praise to God, for praise is what is meant by the word “blessed.” God is to be blessed. Paul aims to worship. His song starts here and ends, without stopping, at the fourteenth verse. So Ephesians opens with a run-on sentence of praise. Paul is clearly in love with God, praising and blessing and worshipping His glorious name.
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