wisdom

On spiritual wisdom

Ephesians 1:15-23

Today we are going to talk about spiritual wisdom. While I could cover this section verse by verse, I would rather deal with it as a whole because it deals with the principle of praying for wisdom. ( for others as well as ourselves)

First, our attitude should be one of thankfulness for those around us. We can not effectively pray for others when we have something against them. It may be that we don�t know that we do, so we need to be checking on ourselves frequently. Take some time right now to do a spiritual inventory of your attitudes towards the people you have contact with and settle up with the Lord. Then settle up with those you have something against.

As we look at the beginning of the passage (vs. 15) we see that Paul�s attitude is one of thankfulness. This attitude was common with paul. Just look at the beginning of some of the other letters he wrote to see his response to the people. (see phillipians, galatians, philemon, timothy, etc) Paul first thinks about the strong faith and love for others the ephesians had. He knew them well for he had been their pastor for about a year and a half. He founded the church. He asks the father to give them spiritual wisdom. (this is different than natural wisdom. With natural wisdom we think on a temporal level, which has it�s place. Spiritual wisdom deals with how we respond with the information the holy spirit has given us. Spiritual wisdom will spawn natural wisdom that is rooted in God�s ways. Paul also prays that hearts are filled with the light of the lord so that they can fully understand the lord�s greatness, as well as the destiny he has planned for them both collectively and individually. So should we. Those who have been given to us, need to be prayed for by us. God has given us charge over them as leaders. On one level we have become like parents to them.

Paul also wants them to understand the richness of the inheritance god has for them. We are joint heirs with christ, so we receive the same things he does. We, if �saved�, are brothers and sisters to him, and are seated in high places with him. Unfortunately, most of the church is never taught that principle. We are in him. Keep studying eph. 1:3-14 until you get it down in your spirit.

Everything in verses 19-23 has to do with our relationship with christ.

First, paul wants the ephesians to understand the great power god has for them (and us!) in jesus christ. It is the same power that raised christ from the dead and seated him tat the right hand of the father. Think about this! We, who are in christ, have the same incredible power that raised jesus from the tomb to govern our lives. No one but the father could pass this power on to anyone. The father raised christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand, a place of honor. God placed jesus above all rulers and authorities, on earth as well as in heaven. Think on that for awhile. The authority christ has is for the church�s benefit. We are the church!! We have his power.

Think about this: wherever you go, jesus goes. He lives inside of you by the holy spirit. Wherever you go, so goes god�s presence.

Those of you who want spiritual wisdom, ask for it (james 1:5). Ask the lord to open your eyes to understand him. Solomon did and he received it liberally.

Here are some references concerning wisdom:

The fear of wisdom; proverbs 1:7; 2:6-12

Knowing god; Jeremiah 9:23-24

Understanding god�s ways; Hosea 14:9

The foundation of god�s word; Matthew 7:24-27

The difference between god�s wisdom and the wisdom of the world; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

May the lord richly bless you as you study this passage.

Be outrageously blessed!

Pastor Earl

Email: Soaring Eagle Ministries

Last updated February 20, 2004





		*On spiritual wisdom* Ephesians 1:15-23 Today we are going to talk about spiritual wisdom. While I could cover this section verse by verse, I would rather deal with it as a whole because it deals with the principle of praying for wisdom. ( for others as well as ourselves) First, our attitude should be one of thankfulness for those around us. We can not effectively pray for others when we have something against them. It may be that we don�t know that we do, so we need to be checking on ourselves frequently. Take some time right now to do a spiritual inventory of your attitudes towards the people you have contact with and settle up with the Lord. Then settle up with those you have something against. As we look at the beginning of the passage (vs. 15) we see that Paul�s attitude is one of thankfulness. This attitude was common with paul. Just look at the beginning of some of the other letters he wrote to see his response to the people. (see phillipians, galatians, philemon, timothy, etc) Paul first thinks about the strong faith and love for others the ephesians had. He knew them well for he had been their pastor for about a year and a half. He founded the church. He asks the father to give them spiritual wisdom. (this is different than natural wisdom. With natural wisdom we think on a temporal level, which has it�s place. Spiritual wisdom deals with how we respond with the information the holy spirit has given us. Spiritual wisdom will spawn natural wisdom that is rooted in God�s ways. Paul also prays that hearts are filled with the light of the lord so that they can fully understand the lord�s greatness, as well as the destiny he has planned for them both collectively and individually. So should we. Those who have been given to us, need to be prayed for by us. God has given us charge over them as leaders. On one level we have become like parents to them. Paul also wants them to understand the richness of the inheritance god has for them. We are joint heirs with christ, so we receive the same things he does. We, if �saved�, are brothers and sisters to him, and are seated in high places with him. Unfortunately, most of the church is never taught that principle. We are in him. Keep studying eph. 1:3-14 until you get it down in your spirit. Everything in verses 19-23 has to do with our relationship with christ. First, paul wants the ephesians to understand the great power god has for them (and us!) in jesus christ. It is the same power that raised christ from the dead and seated him tat the right hand of the father. Think about this! We, who are in christ, have the same incredible power that raised jesus from the tomb to govern our lives. No one but the father could pass this power on to anyone. The father raised christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand, a place of honor. God placed jesus above all rulers and authorities, on earth as well as in heaven. Think on that for awhile. The authority christ has is for the church�s benefit. We are the church!! We have his power. Think about this: wherever you go, jesus goes. He lives inside of you by the holy spirit. Wherever you go, so goes god�s presence. Those of you who want spiritual wisdom, ask for it (james 1:5). Ask the lord to open your eyes to understand him. Solomon did and he received it liberally. Here are some references concerning wisdom: The fear of wisdom; proverbs 1:7; 2:6-12 Knowing god; Jeremiah 9:23-24 Understanding god�s ways; Hosea 14:9 The foundation of god�s word; Matthew 7:24-27 The difference between god�s wisdom and the wisdom of the world; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 May the lord richly bless you as you study this passage. Be outrageously blessed! Pastor Earl *Email:* Soaring Eagle Ministries Last updated February 20, 2004