Ephesians 1:15-23 God's Gracious Wisdom

In researching for this week's lesson, I came across a devotion written by C.H. Spurgeon concerning Ephesians 1:19-20. It shed new light on this passage for me, which I had previously read as one focusing primarily on wisdom and knowledge, and made it vitally personal to me. I'll read this devotional during our next meeting and paste it at the bottom of this note as well.

This week we will focus on two main aspects of the passage, which is Paul's first of two prayers for the Ephesian church in the book of Ephesians. First, I will talk about Paul's concern for their wisdom and knowledge. He spends most of this passage praying that God will expand their wisdom, and the way he does this is interesting. Thinking in terms of applying the passage to the Christian walk, it raises interesting implications about how we use our minds and what our priorities are. As you read and prepare for Thursday, please think about what Paul means and what these implications might be.

Second, is the passage from verse 19 to the end of the chapter. Once again, Paul is highlighting the glory of God and focusing on the powerful work of redemption accomplished on the cross.

We will spend about 15-20 minutes on each section, with the rest of the hour for questions and discussion, so please feel free to share what you've learned in reading this as well.

Below is the devotional from Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotional book. Feel free to read it, but if you're pressed for time, don't worry about it.

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"The exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead." (Eph 1:19,20)

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power. What shall we say of those who think that conversion is wrought by the free will of man, and is due to his own betterness of disposition? When we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners upon earth, can stay the hand of God’s grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt", man shall not say, "I will not." Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious. It reflected honour upon God and wrought dismay in the hosts of evil. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. It was everlasting power. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." So we, being raised from the dead, go not back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but we live unto God. "Because he lives we live also." "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power which raised the Head works life in the members. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ!

-Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, September 8, Evening.

Definition:
Quickening:
v. 1. To make alive; vitalize.
2. To come or return to life: "And the weak spirit quickens" (T.S. Eliot).
n. 1. the process of showing signs of life; "the quickening of seed that will become ripe grain"