Key Scriptures: Ephesians 1:15-23
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 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, 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 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. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Lesson One: Paul prays that the Spirit would illuminate our hearts so that we would know God.
• To move beyond knowing God in our heads—and know him in our hearts
• A superficial vs. intimate understanding of who God is
Ephesians 1:16-17, 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…
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Lesson Two: Paul prays that the Spirit would illuminate our hearts so that we would understand the greatness of God’s plan.
• The plan of God: We were chosen by God, redeemed in Christ and promised an inheritance
Ephesians 1:18, 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…
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Lesson Three: Paul prays that the Spirit would illuminate our hearts so that we would understand the greatness of God’s power.
• The explosive, operational, stronghold breaking power of God is available for those who believe in Christ Jesus
• The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to those who believe
Ephesians 1:19-20, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.
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Lesson Four: Paul prays that the Spirit would illuminate our hearts so that we would understand the greatness of God’s person.
• God’s power is matched by his majesty
• God is able and powerful enough to accomplish will through us
Ephesians 1:21-23, 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. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
2 Timothy 2:8, Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.