Discover Hope and Power...
“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. I pray 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 his holy people,
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as
the mighty strength” Ephesians 1:17-19
The verses found in Ephesians 1:15-23 are so powerful. Paul prays specifically for
the believers to see three things: the hope, riches, and power they have in
Christ Jesus. First, he prays they would know the hope to which they, the
Ephesians, have been called. The circumstances that currently surround them would
in the dim light of the eternal hope they possess in Christ. Second, he prays
they would know the riches of God’s glorious inheritance. These riches are far
greater than mere earthly riches; the riches of His mercy and grace are
eternal. Third, Paul prays they would know the power that lives inside them.
The same power that raise Jesus from the dead now lives in those who believe.
The same is true for us. As believers our hope is in
Christ, not our current circumstances. We’ve also inherited riches: The
forgiveness we’ve received and the new life we’ve been given will never be
taken back. The gift of His mercy and grace is ours in Christ. Paul describes
the power of the Holy Spirit as immeasurable greatness. Because of the Spirit’s
immeasurable greatness, we’ve become new creations, filled with hope.
Here are a few things that stood out to me in verses 17-19:
“I keep asking” – Paul was persistent in asking God; “glorious Father” – speaks
of relationship.” Embrace our true identity in the Father; “so that you may
know Him better” – finding a deeper reason to get to know (truly know) Him; and
lastly, “His incomparably great power” – we are empowered as we discover the
Hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
As Christ Followers, we are beneficiaries of every
spiritual blessings as children of the One True God. We have assurance of
eternal life; the Holy Spirit resides in us as our guide. As believers, God has
called us as His own people.
Write out Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23. And, make
these words your own prayer by praying them out loud.
Here's a Verse Mapping tool to help you get started.
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