Read Ephesians 1.
In writing this letter, under the divine and direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul used a familiar pattern. The first half is doctrine. The second half is duty.
It is crucial for a believer not just to know Jesus as Savior but to increasingly understand what we have in Christ. We have been "blessed with every spiritual blessing" (v.1). We have been adopted in the very family of God (v.5). We have been redeemed and forgiven by the blood of Christ (v.7). Our inheritance has not only been promised, but it is signed, sealed and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit Himself (vv.13-14).
Based upon those strong foundations of our faith, here is how to pray for oneself and how to pray for other believers in Jesus. (vv.15-23)
1. "The Spirit of wisdom and the revelation of the knowledge of him"
All of us are still learning. All of us need help with insights into the Scriptures. Reading and studying God's word should always lead us to greater insights and understanding of Jesus. This is not an informational exercise but one of transformation. For example, so many become needlessly bogged down and discouraged by the events in the book of Revelation. But the first verse declares the purpose of the book is to reveal Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1). Taking one's eyes off Jesus will result in confusion about the Bible and life.
2. "What is the hope to which he has called you"
Jesus is the only hope there is. Everything else is wishful thinking that will only lead to a Christ-less eternity of torment. With Jesus, we understand that this life is temporal. We understand that no matter what happens here, God is working out His plan in us. We understand that there awaits a secured future of eternal life and the joys of heaven. It is this hope in Jesus, not our circumstances, that keeps us encouraged and persevering.
3. "What are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints"
What God has in store for those who love Him, He has already revealed to us by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:8-10). Comprehending what has been revealed in the Scriptures is the lifetime pursuit of a follower of Christ. They are not perceived naturally by eyes and ears. But as we learn the Scriptures, these abundant blessings begin to come alive. They provide spiritual fuel, energizing us to live for God.
4. "What is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us"
This is the power that by spoken word created the heavens and earth. This is the power that holds and sustains the universe. This is the power that controls life and death. This is the power of resurrection. This is the power of the Good News that can change a person's eternal destiny. This is the power that enables us to overcome our sin and live for Jesus.
Wisdom. Hope. Riches. Power. All we need to be overcomers today already belong to us in Christ.
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