40 Days of Prayer 2017 Praying through · PDF file40 Days of Prayer 2017—Praying through Ephesians Do you ever struggle to consistantly pray? Do you feel as if every day you pray

40 Days of Prayer 2017—Praying through Ephesians

Do you ever struggle to consistantly pray? Do you feel as if every day you pray the same things over and over? You pray for those who are sick. You pray for those who are having marital problems. You pray for unsaved friends and family members. Then you pray for our country. Then you find your mind going blank and struggle to find much else to pray for. Then you close, “in Jesus name, Amen.” If this is your prayer life, as it has been in mine at times, then no wonder we don’t find ourselves fervently seeking to spend time with our Savior in prayer. I hope that will change during this years 40 Days of Prayer. You will notice the prayer guide is different this year. Instead of the devotional format, the prayer guide is now a study guide designed to help you learn how to pray based on what you study in scripture. It will help you learn to pray to the one who reveals Himself to you each day through His revealed Word, the Bible. This years prayer guide is one that was used at my son’s church, Harvest Community Church in Charlotte, NC. I really appreciated how they laid the guide out to help their church learn to pray based on what God reveals through His Word about Himself and then apply that to every day lives in prayer. Pastor Jerry Barber wrote this in his letter to Harvest and I could not say it any better…

“The daily guides for Monday – Friday are structured as follows: The left side of the page consists of a Bible study guide centered on a few verses. We will lead you through the process of discovery so you can be fed and inspired by God’s Word. Then, after you study and meditate on the verses assigned for that day, it will guide you to pray in three ways:

1. Praise and Thanks—What can I praise God for based on these verses? What can I thank

him for?

2. Confession and Help—What do I need to confess to God as a result of these truths? How do I

need to ask God to help me in applying his truth to my life?

3. Intercession—How can I use the truths arising from these verses to pray for others?

The key factor and beautiful thing is that the PRAYER response on the right side of the page is DIRECTLY RELATED to and grows out of the BIBLE STUDY response from the left side of the page. So when you pray for yourself, friends, family, the Harvest church family, ministries and missions activity, we are encouraging you to pray not the “same old things about the same old things,” but to pray fresh, biblically-oriented prayers that spring from Ephesians and go right to the heart of God!”

I hope and this 40 Days of Prayer will be a blessing to you. Let me encourage you to commit yourself to doing the Bible studies each day. Life will get in the way unless you commit to grow in your prayer life. Let’s do it together and keep each other accountable. We can grow together if we work together as a body of Christ led by the Holy Spirit. Special thanks to those who contributed to the creation of this 40 Days Prayer Guide. Thank you so much to everyone who participated so that our body may be strengthened.

Sincerely,

Three Settings for Prayer:

It may be helpful to think about making a commitment for these 40 days to increase your involvement

and intensity in prayer in three settings—personal, in your home, and with the church body.

1. Personal—That is the primary focus of this prayer guide, to help you as an individual connect

with God intimately through Scripture and prayer.

2. Home—This prayer guide is not just a personal guide. For those who are married or have

children, we encourage you to come together every day as a family and spend time praying

together.

3. Churchwide—God desires for the church to pray together; He always has and always will. There are several ways this will happen during the 40 days:

a. Wednesday night Prayer Meetings

Five Wednesday nights during 40 Days of Prayer we will have a special prayer meeting. We will come together, wait on the Lord, and pray as he leads us. Come enjoy the presence of God with his body!

First Wednesday —January 11, 6:00 pm

Second Wednesday —January 18, 6:00 pm

Third Wednesday —January 25, 6:00 pm

Fourth Wednesday — February 1, 6:00 pm Fifth Wednesday —February 8, 6:00 pm

b. Sunday morning Prayer Meetings, 9:00 am – 9:20 am

Each Sunday morning the body is invited to gather and pray. These settings include

times of worship, confession and intercession. Every week looks different, but the most important thing is that GOD IS THERE! If you cannot make it on Wednesday nights, please

come early on Sundays (and vice versa).

c. 12-hour Prayer Vigil, Friday, February 10, 8am-8pm

We invite you to sign up for a 30-minute segment of prayer in the auditorium as

part of our 12-hour prayer vigil. Soft music helps create a quiet, soothing atmosphere

for you to decompress and spend some extended time with God.

d. Prayer with and for your Group

Whatever group to which you belong (whether it is a Sunday School, men’s or

women’s group, or any other type of group), we encourage you to study and use the truths

taught in Ephesians to pray with and for each other during these 40 days.

We would like to thank Harvest Community Church in Charlotte, NC for allowing us to use their prayer

guide for our 40 Days of Prayer. The following members of Harvest contributed to the Bible studies in

the guide…

- Pastor Jerry Barber

- Greg Singerle: Days 4-8

- Karla Dowe: Day 9

- Scott Torres: Days 11, 29

- Jennifer Fritz: Day 12

- Judy MacCallum: Day 13

- Jim Bennet: Day 14

- Ed Fritz: Day 15

- Bruce Porter: Day 16

- Ryan/Maggie Kruse: Days 18-22

- Jerry Swisshelm: Day 23

- Nick Macek: Day 25

- Cory Grantz: Day 26

- Seth Howard: Day 27

- Mike Jolly: Day 28

- Carol Garrott: Day 30

- Kevn Hall: Days 32-36

- Henry Golatt: Day 37

- Stan Reckard: Days, 39-40 Note: All biblical citations are from the ESV:

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®

Bible Study Guide (God Speaks to Us)

Day 1 January 8, 2017

Ephesians 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whohas blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Today we will begin a week-long focus on Ephesians 1:1-14. First, read the passage prayerfully, slowly, and reflectively. What are the top 3-4 observations you can make about this passage?

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What does this passage teach us about GOD?

What does this passage teach us about HUMANS (us)?

After listening to the sermon meditating on the text, what is ONE primary way that you can apply some

truth mentioned here to your life THIS WEEK?

Based on what you have written above, can you write a brief prayer of response below, asking God in

your own words to help you obey his Word and put it into practice?

Prayer Guide (We speak to God)


The Valley of Vision is a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions. Each Sunday, we will offer

one of those prayers that is related to the themes coming from the biblical text for that day. Although the language of these prayers is old, it is rich with truth and love for God. We

encourage you to read the prayer slowly, then to pray it to God yourself, followed by any other

ways God leads you to commune with Him and pray for others. As you pray for those listed at

the bottom of this page, please remember to use Ephesians 1:1-14 to help guide you.

Kept by God (106-07)

Jehovah God,

Thou Creator, Upholder, Proprietor of all things, I cannot escape from thy presence or control, nor do

I desire to do so. My privilege is to be under the agency of omnipotence, righteousness, wisdom, patience, mercy, grace. Thou art love with more than parental affection; I admire thy heart, adore

thy wisdom, stand in awe of thy power, abase myself before thy purity. It is the discovery of thy goodness alone that can banish my fear, allure me into thy presence, help me to bewail and confess

my sins.

When I review my past guilt and am conscious of my present unworthiness I tremble to come to thee, I whose foundation is in the dust, I who have condemned thy goodness, defied thy power, trampled

upon thy love, rendered myself worthy of eternal death.

But my recovery cannot spring from any cause in me, I can destroy but cannot save myself. Yet thou

hast laid help on One that is mighty, for there is mercy with thee, and exceeding riches in thy kindness

though Jesus. May I always feel my need of him. Let thy restored joy be my strength; may it keep me from lusting after the world, bear up heart and mind in loss of comforts, enliven me in the valley of earth, work in me the image of the heavenly, and give me to enjoy the first fruits of spirituality, such

as angels and departed saints know.



Ephesians 1:1-3

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

1. Based on these three verses, what do you believe the Holy Spirit through Paul is going to teach

us about in this section of Scripture as well as in the whole letter to the Ephesians?

2. Where are all these spiritual blessings found? 3. What is God teaching through this passage?

4. What does it mean to have “peace from God” in verse 2?

5. How can you apply this passage to your life today?



Praise & Thanks What can you praise God for based on these verses? What can you thank him for? Write out some things here.

Father, thank You that You have not withheld a single blessing from me in Christ and that as I seek You, You will continue to reveal to me the unsearchable riches found only in Christ. I praise You that You make these blessings real to me as I continue to experience the transforming power of Your love.

Confession & Help Based on this passage, what do you need to confess as sin to God? What do you want to ask Him for his help in obeying?

Father, I admit to You that I often seek and desire blessings in worldly things and not in the priceless blessings You freely gave me in Christ. Help me to know Christ and enjoy with Him every spiritual blessing You have given me.

Intercession Based on the passage, how can you pray for others? What truths does God bring to mind that you want to see come to pass in someone’s life?

Father, please reveal to ______ all the spiritual blessings that you have given them/him/her in Christ and help them/him/her to find their true joy in discovering daily the priceless blessings found only in You. May _____ continue to be transformed into Your image as they/he/she behold You and experience Your priceless gifts.



Ephesians 1:4-6

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

1. What are the spiritual blessings listed in this section of Scripture?

2. Summarize these three verses into one thought. 3. What does it mean to be “holy?” What does it mean to be “blameless?”

4. How does the truth that I am a chosen recipient of God’s grace, His child, and holy and blameless in His sight impact me where I am right now?




Father, I praise you for Jesus and that in Him you have lavished Your glorious grace upon me and declared me to be holy and without blame in your sight. Thank you for adopting me and loving me as your very own child. I stand amazed in Your presence when I hear and try to comprehend the awesome truth that You chose and predestined me for these unspeakable riches before time began.


Father, I confess to You that I struggle to believe Your Word especially when You declare truths to me that are too marvelous to understand because I simply do not deserve them. Help me to rest in Your truth that through Christ You have declared me, once and for all time, holy and blameless in Your sight. And help me to live in a way that declares to the world my love for the God and Father who adopted me and loves me as His very own child.


Father, help __________. Let _____________ trust that all his/her/their sins – past, present, and future – were forgiven in Christ and that You have chosen ___________ to be holy and blameless in Your sight. Fill ________ with Your glorious grace and help __________ to experience the peace and joy that comes in resting in his/her/their Father’s love.



Ephesians 1:7-10

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

1. What blessings in Christ do you find in this section of Scripture?

2. What enables us to receive the blessings of redemption and forgiveness (as well

as all others)?

3. What is the difference between forgiveness and redemption?

4. Summarize this passage of Scripture into one thought.




Father, Your blessings are beyond measure. Truly my cup runs over. I praise You for You have redeemed me and forgiven all my sins. Thank You for sending Jesus to die in my place that I might have blessing upon blessing. Thank You for the unity I have with You and with my brothers and sisters in Christ and for the gift of knowing You.


Father, I confess that I often do not live in the fullness of your blessings, especially inthe truth that You have once and for all time forgiven me. Help me to live in thefreedom of this priceless gift and to realize that You have not only forgiven me butpurchased my deliverance from sin by the precious blood of Christ. Help me to walkin the glorious knowledge of this truth and in unity with You and my brothers andsisters in Christ, making it my desire simply to know You.


Father, I lift up _________ to You. Help _________ to come to know of Your grace, Your forgiveness, and Your redemption that You freely give through the blood of Christ so that _________ may know You and live in unity with You.



Ephesians 1:11-12

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

1. What is the purpose or end result of all the spiritual blessings that we have been

given in Christ?

2. Verse 11 states that God works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. Does this mean that when bad things happen it was God’s will?

3. How does the fact that you have been chosen and predestined according to the plan of God’s will impact how you respond to God?

4. How can the truths contained in these verses impact my life today?

Day 5 January 12, 2017 January 7, 2017


Pray these prayers yourself and/or


Father, I praise You that right now You are working all things out in conformity to Your perfect will. I thank You that You continue to reveal to me the unsearchable blessings that You have given me in Christ, to the praise of Your glory. Even though I may not know why and how all things work out, I thank You that my trust in You empowers me to live by faith and not by sight.


Father, I confess that I often focus on this life and the challenges I face and not on the truths revealed to me in Your Word. Help me to understand that You not only work all things out in conformity to Your will but that the plan You are working out for me today is for my good and Your glory. Help me to trust You more each day, to know that even in times of difficulty and pain, You are God, You are good, and that Your love for me is limitless.


Father, I lift __________ up to You. Help __________ to trust that You are working out the situation he/she is facing for his/her good and for Your glory. Enable ________ to walk by faith and not by sight, trusting in Your love. Please use this situation to allow him/her/them to grow closer to You and to trust in the goodness of the plan You have for him/her.

use them to inspire you to pray.



Ephesians 1:13-14

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

1. What spiritual blessings are promised in these verses?

2. What is meant by our inheritance or what is it that we are to receive?

3. Go back through Ephesians 1:1–14 and write down all the blessings in Christ you can find.

4. What is meant by “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation?”

Day 6 January 13, 2017 use them to inspire you to pray.




Father, I thank You for reminding me and continuing to reveal to me how immeasurably blessed I am in Christ.


Father, I confess that I often lose sight of just how immeasurably You have blessed me, especially in times of trial, when I need Your truth the most. Please surround me with brothers and sisters who will continuously remind me of Your love for me, Your goodness, and the immeasurable riches of Your grace as I seek to know You more.


Father, please fill __________’s mind with the wonders of Your love and the truth of Your blessings. Help _________ to know that he/she/they is marked and sealed for the day of redemption and that You have guaranteed __________ the glorious inheritance of being united with Christ for all eternity. Help __________ to live this day with That Day at the forefront of his/her/their mind.

Devotional Guide to Prepare for Tomorrow’s Worship Service


Ephesians 1:15-23

15 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 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.

As young believers we grow up seeing Heaven as some magical place that we should all strive to

enter; our view is that of a fairy tale full of angels, songs, and laughter. Over time that view changes... the once fairy tale becomes very real. The laughter becomes familiar and the songs are sung by voices we never want to forget. As more and more of our loved ones begin leaving this world, Heaven becomes a place we long for, and our mission to ensure we've done everything possible to

have those we love here on earth join us for eternity greatens. So, how can we accomplish this? Our most powerful tool is prayer. Pray for the salvation of those around you, be God's light in this dark

world, and come along side each other to give thanks to God for the hope He gives us of eternity

together!

Our next tool is God's Word. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 says, “We remember before our God and Father

your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in

our Lord Jesus Christ.” Notice the action words (work, labor, endurance). As Christians we need to

continuously grow in our spiritual enlightenment. Our quest for eternity doesn't stop at the time of our salvation. To know God fully, we must spend time with Him, both in reading His Word and in prayer. For a personal relationship with God to exist and grow, God must be in our hearts as well as

our minds.

God is powerful enough to have created the heavens and earth and raise Jesus from the dead to sit at

his right hand. Yet, he is personal enough to care so deeply for each and every one of our salvations. He wants us to have hope. He wants us to yearn for the riches of his glorious inheritance and he gives us the tools to make this happen. God is always available to us. How great is He?! The thought of spending eternity with such a loving, strong, and powerful Father is amazing! And, the fact that we

can share this offer with those we love so dearly is awesome. As Christians we must thank God for

His hope, share His truth with those around us, and fervently pray for our fellow believers to continue

to grow in their spiritual enlightenment. We are so loved!



Sample Prayer 1 .

Father, we thank you for the glorious gift of salvation so readily available to all. Your Word tells us to seek wisdom and revelation so that we may know

the hope you offer us Lord. I confess that I get caught up in life's chaos and take your promises for granted. Forgive me Father and use your mighty

strength to uphold me in my times of weakness. Enlighten my heart through your truth so I may keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus who is seated at your right

hand. In your amazing name, Amen.

Sample Prayer 2 Heavenly Father, we thank you for each and every child at Sardis. We pray, Lord, that your power and love would be reflected through the Children's

Ministry volunteers so that our littlest children learn of the hope you offer

us. We ask that your Word sink into their hearts and minds and that they

each grow up desiring a deeper relationship with you, Lord. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Sample Prayer 3 Father, we thank you for your Word and the guidance it provides. We ask, Lord, for your protection over our pastoral staff. May they continue to

pursue wisdom and discernment in teaching your Word. We pray, Lord, for their spiritual enlightenment, that they stay grounded in your truths and

focused on the hope of your glorious inheritance. In your precious Son's

name, Amen.



Ephesians 1:15-23

15 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.


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After listening to the sermon (live or via SBC website) and/or meditating on the text, what is ONE primary way that you can apply some truth mentioned here to your life THIS WEEK?

Based on what you have written above, can you write a brief prayer of response below, asking God in your own words to help you obey his Word and put it into practice?








Resurrection (86-87)

O God of My Exodus,

Great was the joy of Israel’s sons, when Egypt died upon the shore, far greater the joy when the

Redeemer’s foe lay crushed in the dust. Jesus strides forth as the victor, conqueror of death, hell, and all opposing might; He bursts the bands of death, tramples the powers of darkness down, and lives for

ever. He, my gracious surety, apprehended for payment of my debt, comes forth from the prison

house of the grave free, and triumphant over sin, Satan, and death. Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering is accepted, that the claims of justice are satisfied, that the devil’s scepter is

shivered, that his wrongful throne is leveled. Give me the assurance that in Christ I died, in life I rose, in his life I live, in his victory I triumph, in his ascension I shall be glorified. Adorable Redeemer, thou

who wast lifted up upon a cross art ascended to highest heaven. Thou, who as Man of sorrows wast

crowned with thorns, art now Lord of life wreathed with glory. Once, no shame more deep than thine, no agony more bitter, no death more cruel. Now, no exaltation more high, no life more

glorious, no advocate more effective. Thou art in the triumph car leading captive thine enemies

behind thee. What more could be done than thou hast done! Thy death is my life, thy resurrection my peace, thy ascension my hope, thy prayers my comfort.



Ephesians 1:15-16

15 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.

1. In verse 16, how was the church in Ephesus characterized?

2. What impact did this characterization of the church initially have on Paul? What did it cause him to do?

3. Try to summarize this passage in one sentence:

4. Think about Sardis Baptist Church for a moment. Can you recall a specific time this past year where you were driven to deep gratitude and thanks because of the church family?

Briefly write about this below.

5. Try to summarize this passage in one sentence:

6. How can you apply these verses to your life?





Father, I praise for using Sardis Baptist Church in my life. Thank you for my church family’s faith in you and love for people.


Forgive me for not having a heart of gratitude for my church family and praying consistently for them.


Lord, strengthen my faith in the Lord Jesus to the point that it causes others to be impacted. Give me and those at Sardis a deeper love for people.



Ephesians 1:17

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.

1. How does Paul address God in his prayer for the Ephesians?

2. What does Paul ask God to do for the Ephesians?

3. Why does he ask for this?

4. What does this verse tell us about God and His character?

5. How does the Holy Spirit help us to know God better? (See John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13-15, or any other passages you may know for help.)

6. In what area of your life and/or Scripture do you need to ask God for wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better?





Lord, you are glorious. You are worthy of all adoration and praise. You are the source of wisdom, and you reveal yourself so that we may know and glorify you. Thank you for being my Father and for revealing yourself to me through your Spirit.


Father, I confess that I don’t always seek your perfect wisdom and revelation first, and that I often look to others or to the world when I should seek you first. I often do this not only in times of crisis or indecision, but also in my approach to studying the Scripture. I often seek the opinions of other believers or the commentary of Bible teachers without meditating on it first. Please help me to seek your wisdom and revelation first in all things.


Lord, I ask you to give ____________ the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that he/she may know you better. Please help him/her to see that you are the only source of true wisdom and revelation. Please show him/her that only you can reveal truth that satisfies both his/her mind and heart, and show him/her how he/she can apply the truths you reveal to him/her rightly.



Ephesians 1:18

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,

Observation

1. Everyone knows our physical hearts don’t have eyes. What is Paul referring to when he says

he is praying that the “eyes of our hearts” may be enlightened?

2. What is the hope to which he has called you (us)? Interpretation

3. Try to put this verse in your own words.

Application

4. How will this verse change you today?





Father, when life gets me down, I thank you that this world is temporary. My home is Heaven with you. I thank you for all the riches of being in your glorious presence for all eternity. I can’t even imagine how wonderful it will be. I will praise you forever.


Sometimes I get discouraged with things in my life when they don’t go the way I think they should. Reading the news can be frightening and depressing. Father, forgive me for letting these things discourage me, when I have the hope of the glorious inheritance from you because I am your child. Open my eyes to see the unseen hope of your glory and my inheritance in Christ.


I have often prayed for physical needs to be met for others, or for them to come to know Jesus. Today, Father, I also pray for the eyes of their hearts to be enlightened to the hope that only Jesus brings. We all need hope just to get up in the morning. Father, my fellow believers need a fresh reminder of hope – please enlighten us so we can know our inheritance. Father, for the unbelievers in my life, they need to be introduced to Jesus, the One who brings hope. Use me or others to help bring them your hope.



Ephesians 1:19-21

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.

Read Ephesians 1:15-23. Now re-read verses 19-21.

Observation:

Notice how Paul expresses in his prayer for the Ephesians the power of God. It is the power of God

that raised Christ from the dead. He is far above all other powers, not only now, but in the age to come.

Interpretation:

Paul tells the Ephesians this on purpose. He is helping them understand that Jesus is not one to

simply be added to other gods; he is not one to include in your life in addition to other gods or beliefs. As he writes to the people in Ephesus, Paul is claiming rightly that Jesus is the true power, and no

other power (god) compares to Him. His name is far above every name that is named! In the Ephesian culture, they would call on the names of six powerful beings to protect and help them. They

would use these names to invoke healing and even try to help them succeed in their athletic games.

The Ephesians, having been saved from a background where they practiced magic and called on

multiple gods (see Acts 19:8-20), needed to remember that Christ is better, stronger and more

powerful than any and all of these other powers.

Application:

Do we try to simply add Jesus into our life and follow other gods/powers as we go?

What other powers/systems/religions/beliefs do you see people adding Jesus to? Or do we

understand that Jesus is the name above all other name? There is no one else to whom all creatures will bow! And do we understand and embrace this power of Jesus – that it is for us as believers in

Christ! We have access to God who enables us to live in a manner worthy of what He has called us to.





Pray that God’s power is available to believers in Christ!


Pray for times we have not understood or tapped into God’s power for those who believe in Christ.


Pray for other believers to live under the influence of God’s power, and for those who don’t know Jesus yet to be influenced to salvation by God’s power… the same power that saved the Ephesian people when they turned to Him!



Ephesians 1:22-23

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.

1. From the preceding verses, who is the “him” in these verses?

2. What does it mean that God placed “all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything”?

3. (Challenge) Where else in Scripture is there mention of God placing things under people’s feet?

4. According to these verses, what is the church?

5. (Challenge) Where else in Scripture do we see this symbolism for the church?

6. What do these verses tell us about God? What do they tell us about Jesus?

7. Based on your previous answer, how can we apply what this passage teaches us to our daily lives?





Lord, I praise you because you are sovereign over all things. You are wise, and in your wisdom you chose to appoint Jesus to be the head of the church.


Father, I confess that I want to put myself first. I willfully choose to do what I want to do, instead of what Jesus would have me be doing. I rebel against the authorities you have placed over me and try to separate myself from the head you have put over me.


Lord, I want to pray for ____________ to grasp this truth in his/her life. Please help him/her to know that You have established authorities over them. Help __________ to understand he/she is part of Your body. Help him/her to embrace Your priorities for his/her life and not to insist upon his/her own ways.



Ephesians 2:1-10

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I have frequently been guilty of making things much harder than they need to be. It’s always when I count on myself to accomplish something OR when I try to do a task just because it is the right thing

to do. God’s free gift of grace means that we are never alone. He is always with us. He gives us the strength to perform his tasks and to face the world. But it is also much richer than that. In Ephesians

2:10, Paul reveals to us one of the two major purposes in our lives. The first is to worship God. The second, which Paul reveals (good works), isn’t meant to build up God’s kingdom. It’s meant to change

US!

That is the trap that is easy for us to fall into. We begin s erving God and others because “that’s wh at

HE wants us to do.” We get busy for God and lose our focus on God, because we haven’t grasped the

essence of his gift.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in

advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Our works should spring out of a devotion to our beloved Lord and Savior, instead out of a sense of duty or responsibility. Examine your heart and see whom you are working for. We are called to be

obedient and do good works, but our works are the result of our salvation and don’t contribute to our

salvation. Our salvation is God’s free gift of grace. His mercy will endure forever for us and in us.



Prayer: I stand in awe when I think of Your mighty gift of grace. You have saved me and redeemed me as a free gift I can never deserve. I have been guilty of ignoring Your support and preparation as I go

about tasks that I thought You had ordained for me but I had chosen for myself. Forgive me for my

selfish pride and guide me to the tasks that You wish me to do. Prepare my heart for service to Your kingdom with joy instead of as a duty.

Preparing for Worship (Make these prayers personal as you speak to God today): 1. Have I truly accepted Your mighty gift of grace within my heart?

2. I thank you Lord for forgiving me. Help me to forgive others whom I perceive have wronged

me. Give me the healing to forgive myself for my sins against you. 3. I know You have called me as a worker in Your kingdom. Help me see if the tasks I am doing

are Yours and not mine. 4. You have called me to witness. Give me the courage and opportunity. 5. You have called me to pray. Show me other members of the congregation and lay their

burdens upon my heart this week to pray for. 6. You have called us to gather. Show me how to pray for the service tomorrow and for the

pastors.



Ephesians 2:1-10

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


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Amazing Grace (110-11)

O Thou Giving God,

My heart is drawn out in thankfulness to thee, for thy amazing grace and condescension to me in

influences and assistances of thy Spirit, for special help in prayer, for the sweetness of Christian service, for the thoughts of arriving in heaven, for always sending me needful supplies, for raising me

to new life when I am like one dead. I want not the favour of man to lean upon for thy favour is

infinitely better. Thou art eternal wisdom in dispensations towards me; and it matters not when, nor where, nor how I serve thee, nor what trials I am exercised with, if I might but be prepared for thy

work and will. No poor creature stands in need of divine grace more than I do, and yet none abuses it more than I have done, and still do. How heartless and dull I am! Humble me in the dust for not

loving thee more. Every time I exercise any grace renewedly I am renewedly indebted to thee, the

God of all grace, for special assistance. I cannot boast when I think how dependent I am upon thee for being and every act of grace; I never do anything else but depart from thee, and if ever I get to

heaven it will be because thou willest it, and for no reason beside. I love, as a feeble, afflicted, despised creature, to cast myself on thy infinite grace and goodness, hoping for no happiness but from thee; give me special grace to fit me for special services, and keep me calm and resigned at all times, humble, solemn, mortified, and conformed to thy will.



Ephesians 2:1-3

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

Observation…

1. What in this passage points to the result of sinful nature?

2. Who has sinful nature?

3. What are the three things in this passage that rule over us and influence our sin nature?

4. What phrases in this passage imply that a transformation has occurred in the lives of Paul’s audience?

Interpretation…

5. Try to summarize the teaching of this paragraph in one sentence:

Application…

6. Knowing the outcome of your own sin, how will you turn from it?





Jesus, I praise you for loving a sinner like me. Before knowing you, I was helpless in my sin and a slave to my flesh. In light of my depravity, your mercy is unfathomable and glorious. Though I am deserving of wrath, you chose to show me love and forgiveness.


Lord, these verses remind me that as a believer, I have been transformed from my old way of life. No longer am I a slave to sin and my flesh. However, I still seem to battle the wants of my flesh each day, particularly my prideful thoughts. Please help me to resist temptation and be obedient unto righteousness.


Please help my close friend from high school realize the truth in these verses. She does not realize her desperate need for a Savior and sees her life of sin as acceptable and comfortable. Please open her eyes to the truth so that she might receive your grace beyond measure and live a life far more satisfying than what she is experiencing now.



Ephesians 2:4-5

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Observation…

1. What characteristics of God are mentioned in this passage?

2. Why is it significant that we are alive in Christ (refer also to John 14:6)?

3. In what state are we when God pours out His love and mercy?

4. According to verse 5, how is salvation given?

Interpretation…

5. In contrast with verses 1-3, how does this passage give hope?

Application…

6. Meditate on the characteristics of God presented in this passage. How can you reflect these

qualities in your daily life?





Thank you, O Lord, for your great love and the mercy you have bestowed on me. Just as you raised up Christ from the dead, you have also made me alive so that I might know you personally and glorify your name. I praise you for your saving grace and pray that I will never take it for granted.


God, I confess that I do not show grace and mercy to others like you have shown me. Even while I was still a sinner, you chose to love me and bestow grace on me. I pray that you will help me to do likewise and give mercy to those who wrong me, even if they do not acknowledge their wrong. May you receive the glory in my actions.


Lord, I pray that the truth of your grace and love is heard and received by all people groups. Specifically, will you open the hearts of our community here in Charlotte that they might receive your salvation and put their faith in you rather than the things of this world? I pray that you will deafen their ears to what our culture says and fully accept the truth of your Word.



Ephesians 2:6-7

6 God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

Observation…

1. When we accept God’s grace, what blessings are immediately given to us according to verse 6?

2. In verse 3, what was the future result of sin nature? In verse 7, what will be in the coming ages?

3. What adjective is used to describe the riches of God’s grace? Take a moment and meditate on this description of grace.

Interpretation…

4. Describe what the gifts of His grace mean to believers.

Application…

5. How does this motivate you?





Thank you, Lord God, for your overwhelming blessings. Being seated with Christ, we are partakers of His kingdom and have our sights set on things above. I praise you for the promise of your incomparable riches and anticipate your coming, when I will fully experience your presence.


Father, help me to remember that my salvation is not my right. It is by your kindness and Jesus Christ’s obedience to your command that I am saved from my life of sin. I am unworthy of you, Lord, and am grateful that your love covers my guilt and shame.


Lord, help us to set our sights on things above and look forward to receiving your incomparable riches of grace. Specifically, help myself and my family not to get caught up in material things. Let us find our identity in you and store up treasures in heaven.



Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Observation…

1. What phrase in this passage appeared earlier in Ephesians 2? Why do you think this is

repeated?

2. Where does salvation originate? Where does it not originate?

3. How is grace received?

4. Because salvation is not by works, what attitude should Christians maintain?

Interpretation…

5. How would you explain this passage to someone who does not understand the gospel?

Application…

6. Whom in your life can you share this truth with?





Thanks be to God for His saving grace! I praise you for this invaluable gift. I am so thankful that my salvation does not depend on my works, but on your grace alone, Heavenly Father.


Lord, help me to remember that my good works do not add anything to my salvation. Though I seek to worship you with my life, my salvation is only based on your grace alone. Help me to grasp this truth more and more.


Lord, please capture the hearts of my “religious” friends with this truth. Specifically, I pray for my friend who believes doing community service and being accepting of everyone will help her find favor with You. I pray she would know and believe that salvation only comes through faith. Equip me to talk with her about the truth of your gospel.



Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Observation…

1. What is the definition of handiwork and how does this relate to the next phrase in verse 10, “created in Christ Jesus?”

2. Who equips us to do good works?

Interpretation…

3. What does God’s preparation of good works for you tell you about His character?

Application…

4. How does this verse apply to the local church body as a whole?

5. What good works can you foresee in the next week that God has prepared in advance for you to do? Determine to be intentional and dedicated to God’s plan.





Lord, thank you for being detailed and sovereign. I am honored to be your handiwork and am humbled to think that you have predestined work for me to do in your Name. Thank you for your provisions and for allowing me to be a part of your kingdom at work here on earth.


Dear God, I confess that I am not normally intentional about doing good things. Many days I am complacent, going through my normal routine without being prepared to do the work that you have predetermined for me. Please help me to focus on You throughout my day and look for ways to glorify you in my thoughts, words, and deeds.


Lord, I pray for the church body at Sardis, that we will work together to do Your good work in our community. I pray that our hearts will be in tune with yours so that we might see the needs of others and be compelled to share your love with them.

Completing a simple chart may help:



Ephesians 2:12-22

12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

In these verses Paul explains how each of us individually as new creations in Christ is now part of an interconnected group that shares a special relationship with God and a special bond with each other. Paul’s focus was the division between Jews and Gentiles, but the descriptions also can be

applied to all believers. The key to realizing the full impact of these verses is to understand what

makes our relationship with God and our interconnected relationships with each other so special. In

preparation for church tomorrow, read through the verses and think about these relationships.

Two concepts stand out in these passages and are worth a deeper look:

Peace: This is an important word in the New Testament. Look at the following verses along with the

verses from Ephesians, and describe how you see the peace Jesus offers: John 14:27, 16:33, 20:19, and 20:26.

Building on a Foundation: Together we are being built and are building on the foundation laid by

Jesus. Look at the following verses along with the verses from Ephesians, and describe what you think this means: 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Corinthians 3:11-13.

Verse My Relationship to God My Relationship to other Believers How these affect Me

2:12

2:13

2:14

2:15

2:16

2:17

2:18

2:19

2:20

2:21

2:22



In preparation for Sunday, pray about your relationship with God and with fellow believers.

Ask God to help you experience and understand His peace in relation to Him and to each

other. Where do you sense a lack of peace? Ask God to reveal the reason for your discomfort and how you can achieve the peace He describes.

Together with the others in the Body, you are becoming God’s Dwelling. Meditate on this, and

ask God to show you how to build and allow yourself to be built upon Christ’s foundation into

the Dwelling God desires.

Journal your thoughts and/or prayer below:



Ephesians 2:11-22

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) — 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.


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God the Spirit (52-53)

O Lord God, I pray not so much for graces as for the Spirit himself, because I feel his absence, and act by my own spirit in everything. Give me not weak desires but the power of his presence, for this is the surest

way to have all his graces, and when I have the seal I have the impression also; He can heal, help, quicken, humble suddenly and easily, can work grace and life effectually, and being eternal he can

give grace eternally. Save me from great hindrances, from being content with a little measure of the Spirit, from thinking thou wilt not give me more. When I feel my lack of him, light up life and faith, for

when I lose thee I am either in the dark and cannot see thee, or Satan and my natural abilities content me with a little light, so that I seek no further for the Spirit of life. Teach me then what to do. Should

I merely humble myself and not stir up my heart? Should I meditate and use all means to bring him

near, not being contented by one means, but trust him to give me a blessing by the use of all, depending only upon, and waiting always for, thy light, by use of means? Is it a duty or an error to

pray and look for the fullness of the Spirit in me? Am I mistaken in feeling I am empty of the Spirit because I do not sense his presence within, when all the time I am most empty and could be more full by faith in Christ? Was the fullness of the Spirit in the apostles chiefly a power, giving the subsistence

outside themselves in Christ, in whom was their life and joy? Teach me to find and know fullness of the Spirit only in Jesus.



Ephesians 2:11-13

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) — 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Observation:

1. The word “Therefore” here implies a continued thought. What thought is Paul continuing

when he starts verse 11?

2. What group of people is considered “the circumcision” and why was this group separated by

God?

3. What new position do Gentile believers now find themselves in?

4. What/who is the cause of this new position?

Interpretation:

5. Why does Paul want to remind the Gentile believers of their initial separation from Christ? 6. What were the implications of this message to Paul’s original audience? Summarize the

impact of these verses from their perspective.

Application:

7. How do these verses apply to your life today?





Lord, thank you for welcoming me into your family. I was once separated from the blessing of your covenant, but through Christ, I am counted one of your children. I don’t deserve this, but I praise and thank you for your grace.


Father, I confess that I take for granted my status with you. I often forget how amazing it is that in Christ all are welcomed, not just one special group. Help me to remember this daily.


Lord, I want to pray for those that are not a part of your family. We grieve for those that do not love or follow Christ and we plead for mercy on their behalf. Father do not forget those in my family that do not know you. Do not forget my neighbors or my coworkers. We ask for grace and mercy on their behalf and that you would intercede and reveal yourself to hardened hearts – especially to those who have rejected you. We know they don’t deserve it, but neither do I. You sought me when I was astray and we beg that you do that for those that remain lost today.




Ephesians 2:14-16

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

Observation:

1. What “two” groups is Paul referring to at the beginning of verse 14? 2. What kind of “law” is Paul describing here? Interpretation:

3. Attempt to summarize these three verses in your own words:

Application:

4. How can you apply this passage to your everyday life?





Lord, thank you for sending your one and only Son to die on the cross for us. Thank you for breaking down that wall that divided who we were and uniting us as one within your eyes. I praise you Lord, for your never-changing grace that your give to me each day.


Lord, I confess that I am judgmental of others. Please forgive me for forming an opinion of someone so hastily. Please help me to see the intentions and opinions of others as positive and to seek out your Word whenever in doubt.


Lord, I want to pray for _____ to understand that the laws on this earth carry no merit in heaven. Please help him/her to see that your Kingdom is the true prize. Father, continue to bless him/her even when evil is done and help him/her to put aside his/her petty differences and see that we are all one in the eyes of Christ.


Day 25 February 1, 2017

Ephesians 2:17-18

17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

1. Who is the author speaking to and why are they referred to as far away?

2. Why does peace need to be preached? 3. By whom and on what basis was peace preached?

4. What does it mean to have access?

5. In your own words summarize the passage in one sentence.


Day 25 February 1, 2017 use them to inspire you to pray.




Lord, thank you that we have a right relationship with you because of what you have done for us. Thank you that we can come before you openly in your presence. Thank you that you have created a way for us to draw near to you and that we have full access to you.


Lord, I confess that even after being given full access I sometimes run from your presence. I allow hardness to enter into my heart. I rebel against your direction and seek out my own path.


Lord, please give ____________ the understanding that he/she needs access to you, that in you is life, and life abundant. Help him/her understand that no sin is too great to discredit the access that comes through the Holy Spirit because of Christ’s death and resurrection.



Ephesians 2:19-20

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

1. “Consequently” infers causality. To what cause is this referring (look back at the earlier days in

the week’s study)?

2. Identify three phrases describing relationships with God observed in the passage.

A brief definition of the term “cornerstone” may be beneficial. From Wikipedia: “The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.”

3. In each of the identified types of relationships, who/what is the authority/standard/definer?

4. Summarize these verses from the point of view of the Gentiles.

5. How do these verses apply to your life today?




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Lord, today I praise you for letting me be one of your children. Thank you for letting me become a citizen in your kingdom. I worship you for being my Savior.


Father, I confess that I am distracted and tempted by the things of this life almost every day. Please forgive me for spending more time watching TV last week than I did with You in prayer and in your Word. Please help me to really live like a citizen of heaven every day all week long and not just on Sundays.


Lord, I want to pray for _________ to grasp the truth of these verses in his/her life. Please help him/her to ‘true up’ and align his/her life to the cornerstone. Please remind him/her of who he/she really is in Christ. Help him/her to set his/her mind on heavenly, eternal things and embrace YOUR priorities for his/her life, not to be shaped by those who are living just for now.



Ephesians 2:21-22

21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

1. When Paul writes "In him the whole building is joined together," to whom is he referring? How

is it possible for these groups to be joined together?

2. When you think about being joined together with others, what picture or image comes to your mind? What picture or imagery does Paul use?

3. Paul uses the words "holy temple" and "dwelling." What is the "holy temple and dwelling?" What dwells in this holy temple?

4. Try to summarize this passage in one sentence. 5. How can you apply these verses to your life?





Father, I praise you I am part of a greater body of believers where God's Spirit dwells.


Father, forgive me for forgetting that I am part of a greater body of believers where your Spirit dwells. Forgive me for being self-consumed and focused on me and my little kingdom.


Father, I pray that Sardis would be a people that walk in unity and love so that your Spirit would bear more fruit. I pray that I, along with others at Sardis, would see ourselves and the universal church as a temple where your Spirit dwells.



Ephesians 3:1-13

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Have you ever known anyone to suffer on account of you, for your benefit? It would require a good

measure of grace, love, and compassion towards you. Or perhaps you have suffered on behalf of someone else. We might see this in a parent towards his child.

In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul twice refers to his suffering for the benefit of the Ephesians.

3:1: “ For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles .” 3:13: “ I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” Paul was

encouraged and thankful because the Ephesians were exercising their faith. Because of this, his spirit

was lifted and he was more than willing to suffer on their account.

Let's explore this a little more. I'd like to draw you to a favorite passage of mine involving suffering—

Romans 5:3-4: “3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

God has loaded these two verses with powerful wisdom! How do we get to the point where we

understand why Paul is saying this and overlook our suffering on behalf of our families and each

other? Verse 3 indicates that perseverance grows out of suffering, and that perseverance is a direct

inroad into changing our character. God wants to change us, refashion us, and mold us. It only requires that we be willing and yielded to Him.

What might offer more insight into embracing this mindset is the knowledge and deep understanding

that our valley experiences (trials, attacks, suffering, pain) are key to our spiritual growth. Jesus is

with us at these times, tending to us, nurturing us, drawing our attention away from the issue and our

reaction just enough to give us His wise counsel. So it is hoped that we will go through those valleys better each time, as we see things from His perspective more and more. Our leaning on Jesus allows us to withstand those valley experiences with more ease, because we have our feet firmly rooted in

His Word, His Promise. As we continue to gain strength, we will be able to withstand any challenge

coming before us.

We can't accomplish this by head knowledge alone. It's a heart matter. This is love in action. It's a

beautiful thing for the church to joyfully give to, minister to, and suffer for each other. When we do it, God notices. And He’s greatly pleased, because He sees that we get it.



Prayer Points:

For us to prepare before services by spending time with God in reading the Word, praying, and asking Him to show us what He wants us to learn.

That we would look for opportunities to lift someone up, to embrace fellowship with members and visitors alike. That every person would feel welcome among us, feeling they are in a safe place, knowing that we value their presence among us. For us to let our light shine, for someone may need to see Jesus in us.

For us to set aside problems or anything else that threatens to distract us, for when our focus is not on Jesus, each other, and our ministry, it may rob us of our joy.

For the 9:00 am prayer service. That we would gladly offer up a sacrifice of our time to God to spend time with Him, and each other, as we intercede for each other and strengthen the

bonds of our unity. That our prayers would be heart-felt. For our offering; that God would prompt us to loosen our wallets to give with no

reservations, no holding back, realizing how God is most pleased with us when we give sacrificially.

For the worship team to be anointed and ready to lead us in worship. For our worship to be very personal between us and God, as we focus on praising him, not just with our lips, but

with our mind and heart. He is worthy of all of our praise. That the atmosphere would be

highly charged in the sanctuary with us giving high worship to God and our desire to be one

with Him. For a fresh protection of Pastor Mark, as he diligently gives us a good study of God’s Word –

undiluted, untainted, complete. For our ears and hearts to be open to what God has to say to us.



Ephesians 3:1-13

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Today we will begin a week-long focus on Ephesians 3:1-13. First, read the passage prayerfully, slowly and, reflectively. What are the top 3-4 observations you can make about this passage?

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Based on what you have written above, can you write a brief prayer of response below, asking God in

your own words to help you obey his Word and put it into practice?








The Gospel Way (62-63)

Blessed Lord Jesus,

No human mind could conceive or invent the gospel. Acting in eternal grace, thou art both its

messenger and its message, lived out on earth through infinite compassion, applying thy life to insult, injury, death, that I might be redeemed, ransomed, freed. Blessed be thou, O Father, for contriving

this way; Eternal thanks to thee, O Lamb of God, for opening this way. Praise everlasting to thee, O

Holy Spirit, for applying this way to my heart. Glorious Trinity, impress the gospel on my soul, until its virtue diffuses every faculty. Let it be heard, acknowledged, professed, felt. Teach me to secure this

mighty blessing. Help me to give up every darling lust, to submit heart and life to its command, to have it in my will, controlling my affections, moulding my understanding; to adhere strictly to the

rules of true religion, not departing from them in any instance, nor for any advantage in order to

escape evil, inconvenience or danger. Take me to the cross to seek glory from its infamy. Strip me of every pleasing pretense of righteousness by my own doings. O gracious Redeemer, I have neglected

thee too long, often crucified thee, crucified thee afresh by my impenitence, put thee to open shame. I thank thee for the patience that has borne with me so long, and for the grace that now makes me willing to be thine. O unite me to thyself with inseparable bonds, that nothing may ever draw me

back from thee, my Lord, my Saviour.



Ephesians 3:1-6

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

1. What parties were involved in God's grace and the "mystery," and what was their role?

2. What will have to happen for the Ephesians to participate? 3. What opportunity did the Ephesians have that didn't exist before?

4. Put yourself in the shoes of an Ephesian hearing this read for the first time. Would this have been a surprise? Why? What might be different than what you expected?

5. What was Paul saying about himself? How does that affect you?

6. How will you share "in the promise" and live as "members of one body?"





What do you appreciate about...God's revelation, the gospel, being heirs with the Jews, being members of one body? What do want to thank God for in light of his inclusion of you into His family?


Where do you want to confess being "entitled," like you are owed something from God? Ask God to help you see your status and place as sharers in His promise.


Pray for others as God leads you.



Ephesians 3:7

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

1. What did Paul's role eventually become? (Refer to yesterday's discussion of Paul's role in

explaining the mystery of the gospel.)

2. What elements brought this about, and whose choice was it?

3. What does the "this" in "this gospel" refer to? (Refer back to verse 6.)

4. Why did Paul's new role matter to the Ephesians?

5. What will be YOUR role in the gospel from now on, both in receiving and giving it?





Thank God for the way He used Paul to bring the gospel to you. Also thank God for the fact that, if you are a Gentile, you are welcome in God's family too! What attributes can you praise God for that enable to you participate on both ends of the gospel (receiving and giving)?


Where have you put up roadblocks in the way of the Lord trying to reach you with the message of Christ? How can he help you to understand, live, and communicate the gospel to others? What attribute will you let God develop in you so that you are a more effective "tool" in His hands?






Ephesians 3:8-9

8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

1. Why did Paul need grace? What was the purpose of that grace?

2. What is Paul's priority? On whom was he focused?

3. What changed? How did it change?

4. What should people rely on to share the gospel with others?

5. How will Christ's "boundless riches" motivate us to share the gospel with others?





Where has God given you "grace" to do something you can't do on your own? Have you ever considered what your life would be like if you still didn't know the "mystery" that has been revealed to us? How would your life be different? Take a few moments to praise God for revealing this mystery to you, for giving you the chance to understand it like no one before Christ could. How much do you appreciate His "boundless riches?"


Are there any of His riches you would like to understand better? If so, take a few moments to jot them down, as well as some things you can do to understand them. Where do you need God's help to understand His revelation better? What role is He asking you to have in bringing the gospel to others? Take a few moments to confess, ask to experience his forgiveness, and decide to be different – where you’ve taken his riches for granted, where you've not taken the opportunity to understand His revelation, where you've missed opportunities to share the gospel with those in your life. Ask for His help to be different in any or all of the above.





Ephesians 3:10-11

10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This week, we've seen that Paul's role became that of a servant, he received grace and insight, and his

priority was to preach the gospel, God’s mystery, to the Gentiles for the first time.

1. What is God's intent for who would be making God's wisdom known in the future?

2. Refer to the prior verses' references to what was revealed, and to whom. a. What is now the focus of what is revealed?

b. To whom is Paul now saying it is revealed?

3. What do we see about God's purpose?

4. Why did Paul switch the focus of the passage ... a. From himself to the church?

b. From the gospel to wisdom?

c. From the Gentiles to rulers and authorities?

5. What is your response? How will you make God's wisdom known to others?





Do you appreciate your role in carrying the message first given to Paul to preach to the Gentiles? Thank Him for this amazing privilege!!! God is intentional. He has a purpose that Christ accomplished, meaning it's DONE! Praise Him for His completed work, and for the fact that you can rest in the promise that there's nothing more for Him to do to save you! REALLY?? I can have access to the wisdom of an eternal, all- powerful God? Thank Him right now for making that wisdom available to you.


Where have you taken His wisdom for granted? What do you want to admit to God about wherever you've failed to take advantage of this amazing wisdom? Often, we have trouble trusting Him, especially in our thinking there is something more we or He has to do to save us. Thank Him right now that your salvation was completely paid for, available as His gift. Then, ask for His help to trust Him to work in you on the “basis” of your permanent relationship with Him.





Ephesians 3:12-13

12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

1. How can we approach God?

2. Why can we approach God that way?

3. What is the result (according to the passage)?

4. Why would Paul suffer for the Ephesians? How are his sufferings the Ephesians’ "glory?"

5. How will you approach God differently in the future? What will allow you to do that?





Take a moment to develop AWE that this amazing God is also directly accessible. Thank Him that you can talk with Him directly, and that you don't take that personal access for granted. Also feel free to praise Him for the freedom He gives you, especially freedom FROM sin and judgement.


Where do you have doubts when you approach God? Tell God about any doubts you have when praying. Tell God about any doubts you have in your daily life, where you should be trusting Him. Now, ask God to help you approach Him with confidence. Also, ask God to grow any seed of faith you have in Him, to trust Him in all aspects of your life.





Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Strength and Love

There are moments, and even entire seasons of life, in which we feel as though we have nothing to

give. Whether we know it or not in the moment, work, family, friendships, and other obligations may

rob us of the energy that we need to thrive. It is hard and even discouraging to go through seasons of life in which making it through a day can even be a struggle. In these moments, God, through the

power of his Word, wants to speak a better word. The Lord WILL strengthen us. Just as Paul’s prayer

was that the church would be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have that same access to pray for ourselves and intercede for others that he may strengthen us. To be “strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10) means to allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, and to literally be our strength. This strength is not something we have to muster up for ourselves, but can only come from the Lord.

Ultimately, when the Lord does anything on our behalf, it is a measure of His endless love. He

strengthens us because He loves us. The Lord wants to be involved in our daily lives. The caring nature of a God whose ear is inclined toward us is displayed when He strengthens us. May the Lord

get the glory out of these precious moments when we depend on him. When we look back on

situations in which we needed the Lord, may we be able to say something along the lines of, “I remember when the Lord provided strength.”

The Lord wants to be our anchor in every season of life. When we are anchored by a loving God, the

lens through which we view situations and people begins to change. Hope arises in areas where there

wasn’t hope before. Unexplainable faith propels us onward, and our lives are rooted and established

in love. When we truly know this love, it cannot stay contained within, but it spreads like a wildfire. When we know this love, and this love is lived out and poured out in our every day lives, God will have the glory. His name is made known.



Prayer Guide

As tomorrow approaches, let us use this passage to pray in the following ways:

1. Pray that the Lord will provide you with strength, in the ways in which you specifically know

that it is needed. May you see Him as your anchor. Let this weekend be marked by receiving divine strength, and be not afraid or prideful about asking the Lord to impart His strength to

you. 2. Pray that the Lord helps us to know and experience what it means to be rooted and

established in His love. Give us vision to see it, and if we have forgotten what it means to taste

and see Your goodness, help us to taste and see it again. 3. Pray for Sunday, that Sunday’s service will be marked by His Holy Spirit, and that His presence

is experienced in all aspects of the service. Let Sunday be a Sunday that people can remember

for years to come because they will remember experiencing God. 4. Pray that the Lord strengthens Pastor Mark as he teaches from the Word. 5. Pray that people will leave church knowing that they have seen and are known by the Lord

and that He desires to dwell within them always.



Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.


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Fullness (302-03)

Heavenly Father,

Thou hast revealed to me myself as a mass of sin, and thyself as the fullness of goodness, with

strength enough to succor me, wisdom enough to guide me, mercy enough to quicken me, love enough to satisfy me. Thou hast shown me that because thou art mine I can live by thy life, be strong in thy strength, be guided by thy wisdom; and so I can pitch my thoughts and heart in thee. This is

the exchange of wonderful love – for me to have thee for myself, and for thee to have me, and to give me thyself. There is in thee all fullness of the good I need, and the fullness of all grace to draw me to

thyself, who, else, could never have come. But having come, I must cleave to thee, be knit to thee, always seek thee. There is none all good as thou art: With thee I can live without other things, for thou art God all-sufficient, and the glory, peace, rest, joy of the world is a creaturely, perishing thing

in comparison with thee. Help me to know that he who hopes for nothing but thee, and for all things only for thee, hopes truly, and that I must place all my happiness in holiness, if I hope to be filled with

all grace. Convince me that I can have no peace at death, nor hope that I should go to Christ, unless I intend to do his will and have his fullness while I live.



Ephesians 3:14-15

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

First, start off asking God through his Holy Spirit to give you spiritual understanding, to reveal Himself through His Word, and to reveal how to apply it to your life in order to glorify God.

1. What does Paul mean by “for this reason?” What reason? Compare 3:1 and 3:14. Now

compare 2:11-22 with 3:2-13. What’s going on here?

2. What does Paul do in response to “this reason?” Also, why does he specifically mention this

based on the context?

2. Again from the context, what could Paul be referring to by “every family in heaven and on

earth?” (If you need a hint, look at 2:19-20 and 3:6. Also check out Hebrews 12:1). What does

mentioning the word “family” emphasize?

4. Why would he mention “derives its name?”

5. What have you learned from this passage?






Father I praise you for your incredible plan of redemption that includes me, that includes men and women of every nation, tribe, people and language. Thank you for including me, for paying for my sins on the cross, and for putting me in your family. I kneel in reverence to your holy name, in awe of your great love, wisdom and power.


Father, forgive me for when I forget who I am in Christ or take for granted the great salvation you have purchased for me. Help me to respond more often to your revealed truth in ways that honor you and show my appreciation for your great love and grace.


Father, I pray for my brother/sister ___________. He/she is a part of your family and is called by your name just as I am. Please help me to love him/her in real, practical ways, and I pray that he/she would respond to your goodness and live in a manner worthy of your name.



Ephesians 3:16-17a

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner

being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and then review yesterday's study. Extra Credit: Read Colossians 1:9-14,

24-28; 2:6-7 and look for similarities.

1. Using the passage above, write down three to five observations from these verses.

2. Is what Paul asks from God (for the Ephesian church) valuable? How do you know?

Let's skip ahead to verse 17 and then come back to verse 16 in a bit.

3. What does it mean for Christ to “dwell in your hearts through faith?” Compare this with

Colossians 2:6-7.

4. Compare this with John 15 (especially John 15:10-17). What insight does this give into what

Paul is praying here?

5. Why is faith important for Christ to dwell within us in this way?

Now let's go back to verse 16.

6. Why do we individually and as a church need strengthening and power?

7. How would you summarize what we have studied so far?






Father, I praise you that we don't have to try to live for you out of our own strength since that will fail miserably. I praise you that you have not left us as orphans but you have taken up residence in us individually and corporately, empowering us to be more and more like Christ Jesus, your Son. Thank you for giving us everything we need for life and godliness.


Father, I confess I don't always live by faith, nor do I always submit to you as rightful Lord in my life. Forgive me for my selfishness at times and for taking my eyes off Jesus. Forgive me for hearing your Word but not always obeying it. Please strengthen me, my family, and my brothers and sisters in Christ to live out the life of Christ in us.


Father I lift up my family at Sardis Batist Church and ask that out of your great storehouse of riches you would empower all of us with inner strength by your Spirit so that Christ's life will be evident in our inner most being as we trust him.



Ephesians 3:17b-18

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

Go back and read Ephesians 2:1-10 and thank God for his great love for us.

Read Ephesians 3:1-14 in a version like the NLT or a paraphrase like The Message.

1. Using the passage above, write down at least five observations from these verses.

2. What analogies does Paul use at the end of verse 17?

3. Paul uses the same two analogies in 1 Corinthians 3 as he does in Ephesians 3:17. Also, the

word for love here is the Greek word agape. This is a kind of love that only comes from God. What do you think Paul is getting at in Ephesians 3:17b?

4. Paul prays that the Ephesian church “may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy

people, to grasp...” Based on the fact that he starts with the foundation of salvation, does this seem like something an unbeliever could grasp? What kind of power could he be praying for?

5. Is this understanding that Paul prays for just for a select few Christians?

6. What kind of analogy is being used in the phrase “how wide and long and high and deep is the

love of Christ?” Why do you think he uses this analogy?

7. The Greek word agape is being used here. What does the word agape mean? What are the

implications of the word agape being used rather than phileo (brotherly love)? Pray first. Then read the following passages for a better understanding of God's agape love toward us: Romans 5:6-10, Romans 8:28-39, 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 2:1-1). Thank God for his love for you. Do you feel undeserving? Good, because you are. That makes his love even more

amazing!

8. What stood out to you the most from this study?






Lord, I praise you and thank you for rooting me and grounding me in love. Thank you for saving me and putting me into your family. Father thank you for the love that I have seen expressed in our church for one another. Thank you that that kind of love comes from your work in our hearts.


Father, I want to be like Jesus and love as he loved, and I want our church to grow in this love so that the watching world will see that we are like your Son. Please work in me by the power of your Spirit so that my love (and our love) is more and more unconditional and sacrificial – like yours.


Lord God I pray for _______, that he/she would be deeply impacted by your love for him/her and that by your Spirit's power he/she would desire to know and love you more and to be in fellowship with other believers where he/she can give and receive your agape love.



Ephesians 3:19

19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness

of God.

Read Ephesians 3:14-21 again.

1. Using the passage above, write down three to five observations or questions from this verse.

2. What do you make of the intentional paradox in verse 19? How can you know something

(namely love) that surpasses knowledge?

3. How does love surpass knowledge?

4. Stop and thank God for his love for you. Do you ever doubt God's love for you? Perhaps

during difficulties? Remember that Paul wrote about God's love from prison! Also, read

Romans 8:35. What if you don't “feel” it right now? That doesn't change who God is or his promises. We walk by faith and not by sight. Choose to believe it. What if you've messed up?

God lovingly offers forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Even when he disciplines us it is for our good because he loves his children! (Hebrews 12:4-11)

5. How do you respond to this kind of love? Read Ephesians 5:1 and Romans 12:1, 2. Take a

minute right now and to worship and thank him.

6. What does “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” mean? See also Ephesians 1:22-23

and Ephesians 4:13.

7. How does knowing this knowledge-surpassing love lead to being filled with all God's fullness?

8. What has impressed you from today's study?






God, I am in awe of your great love for me – it is beyond my ability to fully comprehend. I praise you that you are the author and perfecter of my faith. Your love drew me to yourself and your love motivates me to know you better and to want to please you. Thank you for loving me while I was dead in my sins. All praise to you God!


Father, forgive me when I fall short of your glory and fail to love like you. Forgive me when I focus more on knowledge than on the application of that knowledge to know you better and build others up. Please strengthen me in my inner being to know your love in greater ways and to respond in kind.


Lord, I call upon your name and ask for you to open up ___________ eyes to your great love for him/her so that he/she will be filled with all your goodness and character and be more and more like Christ. I ask that he/she will grow toward maturity and experience unity with other believers. And that his/her life will more and more express your love to others.

Documents

40 Days of Prayer 2017 Praying through · PDF file40 Days of Prayer 2017—Praying through Ephesians Do you ever struggle to consistantly pray? Do you feel as if every day you pray