Ephesians 1:15-20 – A Message Of Hope

Introduction

The book of Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus. It is a letter of encouragement, exhortation, and instruction. In chapter 1, Paul gives thanks for the faith and love of the Ephesian believers, and he prays for their spiritual growth and understanding. In verses 15-20, we find a beautiful prayer that reveals Paul’s heart for the church.

Verse 15 – Thanksgiving for Faith and Love

In verse 15, Paul begins by giving thanks for the Ephesian believers’ faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints. This is a common theme throughout the New Testament – believers are called to have faith in Christ and love for one another. Paul is grateful that the Ephesian church is living out these important principles.

Verse 16 – Thanksgiving for the Ephesians

In verse 16, Paul continues his prayer of thanksgiving, expressing his gratitude for the Ephesians’ faithfulness in prayer. He acknowledges that he has heard of their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints. Paul is encouraged to hear that the church is actively praying for one another.

Verse 17 – Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Understanding

In verse 17, Paul begins his request for the Ephesians. He prays that God would give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. This is a prayer for spiritual understanding – Paul wants the Ephesians to know God more deeply and intimately.

Verse 18 – The Hope of His Calling

In verse 18, Paul continues his prayer for the Ephesians, asking that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened. He wants them to know the hope of His calling. This hope is not just a wishful thinking or a vague optimism – it is the confident expectation of God’s promises. Paul wants the Ephesians to understand the incredible hope that they have in Christ.

Verse 19 – The Riches of His Inheritance

In verse 19, Paul continues his prayer by asking that the Ephesians would know the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. This power is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of the Father. Paul wants the Ephesians to understand the incredible power that is available to them through Christ.

Verse 20 – Christ’s Authority and Dominion

In verse 20, Paul concludes his prayer by reminding the Ephesians of Christ’s authority and dominion. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all principality and power and might and dominion. This is a powerful reminder that Christ is in control, and that nothing can stand against Him.

Application – What Ephesians 1:15-20 Means for Us Today

So, what does this passage mean for us today? First, it reminds us of the importance of faith in Christ and love for one another. These are foundational principles that we must continue to live out in our daily lives. Second, it reminds us of the power of prayer. The Ephesian believers were faithful in prayer, and Paul recognized the importance of this. We too should be faithful in prayer, lifting up one another and seeking God’s will in our lives. Finally, this passage reminds us of the incredible hope and power that we have in Christ. We can be confident in His promises, knowing that He is in control and that nothing can stand against Him. We have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead, and we can live in victory through Him.

Conclusion

Ephesians 1:15-20 is a powerful prayer that reveals Paul’s heart for the church at Ephesus. It reminds us of the importance of faith in Christ, love for one another, and the power of prayer. It also reminds us of the incredible hope and power that we have in Christ. As we read and meditate on this passage, may we be encouraged and strengthened in our walk with the Lord.