Ephesians 1:15-23 ~ Week 2

This week we began our study reading Ephesian’s 1:17: …that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

This is Paul’s prayer for the people of Ephesus and my prayer for all of you! One thing I think is so interesting is that wisdom is always referred to as something we must put on, be given, or seek out. Here are some of my favorite verses regarding wisdom:

• Proverbs 2:6  ~ For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
• Proverbs 1:7  ~ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ~ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
• Colossians 3:16  ~ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

I also love that wisdom is referred to in the feminine quite often. Take a quick look at Proverbs 1-4. It tells all about the benefits of seeking wisdom. "She [wisdom] raises her voice in open squares…" We have the opportunity to be strong women full of wisdom and influence the hearts of our children and families, if we just seek it! But don’t get complacent ladies. Proverbs 14:1 also warns us: The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

Let us commit to seeking wisdom through God’s word, so that we may build up our houses, and bless our families!

 

 

One of the other verses that spoke to me this week was Eph 1:20-21 …which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

I had to take this in light of Paul’s prayer that our hearts would be enlightened, that we would know the fullness of His glory. I love this verse, but didn’t really think much about it before. It’s just the perfect story of our salvation being laid out for us. Regardless of our flaws, inadequacies, or faithlessness, God is sovereign.

Paul reminds us through his prayer that God is indeed in control of our lives. His words open our eyes and help to put our daily fleshly concerns into a  heavenly perspective.

We have a choice today to believe, repent of anything needed, and purpose to live our lives solely for Him. To lay aside our old selves, and be renewed by His spirit! One great way {besides reading His word} to get back in touch, or stay in fellowship with God is through prayer. Paul is a great example here with this fervent prayer towards believers!

I’m also reading through “Seasons of a Mother’s Heart” by Sally Clarkson. Some of what I read this week was talking about prayer, and I love how she put it so eloquently:

“It is only from being on my knees in prayer that I will have the strength and assurance to stand up and keep going as a mother.” ~ Sally Clarkson

As a side note, I think it is amazing that all these verses up until now are just Paul’s greeting, can you imagine what is to come! :o)

 

If you didn’t get a chance to read this week, take a moment to go over the verses below and get caught up! There is no condemnation for missing or starting late here!

Ephesians 1:15-23

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit^[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. ²² And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

 

If you haven’t started the study yet, it’s not too late! You’ve just read the 2nd week of verses above, so start fresh this week and commit to spend time in the Word each day!

• Download the GMG Ephesians Study Guide
• Join our Facebook Discussion Group
• Sign up for the Good Morning Girls email list so you can stay in touch!

P.S. I absolutely love reading everyone’s responses in our facebook discussion group! I’ve been so blessed by you all, and even though I may not have time to reply to everyone, I do read them all. Please know that your comments are reaching many, and blessing everyone on our list, it’s such an awesome thing to be a part of!