Paul's Prayer

Ephesians 3. Today we finish the first half of Paul's letter to the Ephesians which deals with the believer's position, the believer's wealth...the position and wealth we have in Christ. How many Christians today live in spiritual poverty? How many live in despair, despondency and defeat, not realizing what they have in Christ? Jesus said, "I come to give you life, and life more abundantly." And Paul wants the Ephesians, and you and me, to know this. He says "for this reason I pray for you." For what reason? BECAUSE of God's great plan to save men and women, boys and girls, Jews and Gentiles alike,...because of this mystery, this plan....
God's secret plan has now been revealed, "by grace you've been saved through faith"....now Paul says, 'I want you to realize what you have in Christ and to fully experience Him.' And for that reason, Paul prays for them, and his prayer breaks down into two parts: 1) His Petitions v.16-19. 2) His Praise v.20-21. The purpose of Paul's prayer is clear. He wants his readers strengthened by God's Spirit so that they may know intimately Christ's presence, love and power. If this happens, then everything else will fall into place.
Over the weekend you'll be reading chapters four and five. This begins the second half of the letter which deals with the believer's practice, the believer's walk. This is where Paul moves from doctrine to duty. We move from our position, to putting into practice what we are in position. The first three chapters have dealt with the Christian's calling. In the last three chapters, we are urged to walk worthy of our calling. You will be reading two of those three chapters this weekend. Then we will finish chapter six on Monday. God bless.