I know it has been a while since I have posted.  I have had some more issues with focus and found it more and more difficult to read and stay focused on a task of late, but the Lord has helped me with a solution; a workaround if you will.  Now I listen to the Word as I read it and that seems to be helping quite a bit.  With this fresh start, I have felt compelled to study in Ephesians.

Ephesians is one of my many favorite books in the new testament. It contains so much in such a short book, and God keeps me hanging on every Word.

As I read this book, I feel that I am lead through an introduction to the mysteries of the new covenant of Jesus.  Paul’s letter, in my eyes, reminds the Ephesians of the wonder of this gift that they have received.  Every word I read is filled with passion and a yearning by Paul that they do not miss the significance of the gift they have received.

Today I was caught up in Ephesians 1 and 2.

Ephesians 1 – Spiritual Blessings in Christ

I love how Paul prays for everyone.  Almost every letter he wrote had a prayer and many opened with one.  He opens Ephesians with a powerful explanation of our blessings followed by a prayer of thanksgiving.  I read the first few lines, and my heart aches with joy.

Ephesians 1:3-4 (ESV)

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

Paul is speaking with boldness to this church reminding them of the things for which they should be thankful.  As I read it, I too am reminded.  These two verses do not just apply to Ephesus; they apply to all that believe in Jesus Christ and Paul reminds us with every word.

Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV)

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight ⁹ making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

What a glorious gift we have and Jesus used Paul to share all this wisdom and all these mysteries with us.  The Ephesians met with him face to face and through his writings.  We are inspired by the Word of God shared through Paul in this and all his letters.

Ephesians 1- The Inheritance

Paul reminds of the inheritance we have received through Jesus and the Cross.  He reminds us that we are chosen.

Ephesians 1:11-14 (ESV)

¹¹ In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. ¹³ In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

This inheritance was sealed by the Holy Spirit.  He opens our minds to the Word of God and gives us understanding that we could not fathom without his help.  After the blessing came the Prayer.

Ephesians 1 – Thanksgiving Prayer.

The introduction of this prayer causes me to pause a bit.  It is the reason for Paul’s prayer that stops me.

Ephesians 1:15-21 (ESV)

¹⁵ For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, ¹⁶ I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷ 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, 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, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might ²⁰ that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ 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.

If you look at verse 15 and 16 you will see the reason that Paul prays is not that they are struggling in their faith or poor health, but because their faith is strong and their love for other believers is renowned as well.

This one prayer was one of the prayers that added to my prayer life.  Before I came to understand this passage, my focus was almost always on those in need, but after this prayer, I realized everyone needs prayer, even those strong in the faith.  Paul explains the things that we should be praying for other believers.  What a vital message he left in this prayer for us all.

Closing Thoughts

What a powerful foundation our Heavenly Father laid in this letter through His servant Paul.  Paul opened with a reminder of the blessing received by accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believing in him.  He reminded us of the gift of the Holy Spirit received when we repented and were baptized accepting the truth of the Gospel and Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

All the blessings he spoke of are so amazing that it is hard for me to grasp it all and without the gift of the Holy Spirit it would be impossible.  I am so blessed.  I am a blood bought son of God purchased by the blood of His Son Jesus Christ who now lives in me.

That is so powerful, but the part that surprised me was how the prayer was so humbling.  Paul prayed for the Ephesians because of their strong faith.  His prayer was that God might give them wisdom and understanding.

Paul prayed that through these things their faith may grow stronger.  As I meditated on this more and more that prayer became more and more important.  Yes, we should still pray for the sick and the suffering, but clearly, we should be praying for all believers that their wisdom and insight into knowing God might grow and with it their faith.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank you for your never-ending wisdom and your willingness to share it with us.  Father forgive me for not praying more fervently for the believers as Paul did in Ephesus.  Lord let me be sure to remember strong believers just as he did that they may grow in faith and their fruits are more plentiful.  Thank you, Father, for the wisdom of your Holy Word! In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!