Ephesians 1:15-21 is a set of verses that really encourages me. We glimpse Paul’s heart and his thankfulness for the church in Ephesus! He speaks with gratitude and hope. On top of that, he deeply desires the saints to continue their spiritual growth.
First, Paul starts by expressing his gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith in Jesus. At the same time, he also expresses thanks for their love for the saints.
“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints.” — Ephesians 1:15
His words remind us to recognize (and also appreciate) the faith and love we see in others. It’s incredibly encouraging to hear that our efforts to live out our faith are noticed and appreciated. I look at the saints in our church and see so many examples of this. Their faith in Jesus continues regardless of what hardships they go through. They never stop serving the saints. When did you last tell someone you were thankful for their faith?
Know Him Better
Next, Paul prays for the Ephesians to have a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better,
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” — Ephesians 1:16-17
This is undoubtedly a powerful prayer. Without question, we should be praying for both ourselves and others. Knowing God more profoundly changes everything. It shifts our perspective. Not only that, but it helps us understand His will and fills us with peace. When praying this for others, our hearts align with them. At the same time, it uproots hidden bitterness. Try starting your day with a simple prayer such as, “Lord, give me wisdom and revelation to know You more today. Also, I pray and thank You for (insert person’s name) in my life.”
May We Be Enlightened
Paul also prays that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened. They need to hope,
“having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.” — Ephesians 1:18-19
Hope is essential. It forever keeps us going in difficult times and gives us reason to persevere. When facing challenges, I remind myself of God’s promises and eternal hope in Him. I have memorized verses hoping they’ll help me through those times. Admittedly, this perspective makes a huge difference. Spend time each day reflecting on the hope you have in Christ.
Lastly, Paul speaks about the incomparably great power available to us who believe,
“That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” — Ephesians 1:20-21
This power is the same mighty strength that raised Christ from the dead. Imagine that! God’s power is forever at work in us. We can tap into it through prayer, faith, and obedience. Remembering this truth gives us the strength to keep going when we feel weak or inadequate.
Seek To Know Him More
All of these verses in Ephesians encourage us to appreciate faith and love in others. Equally important, we’re to seek to know God more deeply. We must indeed hold on to our hope in Christ and always rely on God’s mighty power. With that in mind, let these truths shape your daily walk with God.
What applications can you draw from these verses? Write them down, and more than that, challenge yourself this week to not just consume but also apply what you are learning!
Leaning into gratitude and hope,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor