Ephesians, Week 3: That You May Know (Ephesians 1:15-23)

When Paul thought of the Ephesian believers, he didn't reach for a list of corrections or even encouragements. He went straight to prayer, but not the kind we might expect.

This wasn't your average "bless them, Lord" prayer request that we might mumble over our morning coffee. Paul's prayer was theologically rich, emotionally urgent, and spiritually deep. He wasn't asking God to give his readers more. He was asking that they might see more of what God had already given them.

Paul longed for the church to understand what was already theirs in Christ: hope, inheritance, and power. He knew this kind of spiritual sight comes only when the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of our hearts.

Why Paul Prays (vv. 15–16)

"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers"

Paul's thanksgiving flows directly from what he's just written in verses 3–14 about every spiritual blessing in Christ. When he hears about the Ephesians' faith and love, you might expect him to check "mission accomplished" off his list. Instead, he doubles down and prays even more passionately.

Why pray harder when they're already doing well? Because spiritual life is never static. Even robust faith can drift without growing vision. Strong believers need the gift of endurance and ever-improving sight, which is why Paul prays more, not less. Notice how he does this with gratitude, celebrating the grace he already sees at work. Paul's prayer life went far beyond duty or obligation.

This should shape how we intercede for other believers. Our prayers shouldn't be a daily checklist, and they shouldn't just focus on fixing problems. They should overflow from thanksgiving that seeks continued spiritual growth in those we love.

What Paul Asks (vv. 17–19a)

"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe"

This gratitude-fueled urgency shapes everything about what Paul requests. His petition is strikingly focused: that believers would know God more deeply. Not just accumulate facts about Him, but know Him relationally through the Spirit's work of wisdom and revelation.

With the eyes of their hearts enlightened, Paul wants them to see three realities:

The hope of God's calling — Paul wants believers to grasp the absolute certainty of their future in Christ. When God calls us to salvation, He simultaneously calls us to glory. That future inheritance doesn't depend on our performance or circumstances. It's locked in by God's unchanging character. Nothing can stop or cancel it (Romans 8:31-39; Philippians 1:6). When we truly see this hope, it transforms how we face uncertainty, loss, and even death itself.

The riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints — Here's a remarkable truth that can revolutionize how we see ourselves: God doesn't just give us an inheritance (which is amazing enough); we are His inheritance. The Creator of the universe looks at His redeemed people and says, "This is My treasure." When you feel worthless or discarded by the world, remember that you bring the Almighty joy. This isn't sentimental flattery—it's the bedrock reality of how God sees those united to His Son.

The immeasurable greatness of His power — Paul isn't talking about abstract divine strength somewhere "out there." He's pointing to the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead, power that now works in and through every believer. This means the Christian life isn't about white-knuckling our way to holiness or conjuring up enough faith. The power that conquered death is available for our daily battles against sin, despair, and spiritual lethargy.

Notice what Paul doesn't pray for: easier circumstances. He prays for clearer sight. He knows that believers who truly see these realities can face anything because they put even the most hopeless situations in their proper and hopeful context.

Who God Is and What He's Done (vv. 19b–23)

"according to the working of his great might that 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 rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

Paul doesn't appeal to vague spiritual strength to make his point. He anchors everything in what God has already demonstrated through Christ. It's accomplished fact:

Christ was raised from the dead — When Paul wants to convince us of God's power, he doesn't point to lightning or earthquakes. He points to Easter morning. Death is the ultimate human enemy, the final word that silences every voice and ends every dream. But God spoke a louder word when He raised Jesus. This resurrection isn't just a nice story about life after death—it's proof that no situation in your life is beyond God's power to transform.

He was seated at the right hand of God — This ancient language describes the position of ultimate authority and honor. Jesus isn't a junior partner in heaven's operations; He's ruling at the Father's right hand. Every earthly authority—political, economic, spiritual—operates under His sovereignty. When life feels chaotic or evil seems to be winning, remember: the crucified and risen Christ is currently on the throne.

All things are under His feet — Paul references Psalm 110, where David prophesied the Messiah's complete reign. This means Christ's authority isn't limited to "religious" matters. Your workplace, your family struggles, the global crises that keep you awake at night—all of it falls under His rule. He reigns fully right now, not just in some future millennium.

He was given as head to the church — Think about this stunning reality: the ruler of the universe has united Himself intimately to His people. Christ isn't a distant CEO sending down occasional memos. He's the head of a body, sharing life and directing every movement. His exaltation serves our good.

The church is His body — We're not just people who happen to believe similar things about Jesus. We are the fullness of Christ on earth, chosen to carry out His mission. When the church loves, serves, and proclaims truth, Christ Himself is acting through His body in the world.

Notice that Christ is simultaneously exalted above all things and intimately present with His church. His cosmic power isn't just high and transcendent—it's personal, and it's for us.

Praying for Eyes to See

Paul concludes this section not with more explanation, but with prayer. That should tell us something profound: the deepest truths of our faith must be revealed by the Spirit, not just taught by teachers.

We need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to what is already ours in Christ: secure hope, priceless identity, and power greater than anything we'll ever face.

This week, don't just study this passage. Pray it word by word. Pray verse 17 over yourself: ask God to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Request that He enlighten the eyes of your heart. Pray these truths over your family, your church, your small group. Ask God to give you spiritual sight to see what He's already accomplished.

Join us as we continue this study together each Sunday this fall. The class meets at First Free Church in the gymnasium at 9:30 AM.

These Sunday School summaries are solely intended for the personal devotional use of church members and friends. They are not transcripts or academic works and should not be reproduced or distributed without permission.

Originally prepared by Kevin Labby during his vocational service at First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport. Used with permission. Copyright remains with the church. Please do not reproduce or distribute without written consent from both the church and the author.