Ephesians 1:13-23 “A Gospel-Driven Life of Praise”
1) In light of the incredible spiritual blessings we have received, which are for “the praise of His glory” (v.14), Paul prays:
- In thanksgiving for the faith of the Ephesians and how it works out in their love for one another in God’s community and Paul’s work (v.15-16)
- Asks they may have a spirit of “wisdom and revelation” so they can
*know Christ better having their hearts enlightened (v.17-18a)
*know the great hope of the gospel (v.18b)
*know the riches of their glorious inheritance (v.18 referring to v.13)
*know God’s immeasurable power working on their behalf, by Christ who has died, risen and reigns at the right hand of the Father with all power, authority and dominion over all things (v.19-21)
2) Application:
- Receipt of the gospel is to work out in our lives as praise to God and love towards others
- After having received the gospel, we still must press on and pray to know God all the better and have our hearts enlightened in the knowledge of Christ
- Need to set our minds on the great future hope and Spirit guaranteed inheritance we have in Christ as we run the race
- Remember in the midst of trouble that God’s great power and authority is on our side, and it cannot be defeated by all the works of the enemy
- We as the church (the new gospel community) as Christ’s body are to seek to be filled with Him and be His fullness in this world to bring Him praise and declare His praises (v.22-23)
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