Paul’s Prayer for the Saints
…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,… (Ephesians 1: 17)
Paul’s letter to the saints of Ephesus is about the walk of the disciple of Christ. He encourages them to recognize the significance of their calling not only as it pertains to life after death but also as it applies to their everyday walk.
As heirs of God who are sealed by His Holy Spirit they need to be reminded of the commitment to Christ that was made at salvation. Keeping this in mind and heart would move them toward the fulfillment of God’s purpose in the life of the disciple as one who glorifies God by walking worthy of the calling he has received.
In this process of spiritual transformation Paul prays that they may have …the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,… As the disciple grows in this wisdom and revelation he will gain the knowledge of three things: 1) …the hope of His calling… ( v. 18).
The New Testament word “hope” is always connected to the plan of God. Unlike our English use of the word “hope,” this biblical use is of a sure thing that God has and will accomplish. He has called us to both salvation and to sanctification. Spiritual growth is an indicator of true salvation.
2) …the riches of the glory of His inheritance… (v. 18). While the culture around us cries out that we need the wealth of this world, understanding what we have in Christ settles us into that daily crucified life that He has called us to (Luke 9: 23). Pursuing anything outside of “… the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6: 33) is idolatry.
3) …the exceeding greatness of His power … (v. 19). This is the source of the overcomer’s victorious life. It is the power of God that brought about Christ’s resurrection and exaltation (v. 20), a power that is above any and all of our enemies (v. 21). God has provided us with everything that we need to live the victorious Christian life.
Are we …increasing in wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him..? This knowledge becomes true wisdom as we live it out in the everyday of life, bringing glory to God and inviting others to do the same. Dr. Joe Olachea is Senior Pastor of Lakes Community Church in Medford, NJ and serves on the Board of Trustees of America’s Keswick
Keswick, America’s (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 8527-8552). . Kindle Edition.
Think About This: A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you. So carve you name on hearts, and not on marble. C H Spurgeon
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Psalm 63:5-6
Freedom Fighters 