Ephesians 1:11–12 God predestined the church to “be to the praise of his glory.” This is our purpose as a community, to make much of God.
Ephesians 1:13–14 The spirit is God’s seal that we are His and His pledge of our future inheritance.
Genesis 38:11, 13-23 Tamar provides a helpful if colorful example of how a pledge works. Just like Judah didn’t force Tamar to receive the pledge, God does not force us to stay faithful. But if we do, He has guaranteed
our inheritance.
Ephesians 1:15-19 Paul prayed four things for the church:
- that God would give the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him,
- that they may know the hope to which God called them,
- that they may know the riches of His inheritance in the saints,
- that they may know His power toward us who believe.
Ephesians 1:20-23 God demonstrated His power by raising Christ from the dead, seating him at His right hand in heaven, and bestowing on him a position above all other authorities (Daniel 7:13-14).
How do your prayers sound? Although our tendency is to focus on ourselves and others who are in need, it would be better for us to become more God-focused—know Him, the hope He called us to, His inheritance, and His power.
0 Comments