Text: Ephesians 1:15-23

Part of Paul’s prayer for the saints at Ephesus was  to receive a greater knowledge of Jesus through the spirit of wisdom and revelation. It was to be a knowledge that went beyond mere perception; one that was to be precise, fully discerned, and recognized. In relation to this week’s theme of power, the saints were to know the exceeding greatness of the Lord’s power according to the workings of His mighty power (cf. Ephesians 1:19).

Barnes speaks to this revelation of power in Paul’s prayer “that they [the Ephesians] should be fully acquainted with the ‘power’ of God in the salvation of people. He refers not merely to the power which he had evinced in their salvation, but also to what the gospel was ‘able’ to accomplish, and which they might yet experience. The ‘power’ referred to here as exercised toward believers does not refer to one thing merely. It is the whole series of the acts of power toward Christians which results from the work of the Redeemer. There was power exerted in their conversion. There would be power exerted in keeping them. There would be power in raising them up from the dead, and exalting them with Christ to heaven. The religion which they professed was a religion of ‘power.’ In all the forms and stages of it the power of God was manifested toward them, and would be until they reached their final inheritance.”

Of course this religion of power was brought about through Christ and is based on that which God has exerted in us is in accordance with the power which was shown in raising up the Lord Jesus. Thus (and in the wording of this study) it is a power exalted to the highest possible plateau, far above all principalities and powers, thrones and dominions, and every name that is named: “Let any name be uttered, whatever it is, Christ is above it; it is more exalted than that which the name uttered affirms” (Meyer).

Solomon prayed for wisdom (cf. 1 Kings 3:3-9) and the Lord responded; James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). But in that request he enlisted a caution, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…” (James 1:6). Pray today that the church would receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation of the power in Christ Jesus. Thank the Lord who, in answer to prayer, can give to all men liberally.