God has placed us in a position of privilege. Not only do we we have the benefit of the complete Scriptures, the revelation of God’s mystery, but Jesus has also given us His Holy Spirit as a seal until He returns.
Paul speaks frequently of the mysteries that have been revealed to believers. Part of the mystery is what it looks like to follow Christ: to know Him and to walk in His ways. Two of Paul’s prayers sum up his desires for the Body of Christ in accordance with these revealed mysteries.
Paul’s first prayer in Ephesians 1:17–19a is a prayer for enlightenment. He wants believers to know their position in Christ and the riches of their inheritance in Him.
Notice in this prayer the three things that become ours: the hope of God’s calling, the glory of His inheritance, and the surpassing greatness of His power. All three are His, but we partake in that. When we recognize His supremacy, the eyes of our hearts become enlightened. We realize that life is all about Him—and we live for His glory.
Paul’s second prayer in Ephesians 3:16–19 also deals with knowledge. But it focuses more on the realization of that knowledge. The more we think God’s thoughts after Him and invite the Spirit to reveal things to us, the more we will know and love God.
God strengthens us with His power, deepening our understanding and transforming us as He does so.
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Watch other videos from Ken’s Monday night study.
Ephesians 1:17–19a and Ephesians 3:16–19 are one of Paul’s four life-changing prayers, which can be found in Ken’s Spiritual Renewal Card Set.
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