[I am praying that God] may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 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, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 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.

Ephesians 1:15-23 

[I am praying that God] may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 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, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 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. Ephesians 1:16-21

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 1:15-23 where Paul thanks the church at Ephesus for their faith and love of those in the church, and also prays for the church to have the wisdom to appreciate what their faith provides for them.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  V17: God is the source of wisdom and knowledge - all good and perfect gifts are from above (James 1:17) - we must pray that He help give us wisdom and knowledge.  Scripture gives us this wisdom and knowledge because it is the basis for our faith, and our relationship with Him.  He renews our minds through our knowledge of Him and aligns our thoughts and desires to be like His (Romans 12:2).  V18: God gives us hope and a rich inheritance - this same inheritance (e.g. eternal life, etc.) that is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Vv19-20: God gives us power that is "immeasurab[ly] great" and it is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and "seated him at [God's] right hand in the heavenly places." V21: God does not just reign - He does so at a level that humanity cannot fathom - God rules "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named...." eternally.  V22: God put everything under Christ's feet and made Him head of the church and the church is His body.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv15-16: Paul thanks the church in Ephesus for their faith - once again - see post yesterday;  he also prays for them in vv17-23 that they have wisdom from God to appreciate what their faith provides to them. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Ultimately, as Revelation 2:4-5 points out, the faith of the church in Ephesus weakens and this happens to everyone - we must avoid weakened faith by remaining in Him and a focusing on spiritual disciplines of corporate worship, prayer, daily study of His Word, etc. We must claim the promise of our guaranteed rich inheritance in Christ. We should follow the example of those with faith and those who love God and others (most important commandments).  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God reveals Himself through Your Word and through the Holy Spirit who guides us and renews our mind. Thank You for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out every day for me.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.