Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:15-17
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
Ephesians 1:16-17
The obviousness and simplicity of the text states and provides clearly what the Apostle Paul desires for the saints in Ephesus/Ephesian Church. This prayer to God is trustworthy for three immediate reasons: first, he [Paul] is an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ according to His [Jesus Christ] will (v.1); second, as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, he is confined and bounded to the task entrusted to him – to carry God’s gospel and complete counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, which is greatly seen in his prayer for Ephesus; Lastly, as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is easy for us to assume that he [Paul] reflects the very heart of the One [Jesus Christ] who has sent him (2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:1).
With these reasons that can be seen in the Scriptures, we can immediately focus on what needs to be learned in our passage. Here are some things that we can see in our text that are very easy to observe: “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him” (vv.15-17). The goal of apostle Paul’s unceasing prayer is the will of God for the saints in Ephesus, and is, for you and me as well (his future readers). He prays that the church will gain a higher, wider, and deeper understanding of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and this is only possible through the Holy Spirit who will impart wisdom and revelation for a more solid understanding of God and His will. It must therefore now be the goal of every saint! Paul wanted the Ephesian believers to understand what great spiritual resources were theirs in Christ. Revelation refers to the insight and the discernment the Spirit brings to the mysteries of divine truth (1:3-14). Paul wanted the believers to have a spirit of wisdom so that they might get to know God more completely. God has given believers wisdom (vv. 8-9), but Paul prayed for the church not only to understand but to experience these blessings as their new reality in Christ.
To grow more in the knowledge of Him, whom by what He has accomplished we are made one with Him, and now enjoying the highest state of blessedness, is the greatest journey one could ever embark himself. Let us strive therefore to remove our tendency of forgetting this privilege, to the point of missing to remember what the Lord Himself has said: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” And God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has given us the Holy Spirit for us to be enabled to understand His unfathomable works in His Son, that we might be able not just enjoyingly know Him, but to happily live for Him – For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
If this is an unspeakable joy of privilege, then what’s stopping you, dear saint, of making a progress in this matter? Remember also that each must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And if ever that we think we cannot, remember as well that His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Do you make it your aim to have more knowledge of Christ for a deeper worship of Him?
2. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Read
1 Corinthians 2:6-12
Pray
Father in Heaven, I come before You, in the name of Your Son, having this simple pursuit: that I may have more wisdom from You, that I may be able to know the revealed person of Your Son, who is my best portion. In Your mercy, I ask that You grant me a heart that will really long to grow more in my knowledge of Him, that I may all the more worship Him deeply. This I pray, in His name. Amen.
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