Ephesians 1:15-23

This morning (5/20/07) we finished our more in-depth study of Ephesians 1.

In the first part, Paul thanks God for the Ephesians and desires deeply that they come to a deeper knowledge of Him. That is such a big thing! That's the basis for the 2 worship songs we sang also- "In the Secret" and "Knowing You." That knowing in verse 17 is more than just an awareness or a knowledge of facts (like you'd know about a movie star). It is real, deep, intimate, and more full (such as how you know a loved one).

Next we cross-referenced a couple of ideas is verse 18. Here it is from the NIV:

"I pray also 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 the saints."

First, we cross-referenced our hope in Christ by looking at I Cor 15:19-23 and I John 3:1-3. These passages respectively tell us that our hope in Christ means that we will be made alive through the resurrection and that it makes us pure, like Him.

Second, we cross-referenced our inheritance in Christ by looking at Romans 8:15-17, Ephesians 1:3-14, and I Peter 1:3-6. They respectively tell us that if we share in Christ's suffering we will share in his glory; redemption, forgiveness of sins, knowledge of the mystery of His will, and the Holy Spirit which guarantees our inheritance; it will never go away.

Lastly, verses 20-23 tell us that Christ is the head of the church.

That is all for now. Chapter 2 next Sunday!