Book of Ephesians
Part 5
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
I. Ephesians 1
A.(Ephesians 1:15-18) – Paul in v3-14 tells us about the past work of the Father, the present work of Jesus and the future work of the Holy Spirit in us. In v15-23 he tells the Father about us – in prayer.
1. (v15-16) Thanksgiving and prayer
a. (v15) (Why?) Paul heard of their faith and love and prayed because things were good.
b. (v16) (When?) continual thanks and prayers
~(ref. Rom. 1:9; 1 Cor. 1:4)
~(1 Thess. 5:17)
2. (v17) (What?) the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him
a. Paul prayers about the root not the fruit.
b. (2 Pet. 1:2-4)
3. (v18a) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
a. Behavioral modification vs. heart transformation; reasoning vs. revelation.
~(2 Cor. 4:4, 6)
b. Understanding being enlightened
~(John 1:4-5; Acts 26:18 AMP; Eph. 5:8)
4. (v18b) that you may know (1) what is the hope of His calling (2) what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
a. (1) (Col. 1:3-6; Tit. 2:13)
~(Eph. 4:1 NIV; Rom. 8:28 NIV)
b. (2) (Eph. 1:11; Rom. 8:17)
[Pastor Lee Stokes]