Daily Devotional Saturday 5th September 2020
by William Moody
Ephesians 1:15–21
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love1 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 the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 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, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 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.
Footnotes
[1] 1:15
Some manuscripts omit your love (ESV)
Paul is remembered as a great preacher and theologian, but he was also a great man of prayer. He now speaks of his prayer for the Ephesians. His praying for others is inspired by hearing of their faith and love (v15-16). His longing is that they will glorify Christ by continuing to be faithful to Him.
Paul’s particular prayer here is for these believers to grow in their experience and knowledge of Christ (v17). Being saved is just the beginning, Christians need to be growing spiritually in a deepening relationship with Christ.
Paul is praying for these people to know more about their glorious inheritance that they have in Christ (v18). The saying, “So heavenly minded, of no earthly use”, is rubbish to Paul. True heavenly mindedness focusing on Christ is the most practical of all things as it empowers serving Christ.
Paul now shares something which is staggering but also a great encouragement in living the Christian life (v19-20). The power of God that raised Christ from the dead, that mazing power is the same power that works in every believer. When we grasp this wonderful truth, what is then the potential for our lives? What is the potential of how Christ can change and use us? Pray about this with great expectation.
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