Ephesians 1:15-23: "I Keep Asking"

Ephesians 1:15-23: "I Keep Asking"

SOMETIMES PRAYER CAN be like pushing a full wheelbarrow—with no wheel. At other times it's like rushing down the rapids of a mountain river. What makes the difference? In this passage, we'll see why Paul's prayers overflow with praise and thanksgiving.

Warming Up to God

Talk to God about the times prayer was hard for you. Describe your disappointment or pain. Take time to allow him to listen to you fully.

Read Ephesians 1:15-23. »

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love^[f] toward all the saints,

16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

18having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know
(1) what is the hope to which he has called you,
(2)what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and
(3) what is the immeasurable greatness of his power
toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, (His power raise Jesus from the dead,hence there is authority here)
21far 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.
22And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Discovering the Word

• How do Paul's prayers for his readers throughout this passage cover the past, the present and the future?
• Past? Jesus Christ died for my sins, and raised again on the 3rd day to prove that his a a living Saviour.
  
• Present? so that we believe... for what? (Jesus working thru us)
  
• Future? to do his work? or to inherit this 'glorious inheritance'? (Jesus judging us)
  

• How does Paul emphasize the tremendous power available "for us who believe" (v. 19)?
• it is the same power that raises Jesus CHrist from dead! it is the same power that i have in me today! (1john4:4)
  
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• How do verses 20-23 expand on Paul's discussion of Christ's headship begun in verses 9-10?
• Father has given Jesus Christ the authority to rule both heaven and earth ; His will and purpose has already put Jesus Christ in place a long time ago to be the head of the church!
  
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• How is the church, the body of believers, central to God's plans for the universe (vv. 22-23)? i am now part of his body.... the fullness of him has filled this part of His Body , which is me. meaning: i am now in christ, and is expected to live like him, holy and blameless(v4)... so that ppl can give praise of his glory(v14 and matt 5;16)
  

Applying the Word

• When you pray for fellow Christians, how do you usually pray for them?
• short? sweet? insincere?
  
• In what ways would you like your prayers to be more like Paul's?
• Prayer be more Christ-centered. Recognise that Jesus can work thru this person. recognising that the spirit works and IS working thru HIS ppl. and it is not a dead spirit... it is a powerful and alive spirit! the same spirit that has risen Jesus Christ from death.
  
• All this for a purpose: for the glory of God, of our glorious inheritance with HIm!
  
• How could you make the church a more central part of your life?
• active participation, active obedience to do His will in church, to pray more for the saints! to let him work thru me to reach out fellow bros and sis, and the sinners-at-large!
  
• i am now a part of him, i must learn to forgive and to bless others in the body. conflict starts because we dont feel part of Him,"if we are truly a body of Christ, and if we cant learn to forgive one another, then who will?" Help me learn to accept people whom i dun like or dun love! Christ is working thru me today!
  
• NOT TO JUDGE THE LEADERS!!!! YOU RYAN CHIA KAY YONG! YOU MUST NOT JUDGE YOUR LEADERS IN CHURCH! YOU MUST LEARN TO SUBMIT TO THEM!
  

Responding in Prayer

Pray for Christ's church and individuals in your church, following Paul's example.

For Further Study

Prayer by John White