Ephesians: Paul's Prayer For Us | Rev. Nathan Bell

5 July 2026In this message, Pastor Nathan continues our Ephesians series by looking at Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesians 1. This passage reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, called to know God deeply, have hearts filled with His light, and live through the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.Notes:In this message, Pastor Nathan continues our series in Ephesians by looking at the second half of chapter 1.Paul writes this part of the letter as a prayer for the church. His prayer shows what matters deeply to him and what he longs to see formed in God’s people.Pastor Nathan begins by reminding us that Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ. Christ is the head, and the Church is His living presence in the world. We are not a monument, museum, club, or society. We are the people through whom Christ acts, speaks, serves, and loves.As the body of Christ, the Church is called to bring the presence of Jesus into the world, share the gospel, care for those in need, show sacrificial love, and reflect His transformed character.Pastor Nathan highlights three key parts of Paul’s prayer:1. Know God through spiritual wisdomPaul prays that the church would receive spiritual wisdom and insight so they may grow in their knowledge of God.This is not just about knowing information about Jesus. It is about knowing Him personally. Like any relationship, knowing Jesus grows through time, attention, love, prayer, worship, Scripture, silence, and listening.As we know Jesus more deeply, we grow in wisdom, insight, character, and obedience.2. Have hearts flooded with lightPaul prays that their hearts would be filled with light so they can understand the confident hope God has given them.Pastor Nathan explains that the heart is where our character, desires, hopes, and attitudes are formed. We need the light of Christ to shine there, even into the places we may prefer to keep hidden.As Jesus shines His light in our hearts, He brings truth, grace, freedom, peace, and hope.3. Know God’s power for usPaul prays that believers would understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for those who believe.This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. It is not a small leftover power. It is resurrection power.Pastor Nathan reminds us that this power is not only for signs and wonders. It is also the power to live a transformed life. It is the power to defeat sinful patterns, overcome addictions, move from pride to humility, grow in patience, love sacrificially, and become more like Jesus.The message closes with the challenge to not only know about God’s power, but to experience it personally.Paul’s prayer is still a prayer for the Church today: that we would be spiritually wise, truly know Jesus, have enlightened hearts, and live through the power of the Holy Spirit.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 1:15-23John 17:3Romans 6:5-6Key Thought:The Church is the body of Christ, called to know Jesus deeply, live with hearts full of His light, and be changed by His resurrection power.Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon