God’s Agenda for Christ’s Church: Embedded in Paul’s Prayer
- Ephesians 1:15-19
- Pastor Jerry Halbrook -PBC
- Mar 28, 2010
Based on God’s work evidenced by the Holy Spirit’s activity, we should pray for spiritual enlightenment for the church, that the church might experience the hope that is based on God’s calling, her value which is based on Christ’s redemption, and her power to live the Christian life that comes from the Holy Spirit.
I. Paul prayed for the True Church (1:15-16a).
A. Identified by the Holy Spirit’s sealing (1:15a)
B. Authenticated by the Holy Spirit’s fruit (1:15b-d)
II. Paul prayed about her greatest need (1:17-18a).
A. A manifestation of the Holy Spirit—experience (1:17c)
B. A manifestation of the Holy Spirit—enlightenment (1:18a)
III. Paul’s prayer presents God’s agenda (1:18b-19).
A. The Church’s hope based on the Father’s election (1:18c)
B. The Church’s worth based on Christ’s redemption (1:18d)
C. The Church’s power provided by the Spirit’s filling (1:19)