Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 1:15-18 (KJV)
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the
saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
2 Peter 1:3 (KJV)
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
Ephesians 1:3 (KJV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
Romans 8:32 (KJV)
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Romans 6:4-5 (KJV)
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in the newness of life. If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
1 Corinthians 2:6-12 (KJV)
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Paul's Prayer for the Believers
3. Faith in Jesus and the Gospel of Grace
4. Spiritual Blessings: Already Given
5. Understanding Through the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
6. Living in the Power of Resurrection
7. Conclusion
Introduction
The Bible is rich with prayers and teachings that illuminate our identity in Christ. One such passage is found in Ephesians 1:15-18, where Paul prays for believers to receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. This teaching, as explored by Pastors Lenny and Lori, emphasize God’s freely given blessings, our perfection in Christ, and the transformative power of understanding who we are in Him.
Paul's Prayer for the Believers
Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15-18 is not limited to the Ephesians. It applies to all believers, emphasizing faith in Jesus and love for others. He prays that the eyes of their understanding may be enlightened, enabling them to know three things:
-The hope of God’s calling.
-The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
-The exceeding greatness of His power toward believers.
This prayer is a reminder that understanding Gods' truths comes from revelation by the Spirit, not human effort.
Faith in Jesus and the Gospel of Grace
Paul celebrates the Ephesian's faith in Jesus, contrasting it with reliance on the law. He references the Galatians who fell into the do-it-yourself system, illustrating the danger of departing from grace. The Gospel of Grace is centered entirely on Jesus—His finished work, not human merit.
Spiritual Blessings: Already Given
Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3, the teaching emphasizes that believers already possess all spiritual blessings in Christ. These blessings include everything needed for life and godliness. Pastors Lenny and Lori highlight the importance of interpreting Scripture contextually, pointing out that may give unto you in Ephesians 1:17 is better understood as spring forth or rise—signifying that believers already have what Paul prays to be revealed.
Understanding Through the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
Paul’s prayer aligns with 1 Corinthians 2:6-12, which speaks of God's hidden wisdom revealed by the Spirit. The Spirit’s role is to illuminate what God has freely given, allowing believers to see themselves as God sees them—perfect in Christ. The phrase I am, I can, I have encapsulated this revelation, affirming believers' identity and authority in Christ.
Living in the Power of Resurrection
Drawing from Romans 6:4-5, the teaching highlights how believers are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This union empowers them to walk in the newness of life, revitalized by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. This resurrection power is not just for spiritual renewal but extends to the restoration of physical bodies.
Conclusion
Paul's writings consistently emphasize the completeness of God's work in Christ. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation helps believers grasp their inheritance, their perfection in Christ, and their empowerment through the resurrection. This understanding transforms lives, enabling believers to live victoriously, knowing they are as Christ is.
FAQ
Q: What is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation?
A: It refers to the Holy Spirit’s work in helping believers understand God's truths, particularly their identity, inheritance, and empowerment in Christ.
Q: Why does Paul pray for believers to know what they already have?
A: Though believers possess every spiritual blessing, revelation is necessary to fully understand and live out these truths.
Q: What does it mean that believers are perfect in Christ?
A: Being perfect in Christ means that God sees believers as complete and righteous through the finished work of Jesus, not based on their efforts.
Q: What is the significance of I am, I can, I have?
A: It affirms a believer’s identity (I am), ability through Christ (I can), and inheritance (I have) as revealed by the Spirit.
Q: How does the resurrection power affect daily life?
A: The same Spirit that raised Christ empowers believers to live in victory, bringing spiritual renewal and physical restoration.