1/1/18

"THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS" Paul's Prayer For The Ephesians (1:15-20) by Mark Copeland

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS"

                Paul's Prayer For The Ephesians (1:15-20)

INTRODUCTION

1. We have seen Paul describe how richly blessed we are in Christ in the
   "doxology" of verses 3-14 in this first chapter of Ephesians.

2. Paul now proceeds to reveal what sort of things he has been praying 
   for on behalf the Ephesians...
   a. Paul does the same thing in his epistles to the Philippians and 
      Colossians - cf. Php 1:9-11; Col 1:9-12
   b. In noticing such prayers, I find it helpful to remember that Paul
      is writing by inspiration
      1) I.e., the things mentioned were not just Paul's desire for his 
         readers, but the desire of God as well!
      2) And in most cases, what concerns are expressed in these prayers
         are just as applicable to us as they were to the original 
         recipients of these epistles

3. With that thought in mind (i.e., Paul's prayer is God's desire for us
   as well), let's take a close look at this prayer...

[Beginning with a recognition of their faith and love (verse 15) and a
mention of his unceasing thankfulness for them (verse 16), Paul then
states that in his prayers his concern for the Ephesians is...]

I. THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW GOD (17)

   A. TO "KNOW" GOD IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE...
      1. More important than human wisdom, glory, or might 
         - cf. Jer 9:23-24
      2. It is eternal life itself! - Jn 17:3
      3. Failure to know God will lead to everlasting destruction! -
         2Th 1:7-9
      -- Of course, we are speaking here of knowledge that comes through
         close and personal association, not casual awareness

   B. THIS KNOWLEDGE OF GOD COMES BY "A SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND
      REVELATION" (17)
      1. Paul could have reference here to either the Holy Spirit 
         Himself, or a spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit gives
      2. In either case, it likely refers to that process that was still
         going on in the first century, where the Spirit of truth was 
         guiding the apostles and early Christians into all the truth 
         (cf. Jn 16:13; 1Jn 2:20,27)
      3. Today, we have the full and final revelation in the pages of 
         God's Word, where we can go to learn the truth about God (e.g.,
         cf. Ep 3:3-4)

[Do you "know" God?  Many people know "about" God, but it is God's will
that we come to know "Him".  Through the Word of God as we have it
today, you can allow  the "spirit of wisdom and revelation" give you
that "saving knowledge" of God Himself!

We now observe that Paul's concern for the Ephesians included their
"eyes being opened"...]

II. THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE HOPE OF GOD'S CALLING (18a)

   A. IN CHRIST, WE HAVE BEEN "CALLED" BY GOD...
      1. This "calling" occurred through the preaching of the gospel -
         2Th 2:14
      2. God is "calling" us into His own kingdom and glory - 1Th 2:12
      3. We have been "called" out of darkness into God's marvelous
         light - 1Pe 2:9

   B. PAUL'S DESIRE IS THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE "HOPE" OF THIS CALLING...
      1. The word "hope" means "desire with expectation"
      2. What is the expectant desire of this "calling" by God?
         a. Paul has already revealed some of this hope in verses 4-5
            1) To be holy and without blame
            2) To be adopted as sons
         b. Paul will reveal more about it later in the epistle - cf. 
            Ep 2:19-22
      3. In this way, Paul is helping to fulfill his own prayer by the 
         writing of this epistle

[Do we appreciate the "hope" of God's calling?  Again, it is through the
revealed Word of God (like this epistle to the Ephesians) that we are 
able to have our own eyes enlightened.  There is no reason for us to be 
ignorant of our wonderful "hope"!

In addition to their knowing the "hope of His calling", Paul prays...]

III. THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE RICHES OF GOD'S INHERITANCE (18b)

   A. PAUL HAS ALREADY MADE REFERENCE TO...
      1. The fact that we were predestined to adoption as sons - Ep 1:5
      2. The fact that we have obtained an inheritance - Ep 1:11
      3. The fact that the Holy Spirit was given as a guarantee 
         - Ep 1:14

   B. HE WILL WRITE MORE CONCERNING OUR "INHERITANCE" LATER ON...
      1. Speaking of the exceeding riches of God's grace in the ages to 
         come - Ep 2:7
      2. Speaking of how Gentiles can be "fellow heirs" - Ep 2:12-13;
         3:7

[Again we see how Paul by writing this epistle is attempting to help 
answer his own prayer for the Ephesians.

There is one more thing that Paul wanted the Ephesians, and if the way 
he elaborates is an indication of its importance then Paul more than all
else prayed...]

IV. THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE POWER OF GOD (19-20)

   A. A "POWER" DESCRIBED AS...
      1. Exceedingly great ("the exceeding greatness")
      2. Shown toward those who believe ("toward us who believe")
      3. In accordance with the same power that...
         a. Raised Jesus from the dead!
         b. Seated Him at the right hand of God in the "heavenly places"
            (cf. Ep 1:3)
      -- How can it be said that such power is available to us who 
         believe?  (The next section suggests how)

   B. CONCERNING THIS GREAT "POWER"...
      1. Paul gives an example in Ep 2:1-6
         a. We who were "dead in trespasses" (2:1-3) were "made alive"
            (4-5) and "raised up" (6)
         b. I.e., in Christ we who were spiritually dead have been made 
            spiritually alive - cf. Col 2:12-13
         c. This may not sound as impressive as being raised from the 
            dead physically (as Jesus was), but it cannot happen without
            the same sort of Divine Power!
         d. As Jesus said when He raised the paralytic, "Which is 
            easier...?" - Mt 9:2-8
            1) To raise the sick (and the dead), or to forgive sins (and
               make the spiritually dead spiritually alive)?
            2) Both require Divine Power!
      2. Paul speaks of its source in Ep 3:16
         a. It is through God's Spirit in the inner man that we can be 
            "strengthened with might"
         b. Just as we were "renewed" by the Spirit upon our baptism - 
            Jn 3:5; Tit 3:5
         c. So we can be strengthened by the Spirit in our daily battles
            against sin - Ro 8:12-13
      3. Paul speaks of its greatness in Ep 3:20
         a. It comes from Him (God) "who is ABLE to do"
         b. With ability that is "exceedingly", "abundantly", "above 
            all" that we ask or think!
         c. Such ability is "according to the power that works IN us" 
            - cf. Ep 3:16 ("through His Spirit in the inner man")
      4. Finally, Paul charges the Ephesians to stand strong in this 
         power in Ep 6:10ff
         a. By putting on the "armor of God" - Ep 6:11a
         b. For we are in a battle against the devil and his forces - 
            Ep 6:11a-13 (dare we fight this battle dependent upon our 
            own strength alone?)
         c. The "armor of God" described - Ep 6:14-18

CONCLUSION

1. It appears that Paul followed that saying "Pray as though it all 
   depends upon God, but work as though it all depends upon you!"
   a. For while he prayed for the Ephesians that they might know...
      1) God
      2) The hope of God's calling
      3) The riches of God's inheritance
      4) The power of God
   b. Paul takes it upon himself (with the aid of inspiration, of 
      course) to write of these things in this epistle

2. How is our knowledge of God, the hope of His calling, His riches, His
   power?
   a. Certainly it is God's will that we increase in our understanding, 
      appreciation, and application of these blessings!
   b. With the help of God's Word, especially a book like Ephesians, we
      can grow in all these things!

But before growth can occur, there must be life.  Have you been "made 
alive together with Christ"? - cf. Ep 2:5-6; Col 2:12-13

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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What does God require of us? by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/031-require.html
What does God require of us?
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).

God has shown us what is good.
Man has a general knowledge of good and evil. According to Romans 1:18-32, man has sufficient knowledge about God and about righteousness to be held responsible for his actions. This applies to all men, including those who do not have God's written word.
In Scripture it is assumed that we can recognize good and evil: "Depart from evil and do good" (Psalm 34:14). "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God" (3 John 11). "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil" (1 Peter 3:10-12).
Since God has shown us what is good, He holds us responsible: "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).
In judgment we must give account for what we have done. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14).
What does God require of us? "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we do justly.
"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother' " (Zechariah 7:9). "For I, the LORD, love justice" (Isaiah 61:8). "To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice" (Proverbs 21:3).
"It is a joy for the just to do justice" (Proverbs 21:15). "Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!" (Psalm 106:3). "So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually" (Hosea 12:6). "Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24).
What does God require of us? "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we love mercy.
To love mercy includes appreciation for God's mercy and a willingness to extend mercy to others.
"The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy" (Psalm 147:11). "Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy" (Psalm 33:18). "Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You" (Psalm 33:22). "I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy" (Psalm 31:7).
If we truly love mercy, we will be merciful to others. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7). "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).
"The wisdom that is from above is ... full of mercy" (James 3:17). "He who shows mercy" is to do so "with cheerfulness" (Romans 12:8).
What does God require of us? "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we walk humbly with Him.
"Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God" (Genesis 6:9).
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12,13).
To walk with God means to walk in all His ways and to be in continual fellowship with Him.
A mortal man who walks with God must do so humbly. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5,6).
"Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies" (Psalm 25:8-10).
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10). "For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation" (Psalm 149:4). "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:5-7).
What does God require of us? "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).
Roy Davison
The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers.
Permission for reference use has been granted.
Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Just a couple of words... by Gary Rose


Fireworks and introspection; two words that pretty much describe New Year's for me. The passage of time affects us all, like the celebration of our birthdays and how much our children have grown.

In light of these things, consider the words of the apostle Paul and those of Jesus...


 Philippians, Chapter 4 (World English Bible)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”

 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.  9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 

Matthew, Chapter 10, (WEB)
 24  “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.  25  It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!   26  Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known.   27  What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.   28  Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.


Paul admonished his fellow Christians to rejoice in the Lord, to reflect upon positive concepts and to live as he did. Jesus told his followers to also be like him, but the difference between the two is that Jesus is LORD! Reflect on that awhile and then take another look at that "mirror" picture. If you can answer "YES" to the question it poses, fine, if not, 2018 presents you with an opportunity to change things.

Don't waste the time God has given you- be all you can be!!!