Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 1:15-23 | J. Allen Mashburn

Up to this point in the book of Ephesians, Paul has been praising the Lord. In one long sentence that begins in verse 3 and ends in verse 14, Paul ascends the heights of the glory and majesty of God. In this great song of praise, Paul describes in great detail the amazing riches we possess in Jesus. He also tells us all that God has done for us to bring us to Christ and to guarantee our eternal salvation.

After telling these Christians much of what God had done for them, and how wealthy they were spiritually, Paul tells them how he feels about them. He wants them to know that they are not just on the mind of the Lord, but they are on the mind and in the heart of the great Apostle.

As Paul begins to bear his heart to the people of God, his first words are “for this reason.” This phrase lets us know that Paul wants to help them understand the things he has already told them about. He is saying, “In light of all the blessings that flow to the saints of God from God, I want you to know that I am praying for you that you will understand everything you have been given in Jesus Christ.”

Paul knows that he has given them a lot to think about. He has talked about subjects far too deep for most people to grasp. He knows they are confused by some of the things they have heard and that they are concerned about other things. He wants them, to know that he understands.  

If you have been here for the other sermons in this series, you may have encountered some ideas and teachings that have concerned and confused you. That’s all right because we are all at different levels of understanding when it comes to the doctrines of our faith.

As Paul pours out his heart to the Ephesians, he does so in an effort to help them understand what he has been writing to them. In reading his words to them, there is help for us as well. In verse 18 Paul tells them he is writing “that ye may know...”