Theme: Our Eternal Foundation, Part 4 – Every Spiritual Blessing is In Christ

Paul continues his prayer that we started looking at in verses 15-16. In these verses, his prayer turns from thanksgiving to request for the Ephesian believers, that they would continually understand more of all they were given in Jesus Christ the moment they were saved.

This morning, we looked at 2 of the 3 things that Paul wanted the Ephesian believers to understand:

Listen

The Greatness of Gods Salvation Scheme (verses 17-18).

The Hubble telescope recently discovered the most distant light from earth known to humanity: it is 13 billion light years away, or 13 billion times 6 million miles. This is humanly incomprehensible and awe-inspiring. But Scripture tells us that our value and who we are in Christ is far more incomprehensible than that!

We will spend all of eternity continuing to learn about the riches we have received in Christ. Paul’s prayer is that we at least begin this process now. All believers, whether newly or long- saved, weak or strong, have the same measureless inheritance in them. As we grow in knowledge of these riches, that is how we mature in the faith. We got all we needed of Jesus at salvation; now we go out and live in His strength.
Paul prays for “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation.” What do each of these words mean? It’s important to know that this is properly translated “a spirit,” meaning a disposition or attitude. Wisdom is applying biblical knowledge to life, and revelation is a grammatical synonym here indicating God’s Word. Paul prays that believers would be inclined toward learning and living wisdom through God’s revelation.
Verse 18 mentions “the eyes of your heart.” In Pauline language, the heart referred to the center for knowledge, understanding, thinking, and wisdom. He is not talking about the center of the emotions. Information and doctrine must come first, and then joy will follow through doing what you know. Emphasizing primarily emotions is dangerous.
The phrases “the hope of His calling” and “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” refer to the riches listed earlier in Ephesians 1:3-14. The only way you will even begin to thoroughly learn these is through personal study of your own; attending church, even 4 times a week, will simply not do it.

The Greatness of God’s Supremacy (verse 19-20).
Synonyms in these verses are power, working, strength, and might, which we will explain more next week.
God’s supremacy is shown in the resurrection, our miraculous salvation, and how God’s people live distinct from the culture.

• How spiritually mature are you? Our ability to walk with God has everything to do with how much we study Christ, and the only way to do that is through the Bible. How consistently are you in the Word? How can you improve your personal Bible study?
• How much do you know and understand of the riches of inheritance that we have in Christ? Again, this happens through personal Bible study and additional learning outside of regular church services. Consider taking a GLBI class this year to aid your own study.
• Does your life show that you live in resurrection power? In a secular workplace or educational environment, how are you distinct? Pray that you would understand and live more and more of God’s surpassing power.

Tools for Further Study
Cross References to Explore:

• Matthew 5:3 – a disposition of Christians.
• 2 Peter 1:3 – There is nothing we face spiritually that God hasn’t already equipped us for in Jesus Christ.
• Luke 24:31-32 – The disciples’ hearts burned when hearing information, but they couldn’t understand the significance without the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment.

A Hymn to Encourage: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.

Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,
ye ransomed from the fall,
hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all.

Let every kindred, every tribe
on this terrestrial ball,
to him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all.

O that with yonder sacred throng
we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
and crown him Lord of all.