Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth - Ephesians 1:15-23

1.      Thanksgiving(vs 15-16) a.      Why was Paul Thankful?                                                            i.     Good news of spiritual blessings                                                          ii.     Good news about others 1.      “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus” 2.      “I do not cease to give thanks, remembering you in prayer” 2.      Intercession(vs 17-20) a.      Paul recognizes who provides spiritual growth                                                               i.     Who is responsible for growth? 1.      “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory”                                                             ii.     How does God accomplish it? 1.       “may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him” iii.     What does the Spirit do? 1.      “eyes of your hearts enlightened” vs 18 b.     Paul prays for their spiritual growth                                                             i.     “Know what is the hope to which he has called you”                                                            ii.     “What are the riches of His glorious inheritance” 1.      “It is amazing that God should so treasure as His inheritance a gathering of people who were once dead in trespasses and objects of His wrath.” -RC Sproul                                                         iii.     “What is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe” 1.      “immeasurable” a.      The form of this Greek word means “a degree that extraordinarily exceeds a point on a scale of extent.” b.      The greatness of God’s power is beyond measure. 3.      Praise(vs 20-23) a.      Paul praises God                                                                i.     Power 1.      “that he worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in the heavenly places” 2.      Resurrection 3.      Ascension                                                             ii.     Authority 1.      “Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” 2.      “Above every name that is named” 3.      “not only in this age but also in the one to come” 4.      “He put all things under his feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church” a.      “to the church” (or “for the church”) b.      “Christ’s supremacy and preeminence over everything is in some sense given for the benefit of the church. And His authority over all competing authorities and powers paves the way for believers to receive the wealth of riches promised to them in Christ.” -Constantine Campbell 5.      “which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” 4.      Application a.      Grow in Thankfulness b.      Grow in Knowledge of God c.      Grow in Worship