God’s Renewing Word of Unity in Christ Jesus
Introduction
Ephesians 1:15-23: In today’s reading, Paul prays that the Holy Spirit will help make the Ephesians wise and understand what it means to know God. He reminds them that God’s great power is at work in those who believe. The chapter concludes with Paul affirming that the church is the body of Christ and that Christ is the head of the church and “supreme Lord over all things” (verse 22).
Scripture Reading
Paul’s Prayer
15For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 16I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers 17and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him. 18I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, 19and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength 20 which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 21Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. 22 God put all things under Christ’s feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. 23The church is Christ’s body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.
Today’s Key Verse: Ephesians 1:23
The church is Christ’s body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.
Reflect
Paul begins his prayer by commending the Ephesians for their faith. Reread verses 17 and 18. What does Paul ask of God on their behalf? What are the “wonderful blessings” mentioned in verse 18? How does Paul describe the “power working in us,” in verses 19 and 20?
Pray
God of hope and promise, I praise and thank you for opening my mind to the rich and wonderful blessings found in your Word and for revealing yourself to me through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Ephesians 2:1-10: God’s abundant mercy and grace brings us from death to life with Christ.