Introduction:     The greatness of a man’s ministry can be contributed in a large part to his prayer life. There are two prayers of Paul recorded in Ephesians. This prayer was prompted by the past experiences of those believers. The essence of this prayer was for revelation and realization. The Scripture speaks of “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” The indwelling Spirit was to be their teacher and revealer. HE PRAYS THAT THOSE BELIEVERS WOULD KNOW:

I.          GOD’S PERSON TO ENLARGE THEM (V.17; 3:17)

            A.        Their Present Relationship To Christ (1:17)

These believers already knew Christ but it was for a deeper growing knowledge of Him that Paul prayed.

            B.         Their Progressive Resemblance To Christ (3:17)

Now that they were in Christ, he longed to see them grow up into Christ in all things (4:15).

II.         GOD’S PURPOSE TO ENCOURAGE THEM (V.18a)

God has called the church to be Christ’s body, the fullness of Christ, the visible part of the invisible Christ in an ungodly world. The hope of His calling is evident. The church now sanctified is to become the church glorified. This is a:

            A.        Heavenly Calling - (Heb 3:1) “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;"

            B.         Holy Calling  - (2 Tim 1:9)  "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"

            C.        High Calling - (Phil 3:14) “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

III.       GOD’S POSSESSIONS TO ENRICH THEM (V.18b)

God is not interested in possessing suns and stars. He wants sons and saints.

            A.        The Provision Of His Inheritance -- Riches

            B.         The Position Of His Inheritance -- Saints

            C.        The Purpose Of His Inheritance -- Glory

IV.       GOD’S POWER TO ENERGIZE THEM (V.19)

This wonderful working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance, and consummation of our salvation. This power is all sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthy of his calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers.

            A.        Resurrection Power (v.20)

            B.         Exaltation Power (v.21)

            C.        Domination Power (vv.22-23)

Conclusion:       The full potential of persistent prayer is yet to be realized by the average Christian. Great doors of opportunity swing on small hinges of obedience, and prayer is the key that unlocks the door. Prayer is the key to the believer’s

·        Hope that beckons us.

·        Inheritance that blesses us.

·        Power that backs us.