20190526 CCC Sermon What You Need to Know

Ephesians  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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God wants his people to know him in wisdom, hope and power.

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Introduction

As we look at the text today, we see that everything we are about to see is contingent upon last week. Paul uses the phrase in verse 15, “For this reason” and that ties all of this back to what we looked at last week. If we remember, the first 14 verses of this chapter told us that "According to God’s eternal plan, God is redeeming a people for an eternal relationship to the praise of God’s glorious grace.” Because of God’s plan, Paul wanted the church in Ephesus - and us by extension if we are likewise in Christ - to know something. In fact, he wanted them to know so badly he prayed regularly for them and wrote them a letter to tell them. It is evident that Paul wanted them to know this “God wants his people to know him in wisdom, hope and power.”

Know Jesus

As we get into this, it’s important to understand that God wants his people to know him. Another way to look at that is that God wants his people to have a relationship with him. There is no other way around it, God wants a relationship with his people. He wants to know his people and for his people to know him. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship with the very one who created you and saved you. We see in verse 17 that Paul asked God to give this church the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This means Paul wanted the church to grow up in their knowledge of Christ. Although we see in verse 15 that Paul had heard of their faith, he wanted that faith to grow and wanted their relationship with Jesus to grow. This isn’t a superficial friendship. This isn’t a Facebook friendship with someone you went to high school with 40 years ago. No, Paul wants us to know Jesus in a similar way to how we know our closest friends and family. I’d argue even closer than that. I would say that we are called to know Jesus in such a way that Jesus is the closest relationship we have with anyone.
This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
We see in verse 17 that Paul asked God to give this church the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This means Paul wanted the church to grow up in their knowledge of Christ. Whereas the world says “Know Thyself”, Paul prays that the church would “Know Thy Savior”. This isn’t a superficial friendship. This isn’t a Facebook friendship with someone you went to high school with 40 years ago. No, Paul wants us to know Jesus in such a way that we know our closest friends and family. I’d argue even closer than that. I would say that we are called to know Jesus in such a way that Jesus is the closest relationship we have with anyone.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption - as is God’s plan from before time began.
Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
But, before we get into this, I think it’s worth a brief mention that God wants his people to know him. Another way to look at that is that God wants his people to have a relationship with him. There is no other way around it, God wants a relationship with his people. He wants to know his people and for his people to know him. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship with the very one who created you and saved you. It also means to be in a relationship with the local church, as Paul did not write this letter to individuals but to a group of believers in relationship with each other. Simply put, to know God by being in Christ is to be in a relationship as real as any other relationship we might have with our children, spouses or friends. We call him Father for a reason.
This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption. Now, for all of that, Paul draws our eyes to three things those who are in Christ need to know about their relationship with God. Because Paul knew these people and he cared about them, he was grateful and prayed that God would show himself in a particular way to strengthen their faith.
This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption. Now, for all of that, Paul draws our eyes to three things those who are in Christ need to know about their relationship with God. Because Paul knew these people and he cared about them, he was grateful and prayed that God would show himself in a particular way to strengthen their faith.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption. Now, for all of that, Paul draws our eyes to three things those who are in Christ need to know about their relationship with God. Because Paul knew these people and he cared about them, he was grateful and prayed that God would show himself in a particular way to strengthen their faith.
We are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption. Now, for all of that, Paul draws our eyes to three things those who are in Christ need to know about their relationship with God. Because Paul knew these people and he cared about them, he was grateful and prayed that God would show himself in a particular way to strengthen their faith.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well.
As we look at the text today, we see that everything we are about to see is contingent upon last week. Paul uses the phrase in verse 15, “For this reason” and that ties all of this back to what we looked at last week. If we remember, the first 14 verses of this chapter told us that "According to God’s eternal plan, God is redeeming a people for an eternal relationship to the praise of God’s glorious grace.” Because of God’s plan, Paul wanted the church in Ephesus - and us by extension if we are likewise in Christ - to know something. In fact, he wanted them to know so badly he prayed regularly for them and wrote them a letter to tell them. It is evident that Paul wanted them to know this “God wants his people to know him in wisdom, hope and power.”

Know Hope

As we look at the text today, we see that everything we are about to see is contingent upon last week. Paul uses the phrase in verse 15, “For this reason” and that ties all of this back to what we looked at last week. If we remember, the first 14 verses of this chapter told us that "According to God’s eternal plan, God is redeeming a people for an eternal relationship to the praise of God’s glorious grace.” Because of God’s plan, Paul wanted the church in Ephesus - and us by extension if we are likewise in Christ - to know something. In fact, he wanted them to know so badly he prayed regularly for them and wrote them a letter to tell them. It is evident that Paul wanted them to know this “God wants his people to know him in wisdom, hope and power.”
As we look at the text today, we see that everything we are about to see is contingent upon last week. Paul uses the phrase in verse 15, “For this reason” and that ties all of this back to what we looked at last week. If we remember, the first 14 verses of this chapter told us that "According to God’s eternal plan, God is redeeming a people for an eternal relationship to the praise of God’s glorious grace.” Because of God’s plan, Paul wanted the church in Ephesus - and us by extension if we are likewise in Christ - to know something. In fact, he wanted them to know so badly he prayed regularly for them and wrote them a letter to tell them. It is evident that Paul wanted them to know this “God wants his people to know him in wisdom, hope and power.”
As we look at the text today, we see that everything we are about to see is contingent upon last week. Paul uses the phrase in verse 15, “For this reason” and that ties all of this back to what we looked at last week. If we remember, the first 14 verses of this chapter told us that "According to God’s eternal plan, God is redeeming a people for an eternal relationship to the praise of God’s glorious grace.” Because of God’s plan, Paul wanted the church in Ephesus - and us by extension if we are likewise in Christ - to know something. In fact, he wanted them to know so badly he prayed regularly for them and wrote them a letter to tell them. It is evident that Paul wanted them to know this “God wants his people to know him in wisdom, hope and power.”
As we look at the text today, we see that everything we are about to see is contingent upon last week. Paul uses the phrase in verse 15, “For this reason” and that ties all of this back to what we looked at last week. If we remember, the first 14 verses of this chapter told us that "According to God’s eternal plan, God is redeeming a people for an eternal relationship to the praise of God’s glorious grace.” Because of God’s plan, Paul wanted the church in Ephesus - and us by extension if we are likewise in Christ - to know something. In fact, he wanted them to know so badly he prayed regularly for them and wrote them a letter to tell them. It is evident that Paul wanted them to know this “God wants his people to know Jesus with hope and in power.”
But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school English teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
It’s the opposite of the scene in movies and television when something happens very unexpectedly and the person says “It’s like I don’t even know you.”
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Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. I know that when certain people do certain things, it’s not that they are mad, it’s just how they tick. And in doing so allows me to But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well.
Yet, we also have to be people who put the work in as well. I just mentioned that you can’t go to Caribou and get a large latte and talk with Jesus. But, you can do that and hear from him. You can pray, journal and read the Scriptures to know more about Jesus. We can pray all we want for the Spirit to give to us wisdom and knowledge, but we need to understand that the means by which He does that is through study, worship, prayer and proclamation. We should desire to know Jesus more than we desire anything in this world and yet, if we are honest with ourselves, we don’t. Every day, we all desire something other than for ourselves and for this church to know Jesus deeply.
After I finished reading it I had an "Aha moment". I recalled writing a letter to my much older brother whose health was failing fast. We had never been close as he had estranged himself from the entire family for his entire life. I wrote that I was sorry that we had not had a relationship, and that I was sorry that I had not known him better.
And THAT is the message at the center of this book.... that knowing God has to consist of more than knowledge of His Word, scriptural verses from the Bible and following the Ten Commandments. To know God, I learned, is to have a real, vibrant and personal emotional relationship with Him; one that requires love, trust, obedience, discipline, forgiveness, guidance, respect, honor and glory! A real relationship. 1
Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school english teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.

Know Jesus

Know Jesus

Know Jesus

Know Jesus

Know Jesus

But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school english teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. I know that when certain people do certain things, it’s not that they are mad, it’s just how they tick. And in doing so allows me to But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well.
This is what it means to know Jesus with Hope. This expectancy means that we have a quiet confidence that things will work out for our good and God’s glory. Paul prays that we would understand the hope that we are called.This means that our future status and provision are provided for through Jesus and even our understanding comes from Jesus. Paul wants the church, be it in Ephesus or in Cumming, to know that her future hope and provision are both secure because of what Jesus has done and what his work has purchased for us. We are called to live by faith and that life of faith is a life filled with expectancy that God will keep his word. As one commentator writes, “Hope is the opposite of despair — it breathes a massive optimism!” 1
I know I’ve shared my frustration with the current usage of the word “hope”. It’s not “I hope the boys will let me take a nap this afternoon.” Instead, in Scripture, hope is not a wish but instead is a confident expectation. As the old hymn goes, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.” I don’t have to wish when I trust in Christ. Instead, I know where I am headed - an eternity with Jesus - and my hope is in the finished work of Christ to get me there. It’s not a wish or desire - it’s an expectation. I would never “hope” my credit card works in a foreign country. I would go saying, “My hope is that the bank told me the truth when they said my card will work there.” It’s the difference between an expectation and a wish.
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Do you expect Jesus to work in your life today and in the future? Do you expect God to keep his promises? We must be people who do that; not arrogantly as if to demand a payment from God for services rendered, but instead humbly, gratefully, trusting that God will keep his promises. We need to pray for one another that we would know that God will keep these promises - that we have a hope for all eternity and that he will provide all that we need in that - and that God will keep all his promises. This is what it means to live by hope!
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Know Riches

As we get into this, it’s important to understand that God wants his people to know him. Another way to look at that is that God wants his people to have a relationship with him. There is no other way around it, God wants a relationship with his people. He wants to know his people and for his people to know him. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship with the very one who created you and saved you. We see in verse 17 that Paul asked God to give this church the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This means Paul wanted the church to grow up in their knowledge of Christ. Although we see in verse 15 that Paul had heard of their faith, he wanted that faith to grow and wanted their relationship with Jesus to grow. This isn’t a superficial friendship. This isn’t a Facebook friendship with someone you went to high school with 40 years ago. No, Paul wants us to know Jesus in a similar way to how we know our closest friends and family. I’d argue even closer than that. I would say that we are called to know Jesus in such a way that Jesus is the closest relationship we have with anyone.
As we get into this, it’s important to understand that God wants his people to know him. Another way to look at that is that God wants his people to have a relationship with him. There is no other way around it, God wants a relationship with his people. He wants to know his people and for his people to know him. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship with the very one who created you and saved you. We see in verse 17 that Paul asked God to give this church the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This means Paul wanted the church to grow up in their knowledge of Christ. Although we see in verse 15 that Paul had heard of their faith, he wanted that faith to grow and wanted their relationship with Jesus to grow. This isn’t a superficial friendship. This isn’t a Facebook friendship with someone you went to high school with 40 years ago. No, Paul wants us to know Jesus in a similar way to how we know our closest friends and family. I’d argue even closer than that. I would say that we are called to know Jesus in such a way that Jesus is the closest relationship we have with anyone.
As we get into this, it’s important to understand that God wants his people to know him. Another way to look at that is that God wants his people to have a relationship with him. There is no other way around it, God wants a relationship with his people. He wants to know his people and for his people to know him. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship with the very one who created you and saved you. We see in verse 17 that Paul asked God to give this church the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This means Paul wanted the church to grow up in their knowledge of Christ. Although we see in verse 15 that Paul had heard of their faith, he wanted that faith to grow and wanted their relationship with Jesus to grow. This isn’t a superficial friendship. This isn’t a Facebook friendship with someone you went to high school with 40 years ago. No, Paul wants us to know Jesus in a similar way to how we know our closest friends and family. I’d argue even closer than that. I would say that we are called to know Jesus in such a way that Jesus is the closest relationship we have with anyone.
As we get into this, it’s important to understand that God wants his people to know him. Another way to look at that is that God wants his people to have a relationship with him. There is no other way around it, God wants a relationship with his people. He wants to know his people and for his people to know him. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship with the very one who created you and saved you. We see in verse 17 that Paul asked God to give this church the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This means Paul wanted the church to grow up in their knowledge of Christ. Although we see in verse 15 that Paul had heard of their faith, he wanted that faith to grow and wanted their relationship with Jesus to grow. This isn’t a superficial friendship. This isn’t a Facebook friendship with someone you went to high school with 40 years ago. No, Paul wants us to know Jesus in a similar way to how we know our closest friends and family. I’d argue even closer than that. I would say that we are called to know Jesus in such a way that Jesus is the closest relationship we have with anyone.
As we get into this, it’s important to understand that God wants his people to know him. Another way to look at that is that God wants his people to have a relationship with him. There is no other way around it, God wants a relationship with his people. He wants to know his people and for his people to know him. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship with the very one who created you and saved you. We see in verse 17 that Paul asked God to give this church the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. This means Paul wanted the church to grow up in their knowledge of Christ. Although we see in verse 15 that Paul had heard of their faith, he wanted that faith to grow and wanted their relationship with Jesus to grow. This isn’t a superficial friendship. This isn’t a Facebook friendship with someone you went to high school with 40 years ago. No, Paul wants us to know Jesus in a similar way to how we know our closest friends and family. I’d argue even closer than that. I would say that we are called to know Jesus in such a way that Jesus is the closest relationship we have with anyone.
Paul continues in this text. He prays that the church would not only know Jesus deeply and hopefully but richly as well. He says in verse 18 that he wants us to know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. If we don’t pay close attention, we might misunderstand this part. The two key words of this part of the verse are HIS and IN. The inheritance isn’t for us. Not this one. Yes, we have an inheritance, but in this case, the inheritance is Jesus’ and the inheritance is the church. Think of that! If you are in Christ, you are his rich inheritance! The one who created all things and who owns all things will receive an inheritance which are those whom he has redeemed.
This means that for those of us in Christ we are his treasure, his possession as we saw back in verse 14. You have value and worth. You are precious to Jesus. As that same commentator says, “Think of it: he owns all the heavens and numberless worlds, but we are his treasures. The redeemed are worth more than the universe. We ought to be delirious with this truth! Paul prays that we will see this with our heart’s eyes.” 1 Because Paul prays this way for this church, we too should pray for our church and her members in the same way that we would see ourselves as Jesus sees us - a valuable treasured inheritance.
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We tend to see ourselves one way. But Jesus sees us in a different way. He sees you as something valuable and precious. And while we are not worthy to be saved as we think of worthiness, we are worth saving because we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, Jesus saves us, redeems us as we talked about last week. In doing so, we become his precious treasured inheritance. That means he will receive it one day - all the praise and honor due him for what He has done for us. We are his possession, his inheritance, his riches that he looks forward to enjoying for all of eternity.
Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Do you see yourself as valuable? Do you see yourself as having worth? If you are in Christ, you are his richly prized inheritance. And if you are not, he still died and rose again to offer to you forgiveness of sins and the redemption of your soul. Listen to me - you have value and worth in the eyes of Jesus because He made you and he offers salvation to you. It is not about us as I explained last week, but our value and worth are reasons to give back to Jesus the praise of his glorious grace. Jesus is what give us value and worth. And we should love people - and pray that they see it - for this reason.

Know Power

As we continue to work our way through Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus, we see in verse 19 how he asked God to show the church the same power that he worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead. That same resurrection power that we have looked at since Easter is the power that Paul wanted them to see. Not only that we would see it but that this power is toward us who believe He raised Christ from the dead. In other words, Paul wants us to understand that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will do the exact same thing for us at the appropriate time. Paul wants us to know the power of Christ and to let that power transform our lives.
Paul makes an interesting claim here. He says that the power of Christ is immeasurably great. You cannot measure the power of Christ. It is off the charts. He is stronger than any one or anything. And Paul wants us to not only know that strength and power but he wants us to know that this power is for us. It is power that makes a blind man see, the crippled man walk and the dead man rise from the tomb. It is the power that justifies us and redeems us. It is the same power that makes us sons and daughters of God. We serve a powerful and mighty God. Moreover, in verse 22 when Paul writest that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
Moreover, in verse 22 when Paul writest that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
I am grateful that Jesus’ strength and power isn’t dependent upon my faith. I read a blog post this past week about a woman who hates flying and hates turbulence because she is convinced every time it comes they are going to crash. Jen Osman writes this in the post, “The captain doesn’t come back to my seat and say, ‘I’m sorry, ma’am, but because you doubt the soundness of this aircraft and my flying capabilities, we’re going to make an early landing and let you off in another city. You don’t get to arrive at the destination, because your trust is weak.’” 2 Thankfully, her weak faith and trust isn’t an issue for the plane to fly. That is dependent upon the pilot and the plane.
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3 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
Paul reminds them of what God had done in their midst. tells us about Paul’s time in Ephesus and about his encounter with the Sons of Sceva. It has one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture when the Sons of Sceva try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the demon says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Spiritual and demonic oppression were a reality in Ephesus, as we will see in a few weeks when Paul exhorts the church to put on the whole armor of God. Paul wants them to know that the same God that raised Jesus from the grave is the same God who, according to , prevailed mightily. He wanted them to see it.
I’m sure that Paul knew the stories of Jesus. How he made the blind to see
Friends,
God is at work and his is doing mighty things. He is still active and working - saving people and transforming lives. He is building his church. Will you join me in praying not only that God will continue to work in mighty ways in our midst but that we would be people who see it and are encouraged by it to keep doing what we are called to do? Because when we see Jesus moving and working in power, we understand that God is moving, we are encouraged to join in the battle as well. We need to be people who pray for one another to see God’s power and his working - then ask how he might use us to accomplish his will on this earth.
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That You Would Know Jesus

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Our last two
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This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.

Conclusion

This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
This isn’t mere knowledge of facts nor even meeting a person. It is an close relationship with the person. In fact, you can know someone and know them well without knowing everything about them or getting some crucial facts wrong. I mean, a man can know his wife and still believe she loves chocolate covered cherries. It is a deep, intimate knowledge that knows the person and what they love and who they are. I’ve mentioned before that I once met Robert Duvall, the actor. But I don’t know him. I’ve met politicians and race car drivers. But I don’t know them. I know about them. I may know a lot about them. But I don’t know them.
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1 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption - as is God’s plan from before time began.
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But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption - as is God’s plan from before time began.
When I was a kid, I used to be a big fan of GI Joe. On their show, they always had a little public service announcement at the end - I assume so it could be declared “educational” - where the GI Joe characters would save a kid from doing something stupid and the kid would say, “Now I know!” and the GI
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption - as is God’s plan from before time began.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption - as is God’s plan from before time began.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption - as is God’s plan from before time began.
But I know Julie. I know my boys. For those of you who call this church your home and family, I know you as well. Likewise, we are to know God. Not simply to know about Him, but to know him in a personal and real way. That comes from faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, trusting in that for your salvation as opposed to trusting in your own good works. Last week, we determined that this is what it means to be “in Christ” - to turn from trusting in oneself, confessing your sins and turning to Christ for forgiveness and redemption - as is God’s plan from before time began.
Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
Now, this is not an easy thing to accomplish, right? I mean, Julie and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary this year and there are still times that I feel like I don’t know her very well. That’s probably because I am a man and I’m not paying attention, but relationships take time, energy and work to succeed. And when it comes to Jesus, well, it’s not like you can go have a cup of coffee with him at Caribou and talk about life and get direct answers. This is why Paul prays for the church. This wisdom to know Jesus and know him intimately comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit through gifts of wisdom and revelation. If we want to know Jesus the way Paul wants this church to know Jesus, we need to be people who pray for the Holy Spirit to work in one another’s lives, bringing wisdom and revelation.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.
Paul starts off this section by encouraging the church because he is encouraged by their faith in Jesus Christ. Two questions then for us based on our understanding of “knowing Jesus”. First, do you know Jesus? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him alone for the payment of your sins and redemption of your soul? Do you trust in Christ alone for your salvation? If that answer is no, do it today. Trust in Jesus by placing your faith in him today. Second, if you have done that, are you known for being a Christ follower? This church made an impact on Paul with their faith. Do others see your love and faith for Christ in such a way that it is evident? If we know Jesus, then let us be known by him as well. Friends, do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know him or do you simply know about him? Do you have a real, vibrant and personal relationship with him? This is what Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. And it is what we should pray for one another and it’s what we should all pursue through the working of the Holy Spirit every day. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him deeply? It is my prayer that you would do just that today.

Know Hope

Know Hope

Know Hope

Know Hope

Know Hope

But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school English teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school English teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school English teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school English teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
But Paul also prays that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened in order that they would know the hope to which God called them and the rich inheritance to which they would receive. We need to keep in mind that verses 15 to 23 are one BIG giant run on sentence. Evidently, Paul didn’t have my high school English teacher. However, each of these points today circle back to verse 16 where Paul is praying for the church in Ephesus. As much as he prays that they know Christ deeply, he also prays that they would know Christ with a great expectation in Christ that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it” and thus know that their future is secure because of the finished work of Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
This is what it means to know Jesus with Hope. This expectancy means that we have a quiet confidence that things will work out for our good and God’s glory. Paul prays that we would understand the hope that we are called.This means that our future status and provision are provided for through Jesus and even our understanding comes from Jesus. Paul wants the church, be it in Ephesus or in Cumming, to know that her future hope and provision are both secure because of what Jesus has done and what his work has purchased for us. We are called to live by faith and that life of faith is a life filled with expectancy that God will keep his word. As one commentator writes, “Hope is the opposite of despair — it breathes a massive optimism!” 1
This is what it means to know Jesus with Hope. This expectancy means that we have a quiet confidence that things will work out for our good and God’s glory. Paul prays that we would understand the hope that we are called.This means that our future status and provision are provided for through Jesus and even our understanding comes from Jesus. Paul wants the church, be it in Ephesus or in Cumming, to know that her future hope and provision are both secure because of what Jesus has done and what his work has purchased for us. We are called to live by faith and that life of faith is a life filled with expectancy that God will keep his word. As one commentator writes, “Hope is the opposite of despair — it breathes a massive optimism!” 1
This is what it means to know Jesus with Hope. This expectancy means that we have a quiet confidence that things will work out for our good and God’s glory. Paul prays that we would understand the hope that we are called.This means that our future status and provision are provided for through Jesus and even our understanding comes from Jesus. Paul wants the church, be it in Ephesus or in Cumming, to know that her future hope and provision are both secure because of what Jesus has done and what his work has purchased for us. We are called to live by faith and that life of faith is a life filled with expectancy that God will keep his word. As one commentator writes, “Hope is the opposite of despair — it breathes a massive optimism!” 1
This is what it means to know Jesus with Hope. This expectancy means that we have a quiet confidence that things will work out for our good and God’s glory. Paul prays that we would understand the hope that we are called.This means that our future status and provision are provided for through Jesus and even our understanding comes from Jesus. Paul wants the church, be it in Ephesus or in Cumming, to know that her future hope and provision are both secure because of what Jesus has done and what his work has purchased for us. We are called to live by faith and that life of faith is a life filled with expectancy that God will keep his word. As one commentator writes, “Hope is the opposite of despair — it breathes a massive optimism!” 1
This is what it means to know Jesus with Hope. This expectancy means that we have a quiet confidence that things will work out for our good and God’s glory. Paul prays that we would understand the hope that we are called.This means that our future status and provision are provided for through Jesus and even our understanding comes from Jesus. Paul wants the church, be it in Ephesus or in Cumming, to know that her future hope and provision are both secure because of what Jesus has done and what his work has purchased for us. We are called to live by faith and that life of faith is a life filled with expectancy that God will keep his word. As one commentator writes, “Hope is the opposite of despair — it breathes a massive optimism!” 1
This is what it means to know Jesus with Hope. This expectancy means that we have a quiet confidence that things will work out for our good and God’s glory. Paul prays that we would understand the hope that we are called. This means that our future status and provision are provided for through Jesus and even our understanding comes from Jesus. Paul wants the church, be it in Ephesus or in Cumming, to know that her future hope and provision are both secure because of what Jesus has done and what his work has purchased for us. We are called to live by faith and that life of faith is a life filled with expectancy that God will keep his word. As one commentator writes, “Hope is the opposite of despair — it breathes a massive optimism!” 1
Do you expect Jesus to work in your life today and in the future? Do you expect God to keep his promises? We must be people who do that; not arrogantly as if to demand a payment from God for services rendered, but instead humbly, gratefully, trusting that God will keep his promises. We need to pray for one another that we would know that God will keep these promises - that we have a hope for all eternity and that he will provide all that we need in that - and that God will keep all his promises. This is what it means to live by hope!
Do you expect Jesus to work in your life today and in the future? Do you expect God to keep his promises? We must be people who do that; not arrogantly as if to demand a payment from God for services rendered, but instead humbly, gratefully, trusting that God will keep his promises. We need to pray for one another that we would know that God will keep these promises - that we have a hope for all eternity and that he will provide all that we need in that - and that God will keep all his promises. This is what it means to live by hope!
Do you expect Jesus to work in your life today and in the future? Do you expect God to keep his promises? We must be people who do that; not arrogantly as if to demand a payment from God for services rendered, but instead humbly, gratefully, trusting that God will keep his promises. We need to pray for one another that we would know that God will keep these promises - that we have a hope for all eternity and that he will provide all that we need in that - and that God will keep all his promises. This is what it means to live by hope!
Do you expect Jesus to work in your life today and in the future? Do you expect God to keep his promises? We must be people who do that; not arrogantly as if to demand a payment from God for services rendered, but instead humbly, gratefully, trusting that God will keep his promises. We need to pray for one another that we would know that God will keep these promises - that we have a hope for all eternity and that he will provide all that we need in that - and that God will keep all his promises. This is what it means to live by hope!
Do you expect Jesus to work in your life today and in the future? Do you expect God to keep his promises? We must be people who do that; not arrogantly as if to demand a payment from God for services rendered, but instead humbly, gratefully, trusting that God will keep his promises. We need to pray for one another that we would know that God will keep these promises - that we have a hope for all eternity and that he will provide all that we need in that - and that God will keep all his promises. This is what it means to live by hope!
Do you expect Jesus to work in your life today and in the future? Do you expect God to keep his promises? We must be people who do that; not arrogantly as if to demand a payment from God for services rendered, but instead humbly, gratefully, trusting that God will keep his promises. We need to pray for one another that we would know that God will keep these promises - that we have a hope for all eternity and that he will provide all that we need in that - and that God will keep all his promises. This is what it means to live by hope!

Know Riches

Know Riches

Know Riches

Know Riches

​

Paul continues in this text. He prays that the church would not only know Jesus deeply and hopefully but richly as well. He says in verse 18 that he wants us to know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. If we don’t pay close attention, we might misunderstand this part. The two key words of this part of the verse are HIS and IN. The inheritance isn’t for us. Not this one. Yes, we have an inheritance, but in this case, the inheritance is Jesus’ and the inheritance is the church. Think of that! If you are in Christ, you are his rich inheritance! The one who created all things and who owns all things will receive an inheritance which are those whom he has redeemed.
Paul continues in this text. He prays that the church would not only know Jesus deeply and hopefully but richly as well. He says in verse 18 that he wants us to know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. If we don’t pay close attention, we might misunderstand this part. The two key words of this part of the verse are HIS and IN. The inheritance isn’t for us. Not this one. Yes, we have an inheritance, but in this case, the inheritance is Jesus’ and the inheritance is the church. Think of that! If you are in Christ, you are his rich inheritance! The one who created all things and who owns all things will receive an inheritance which are those whom he has redeemed.
Paul continues in this text. He prays that the church would not only know Jesus deeply and hopefully but richly as well. He says in verse 18 that he wants us to know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. If we don’t pay close attention, we might misunderstand this part. The two key words of this part of the verse are HIS and IN. The inheritance isn’t for us. Not this one. Yes, we have an inheritance, but in this case, the inheritance is Jesus’ and the inheritance is the church. Think of that! If you are in Christ, you are his rich inheritance! The one who created all things and who owns all things will receive an inheritance which are those whom he has redeemed.
Paul continues in this text. He prays that the church would not only know Jesus deeply and hopefully but richly as well. He says in verse 18 that he wants us to know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. If we don’t pay close attention, we might misunderstand this part. The two key words of this part of the verse are HIS and IN. The inheritance isn’t for us. Not this one. Yes, we have an inheritance, but in this case, the inheritance is Jesus’ and the inheritance is the church. Think of that! If you are in Christ, you are his rich inheritance! The one who created all things and who owns all things will receive an inheritance which are those whom he has redeemed.
Paul continues in this text. He prays that the church would not only know Jesus deeply and hopefully but richly as well. He says in verse 18 that he wants us to know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. If we don’t pay close attention, we might misunderstand this part. The two key words of this part of the verse are HIS and IN. The inheritance isn’t for us. Not this one. Yes, we have an inheritance, but in this case, the inheritance is Jesus’ and the inheritance is the church. Think of that! If you are in Christ, you are his rich inheritance! The one who created all things and who owns all things will receive an inheritance which are those whom he has redeemed.
Paul continues in this text. He prays that the church would not only know Jesus deeply and hopefully but richly as well. He says in verse 18 that he wants us to know the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. If we don’t pay close attention, we might misunderstand this part. The two key words of this part of the verse are HIS and IN. The inheritance isn’t for us. Not this one. Yes, we have an inheritance, but in this case, the inheritance is Jesus’ and the inheritance is the church. Think of that! If you are in Christ, you are his rich inheritance! The one who created all things and who owns all things will receive an inheritance which are those whom he has redeemed.
This means that for those of us in Christ we are his treasure, his possession as we saw back in verse 14. You have value and worth. You are precious to Jesus. As that same commentator says, “Think of it: he owns all the heavens and numberless worlds, but we are his treasures. The redeemed are worth more than the universe. We ought to be delirious with this truth! Paul prays that we will see this with our heart’s eyes.” 1 Because Paul prays this way for this church, we too should pray for our church and her members in the same way that we would see ourselves as Jesus sees us - a valuable treasured inheritance.
This means that for those of us in Christ we are his treasure, his possession as we saw back in verse 14. You have value and worth. You are precious to Jesus. As that same commentator says, “Think of it: he owns all the heavens and numberless worlds, but we are his treasures. The redeemed are worth more than the universe. We ought to be delirious with this truth! Paul prays that we will see this with our heart’s eyes.” 1 Because Paul prays this way for this church, we too should pray for our church and her members in the same way that we would see ourselves as Jesus sees us - a valuable treasured inheritance.
This means that for those of us in Christ we are his treasure, his possession as we saw back in verse 14. You have value and worth. You are precious to Jesus. As that same commentator says, “Think of it: he owns all the heavens and numberless worlds, but we are his treasures. The redeemed are worth more than the universe. We ought to be delirious with this truth! Paul prays that we will see this with our heart’s eyes.” 1 Because Paul prays this way for this church, we too should pray for our church and her members in the same way that we would see ourselves as Jesus sees us - a valuable treasured inheritance.
This means that for those of us in Christ we are his treasure, his possession as we saw back in verse 14. You have value and worth. You are precious to Jesus. As that same commentator says, “Think of it: he owns all the heavens and numberless worlds, but we are his treasures. The redeemed are worth more than the universe. We ought to be delirious with this truth! Paul prays that we will see this with our heart’s eyes.” 1 Because Paul prays this way for this church, we too should pray for our church and her members in the same way that we would see ourselves as Jesus sees us - a valuable treasured inheritance.
This means that for those of us in Christ we are his treasure, his possession as we saw back in verse 14. You have value and worth. You are precious to Jesus. As that same commentator says, “Think of it: he owns all the heavens and numberless worlds, but we are his treasures. The redeemed are worth more than the universe. We ought to be delirious with this truth! Paul prays that we will see this with our heart’s eyes.” 1 Because Paul prays this way for this church, we too should pray for our church and her members in the same way that we would see ourselves as Jesus sees us - a valuable treasured inheritance.
This means that for those of us in Christ we are his treasure, his possession as we saw back in verse 14. You have value and worth. You are precious to Jesus. As that same commentator says, “Think of it: he owns all the heavens and numberless worlds, but we are his treasures. The redeemed are worth more than the universe. We ought to be delirious with this truth! Paul prays that we will see this with our heart’s eyes.” 1 Because Paul prays this way for this church, we too should pray for our church and her members in the same way that we would see ourselves as Jesus sees us - a valuable treasured inheritance.
We tend to see ourselves one way. But Jesus sees us in a different way. He sees you as something valuable and precious. And while we are not worthy to be saved as we think of worthiness, we are worth saving because we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, Jesus saves us, redeems us as we talked about last week. In doing so, we become his precious treasured inheritance. That means he will receive it one day - all the praise and honor due him for what He has done for us. We are his possession, his inheritance, his riches that he looks forward to enjoying for all of eternity. Think about it – if you are the inheritance promised to Jesus by the Father, do you think anything will stop that from happening?
We tend to see ourselves one way. But Jesus sees us in a different way. He sees you as something valuable and precious. And while we are not worthy to be saved as we think of worthiness, we are worth saving because we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, Jesus saves us, redeems us as we talked about last week. In doing so, we become his precious treasured inheritance. That means he will receive it one day - all the praise and honor due him for what He has done for us. We are his possession, his inheritance, his riches that he looks forward to enjoying for all of eternity.
We tend to see ourselves one way. But Jesus sees us in a different way. He sees you as something valuable and precious. And while we are not worthy to be saved as we think of worthiness, we are worth saving because we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, Jesus saves us, redeems us as we talked about last week. In doing so, we become his precious treasured inheritance. That means he will receive it one day - all the praise and honor due him for what He has done for us. We are his possession, his inheritance, his riches that he looks forward to enjoying for all of eternity.
We tend to see ourselves one way. But Jesus sees us in a different way. He sees you as something valuable and precious. And while we are not worthy to be saved as we think of worthiness, we are worth saving because we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, Jesus saves us, redeems us as we talked about last week. In doing so, we become his precious treasured inheritance. That means he will receive it one day - all the praise and honor due him for what He has done for us. We are his possession, his inheritance, his riches that he looks forward to enjoying for all of eternity.
We tend to see ourselves one way. But Jesus sees us in a different way. He sees you as something valuable and precious. And while we are not worthy to be saved as we think of worthiness, we are worth saving because we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, Jesus saves us, redeems us as we talked about last week. In doing so, we become his precious treasured inheritance. That means he will receive it one day - all the praise and honor due him for what He has done for us. We are his possession, his inheritance, his riches that he looks forward to enjoying for all of eternity.
We tend to see ourselves one way. But Jesus sees us in a different way. He sees you as something valuable and precious. And while we are not worthy to be saved as we think of worthiness, we are worth saving because we are created in the image and likeness of God. So, Jesus saves us, redeems us as we talked about last week. In doing so, we become his precious treasured inheritance. That means he will receive it one day - all the praise and honor due him for what He has done for us. We are his possession, his inheritance, his riches that he looks forward to enjoying for all of eternity.
Do you see yourself as valuable? Do you see yourself as having worth? If you are in Christ, you are his richly prized inheritance. And if you are not, he still died and rose again to offer to you forgiveness of sins and the redemption of your soul. Listen to me - you have value and worth in the eyes of Jesus because He made you and he offers salvation to you. It is not about us as I explained last week, but our value and worth are reasons to give back to Jesus the praise of his glorious grace. Jesus is what give us value and worth. And we should love people - and pray that they see it - for this reason.
Do you see yourself as valuable? Do you see yourself as having worth? If you are in Christ, you are his richly prized inheritance. And if you are not, he still died and rose again to offer to you forgiveness of sins and the redemption of your soul. Listen to me - you have value and worth in the eyes of Jesus because He made you and he offers salvation to you. It is not about us as I explained last week, but our value and worth are reasons to give back to Jesus the praise of his glorious grace. Jesus is what give us value and worth. And we should love people - and pray that they see it - for this reason.
Do you see yourself as valuable? Do you see yourself as having worth? If you are in Christ, you are his richly prized inheritance. And if you are not, he still died and rose again to offer to you forgiveness of sins and the redemption of your soul. Listen to me - you have value and worth in the eyes of Jesus because He made you and he offers salvation to you. It is not about us as I explained last week, but our value and worth are reasons to give back to Jesus the praise of his glorious grace. Jesus is what give us value and worth. And we should love people - and pray that they see it - for this reason.
Do you see yourself as valuable? Do you see yourself as having worth? If you are in Christ, you are his richly prized inheritance. And if you are not, he still died and rose again to offer to you forgiveness of sins and the redemption of your soul. Listen to me - you have value and worth in the eyes of Jesus because He made you and he offers salvation to you. It is not about us as I explained last week, but our value and worth are reasons to give back to Jesus the praise of his glorious grace. Jesus is what give us value and worth. And we should love people - and pray that they see it - for this reason.
Do you see yourself as valuable? Do you see yourself as having worth? If you are in Christ, you are his richly prized inheritance. And if you are not, he still died and rose again to offer to you forgiveness of sins and the redemption of your soul. Listen to me - you have value and worth in the eyes of Jesus because He made you and he offers salvation to you. It is not about us as I explained last week, but our value and worth are reasons to give back to Jesus the praise of his glorious grace. Jesus is what give us value and worth. And we should love people - and pray that they see it - for this reason.
Do you see yourself as valuable? Do you see yourself as having worth? If you are in Christ, you are his richly prized inheritance. And if you are not, he still died and rose again to offer to you forgiveness of sins and the redemption of your soul. Listen to me - you have value and worth in the eyes of Jesus because He made you and he offers salvation to you. It is not about us as I explained last week, but our value and worth are reasons to give back to Jesus the praise of his glorious grace. Jesus is what give us value and worth. And we should love people - and pray that they see it - for this reason.

Know Power

Know Power

Know Power

Know Power

Know Power

As we continue to work our way through Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus, we see in verse 19 how he asked God to show the church the same power that he worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead. That same resurrection power that we have looked at since Easter is the power that Paul wanted them to see. Not only that we would see it but that this power is toward us who believe He raised Christ from the dead. In other words, Paul wants us to understand that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will do the exact same thing for us at the appropriate time. Paul wants us to know the power of Christ and to let that power transform our lives.
As we continue to work our way through Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus, we see in verse 19 how he asked God to show the church the same power that he worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead. That same resurrection power that we have looked at since Easter is the power that Paul wanted them to see. Not only that we would see it but also that this power is toward us who believe He raised Christ from the dead. In other words, Paul wants us to understand that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will do the exact same thing for us at the appropriate time. Paul wants us to know the power of Christ and to let that power transform our lives.
As we continue to work our way through Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus, we see in verse 19 how he asked God to show the church the same power that he worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead. That same resurrection power that we have looked at since Easter is the power that Paul wanted them to see. Not only that we would see it but that this power is toward us who believe He raised Christ from the dead. In other words, Paul wants us to understand that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will do the exact same thing for us at the appropriate time. Paul wants us to know the power of Christ and to let that power transform our lives.
As we continue to work our way through Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus, we see in verse 19 how he asked God to show the church the same power that he worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead. That same resurrection power that we have looked at since Easter is the power that Paul wanted them to see. Not only that we would see it but that this power is toward us who believe He raised Christ from the dead. In other words, Paul wants us to understand that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will do the exact same thing for us at the appropriate time. Paul wants us to know the power of Christ and to let that power transform our lives.
As we continue to work our way through Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus, we see in verse 19 how he asked God to show the church the same power that he worked in Christ when He raised him from the dead. That same resurrection power that we have looked at since Easter is the power that Paul wanted them to see. Not only that we would see it but that this power is toward us who believe He raised Christ from the dead. In other words, Paul wants us to understand that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead will do the exact same thing for us at the appropriate time. Paul wants us to know the power of Christ and to let that power transform our lives.
Paul goes on to remind the church that Jesus is also seated at the right hand in the heavenly places, far above all those who rule and are in authority and have dominion and power, in this age and the one to come. Then, in verse 22 when Paul writes that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
Paul makes an interesting claim here. He says that the power of Christ is immeasurably great. You cannot measure the power of Christ. It is off the charts. He is stronger than any one or anything. And Paul wants us to not only know that strength and power but he wants us to know that this power is for us. It is power that makes a blind man see, the crippled man walk and the dead man rise from the tomb. It is the power that justifies us and redeems us. It is the same power that makes us sons and daughters of God. We serve a powerful and mighty God. Moreover, in verse 22 when Paul writest that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
Paul makes an interesting claim here. He says that the power of Christ is immeasurably great. You cannot measure the power of Christ. It is off the charts. He is stronger than any one or anything. And Paul wants us to not only know that strength and power but he wants us to know that this power is for us. It is power that makes a blind man see, the crippled man walk and the dead man rise from the tomb. It is the power that justifies us and redeems us. It is the same power that makes us sons and daughters of God. We serve a powerful and mighty God. Moreover, in verse 22 when Paul writest that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
Paul makes an interesting claim here. He says that the power of Christ is immeasurably great. You cannot measure the power of Christ. It is off the charts. He is stronger than any one or anything. And Paul wants us to not only know that strength and power but he wants us to know that this power is for us. It is power that makes a blind man see, the crippled man walk and the dead man rise from the tomb. It is the power that justifies us and redeems us. It is the same power that makes us sons and daughters of God. We serve a powerful and mighty God. Moreover, in verse 22 when Paul writest that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
Paul makes an interesting claim here. He says that the power of Christ is immeasurably great. You cannot measure the power of Christ. It is off the charts. He is stronger than any one or anything. And Paul wants us to not only know that strength and power but he wants us to know that this power is for us. It is power that makes a blind man see, the crippled man walk and the dead man rise from the tomb. It is the power that justifies us and redeems us. It is the same power that makes us sons and daughters of God. We serve a powerful and mighty God. Moreover, in verse 22 when Paul writest that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
Paul makes an interesting claim here. He says that the power of Christ is immeasurably great. You cannot measure the power of Christ. It is off the charts. He is stronger than any one or anything. And Paul wants us to not only know that strength and power but he wants us to know that this power is for us. It is power that makes a blind man see, the crippled man walk and the dead man rise from the tomb. It is the power that justifies us and redeems us. It is the same power that makes us sons and daughters of God. We serve a powerful and mighty God. Moreover, in verse 22 when Paul writest that the Father put all things, past tense, under the feet of Jesus, he points out that the victory is won. As one commentator notes, “Whereas in God bids the heavenly Lord sit at his right hand ‘until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’, v 22a here insists God has placed all things under Jesus’ feet. This is not failure to be realistic about the continuation of evil, but a switch from the language of to that of . Jesus is hereby portrayed as a second Adam who is given the task of exercising dominion over the cosmos.” 2
Paul concludes this section by telling us that the head of the church is Jesus. We knew that. However, he says in such a way that reminds us that Jesus was given as a gift to the church by the Father not only to be her head but to be in a relationship with the church. He is the head, Paul reminds us, and we are the body, the fullness of Christ as his representatives on this earth. Jesus is ruling in power over all things for their good and for His glory, including the local church and her members.
Paul reminds them of what God had done in their midst. tells us about Paul’s time in Ephesus and about his encounter with the Sons of Sceva. It has one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture when the Sons of Sceva try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the demon says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Spiritual and demonic oppression were a reality in Ephesus, as we will see in a few weeks when Paul exhorts the church to put on the whole armor of God. Paul wants them to know that the same God that raised Jesus from the grave is the same God who, according to , prevailed mightily. He prayed that God would open their eyes so that they could see that Jesus has shown his power in the past and will continue to show his power in the future.
Paul reminds them of what God had done in their midst. tells us about Paul’s time in Ephesus and about his encounter with the Sons of Sceva. It has one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture when the Sons of Sceva try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the demon says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Spiritual and demonic oppression were a reality in Ephesus, as we will see in a few weeks when Paul exhorts the church to put on the whole armor of God. Paul wants them to know that the same God that raised Jesus from the grave is the same God who, according to , prevailed mightily. He wanted them to see it.
Paul reminds them of what God had done in their midst. tells us about Paul’s time in Ephesus and about his encounter with the Sons of Sceva. It has one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture when the Sons of Sceva try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the demon says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Spiritual and demonic oppression were a reality in Ephesus, as we will see in a few weeks when Paul exhorts the church to put on the whole armor of God. Paul wants them to know that the same God that raised Jesus from the grave is the same God who, according to , prevailed mightily. He wanted them to see it.
Paul reminds them of what God had done in their midst. tells us about Paul’s time in Ephesus and about his encounter with the Sons of Sceva. It has one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture when the Sons of Sceva try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the demon says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Spiritual and demonic oppression were a reality in Ephesus, as we will see in a few weeks when Paul exhorts the church to put on the whole armor of God. Paul wants them to know that the same God that raised Jesus from the grave is the same God who, according to , prevailed mightily. He wanted them to see it.
Paul reminds them of what God had done in their midst. tells us about Paul’s time in Ephesus and about his encounter with the Sons of Sceva. It has one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture when the Sons of Sceva try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the demon says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Spiritual and demonic oppression were a reality in Ephesus, as we will see in a few weeks when Paul exhorts the church to put on the whole armor of God. Paul wants them to know that the same God that raised Jesus from the grave is the same God who, according to , prevailed mightily. He wanted them to see it.
Paul reminds them of what God had done in their midst. tells us about Paul’s time in Ephesus and about his encounter with the Sons of Sceva. It has one of my favorite lines in all of Scripture when the Sons of Sceva try to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus and the demon says, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” Spiritual and demonic oppression were a reality in Ephesus, as we will see in a few weeks when Paul exhorts the church to put on the whole armor of God. Paul wants them to know that the same God that raised Jesus from the grave is the same God who, according to , prevailed mightily. He wanted them to see it.
Jesus is at work and his is doing mighty things. He is still active and working - saving people and transforming lives. He is building his church. Will you join me in praying not only that God will continue to work in mighty ways in our midst but that we would be people who see it and are encouraged by it to keep doing what we are called to do? Because when we see Jesus moving and working in power, we understand that God is moving, we are encouraged to join in the battle as well. We need to be people who pray for one another to see God’s power and his working - then ask how he might use us to accomplish his will on this earth.
God is at work and his is doing mighty things. He is still active and working - saving people and transforming lives. He is building his church. Will you join me in praying not only that God will continue to work in mighty ways in our midst but that we would be people who see it and are encouraged by it to keep doing what we are called to do? Because when we see Jesus moving and working in power, we understand that God is moving, we are encouraged to join in the battle as well. We need to be people who pray for one another to see God’s power and his working - then ask how he might use us to accomplish his will on this earth.
God is at work and his is doing mighty things. He is still active and working - saving people and transforming lives. He is building his church. Will you join me in praying not only that God will continue to work in mighty ways in our midst but that we would be people who see it and are encouraged by it to keep doing what we are called to do? Because when we see Jesus moving and working in power, we understand that God is moving, we are encouraged to join in the battle as well. We need to be people who pray for one another to see God’s power and his working - then ask how he might use us to accomplish his will on this earth.
God is at work and his is doing mighty things. He is still active and working - saving people and transforming lives. He is building his church. Will you join me in praying not only that God will continue to work in mighty ways in our midst but that we would be people who see it and are encouraged by it to keep doing what we are called to do? Because when we see Jesus moving and working in power, we understand that God is moving, we are encouraged to join in the battle as well. We need to be people who pray for one another to see God’s power and his working - then ask how he might use us to accomplish his will on this earth.
God is at work and his is doing mighty things. He is still active and working - saving people and transforming lives. He is building his church. Will you join me in praying not only that God will continue to work in mighty ways in our midst but that we would be people who see it and are encouraged by it to keep doing what we are called to do? Because when we see Jesus moving and working in power, we understand that God is moving, we are encouraged to join in the battle as well. We need to be people who pray for one another to see God’s power and his working - then ask how he might use us to accomplish his will on this earth.
God is at work and his is doing mighty things. He is still active and working - saving people and transforming lives. He is building his church. Will you join me in praying not only that God will continue to work in mighty ways in our midst but that we would be people who see it and are encouraged by it to keep doing what we are called to do? Because when we see Jesus moving and working in power, we understand that God is moving, we are encouraged to join in the battle as well. We need to be people who pray for one another to see God’s power and his working - then ask how he might use us to accomplish his will on this earth.
However, we also need to pray for ourselves and for each other that we would trust this powerful Jesus to provide for us and defend us in all circumstances. If we truly are his body, will he not defend us? Will he not protect us? Our tendency is to grow fearful whenever an obstacle comes into our lives. Paul says, “Look, the sovereign, supreme, all powerful God who has but all things under the feet of Jesus who is ruling over all things and that includes the church. He’s got this.” We need to trust the one that is working in and through his power rather than fearing this world.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

I want to circle back to the beginning of this passage before we close today and we go enjoy our long weekend. Paul begins, as I have mentioned throughout, by saying how thankful he was for these people and how he was praying for them in these ways. Each of our points today is far less about a command to know these things as it a reminder that all of these things are revealed to us by a gracious God who loves and cares for us.
I wonder what would happen if we spent more time praying in this way than we do praying for healing, new jobs or any of our other temporal needs. I’m not saying that praying for surgery isn’t important. I’m not saying finding a new job isn’t important. But, as Jesus taught us, “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world but forfeit his soul?” Friends, we need to be a church who prays this for one another. And I’ll be praying it for you. This is my prayer tracker. This is where I keep track of requests and the people I want to pray for. This week, I printed out this passage and put it in my prayer journal. I’d encourage you to put a marker in your Bible or print this off and put it where you’ll see it. Because I can only imagine what will happen if we become a church that prays like this for each other.
There is a story I heard once about a new pastor. Upon arriving, an older member of the congregation came to him and said, “You’re awfully young to be a pastor. But you’re my pastor and you preach the gospel. I’m going to help you all I can. I’m going to pray that the Holy Spirit will come upon you in power. I have two others in the church that are going to join me in prayer for you.” The pastor was relieved that all the man was going to do is pray. But that prayer group of three became 10, then 20, then 50, then 200 people who met every week before the service to pray for their pastor. Soon, over a thousand people came to know Christ over three years.
Now, I’m not saying if we pray this way, we’ll be over a thousand people in three years. But I will guarantee that God will work in power when we pray this way. As James reminds us, if any of us lack wisdom – and I would say anything else when it comes to knowing God – let him ask and God will give generously. So ask that God would open our eyes to see Jesus, to know Jesus, and that by knowing him, we would see his hope and his power as well.
Let’s pray.
1 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
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1 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
1 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
1 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
1 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
1 - Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 53). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
2 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
2 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
2 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
2 - Turner, M. (1994). Ephesians. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1228). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.
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