DEC 8

Ephesians 1:17-19
Memorise Ephesians 1:17-19
"The church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all..."

This church in Ephesus was founded by the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:18-21). On his third missionary journey, he returned to Ephesus and spent three years there teaching them the Word of God. It was a church dear to his heart as he spent a longer time there than in any other church. He wanted to instruct them in the riches they have as part of the body of Christ, the church. Broadly, the book is divided into two sections. The first three chapters deal with the doctrinal aspects of the church, Christ’s body. The last three chapters deal with the practical outworking of that doctrine. Chapter 1 tells us about the great work of salvation and thus the “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” that has been bestowed upon all believers, the body of Christ. Chapter 2 describes the fruits of good works and unity that comes as a result of salvation. Chapter 3 further reveals the glorious creation that is the church and exhorts the saints to know the love of Christ therein. In chapter 4, we read his exhortation to walk worthy of the calling to be Christ’s body, chapter 5 stresses walking in love, separating from sin, walking circumspectly, and having godly relationships. Finally, Paul tells us that we are to put on the whole armour of God as we strive to live for Christ. The passage you have just read, Ephesians 1:17-19, is Paul’s prayer for the church. He prays that they might realise to the full extent of the rich spiritual blessings that God has bestowed upon His children. Paul had himself scaled those spiritual heights and he wanted them to be similarly blessed. The greatest need is to know God, always and at all times. In particular, here Paul prays that their eyes of understanding might be enlightened about three things – God’s calling us, the inheritance for us, and God’s power in us.

Dear teen, are you ambitious in knowing God? The Holy Spirit, who dwells in you and in every believer, aids you in growing and knowing God intimately. Your responsibility is to seek Him, set your mind to think and to dwell on the hope and assurance of His calling, the glorious inheritance awaiting you and the greatness of His power already at work and will continue, to bring us to glory. These things are yours and prepared for you. Seek the Lord daily as you open your Bible.

Thought: Spending time with God is living for eternity.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes that I may know the sure hope of eternity in Christ, the glorious inheritance that You have given me and the greatness of Thy power.