We begin today’s lesson with Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving for the brethren in the church in Ephesus. He prayed to God to grant them a deeper understanding of Christian faith and the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they would know Him more. He pointed out that it is only those who are led by the Spirit of God that can understand the mystery of God, which is fully embedded in Christ.
Paul was thankful to God for these faithful believers, whose faith in Christ and love for fellow believers were commendable (Ephesians 1:15-16). He prayed for them regularly that God would give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to grow more in the knowledge of Christ (v.17). It is obvious from the passage that Paul’s heart was glad to hear of the faith and love of these Christians in Ephesus. By praying for revelation in the knowledge of Christ, Paul was asking God to grant the believers the full revelation of Christ, His righteousness and other benefits in Him.
• Why is it important for believers to strike a balance between the wisdom of God (revelation of the Holy Spirit) and the wisdom of this world (intellectual ability?)
Paul’s prayer particularly in verse 18, was for enlightenment to know the extent of God’s power: He said, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” Paul’s prayer in this verse is very important because through the eyes of the heart (Spiritual revelation), believers will be able to understand the following: the hope of God’s calling, the riches of His inheritance and the greatness of His power for those who believe (v.19)
• What can we individually and corporately do to ensure that the power of Christ is acknowledged by unbelievers?
• We should pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God more
• We should live to demonstrate the power of God towards us.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17.
