7.07.2009

When apostles pray.

I am constantly inspired by the prayers of the Apostle Paul for the people in the many churches to which he wrote letters. And in Ephesians 1:17 we find a prayer that might need to be repeated every day. I wanted to form my sermon around this prayer this week but decided to take a different approach. But the prayer is simply this:

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

The Greek word for wisdom is “Sophia” which would make a great name for a girl ☺ (Strongs 4678). Now, there are two forms of wisdom Earthly and Heavenly (James 3:13-17). Please read how Paul contrasts the two, in 1 Corinthians 2. As you read the James and I Corinthians passage, what do you think is the importance of this type of wisdom?

The Greek word for revelation is “Apokalupsis” (Strongs 602). It literally means to take off the cover, to reveal, or to lighten. It appears in Romans 16:25, Ephesians 3:3 and it has something to do with a mystery. What do you think is the importance of this type of revelation?

As we reflect on wisdom and revelation, let us come to know Christ better. Let this prayer for the church in Ephesus become our prayer, and let us be more in tune with the Spirit and what it has for us today.

2 comments:

  1. But who can know the mind of Christ, the revelation of the Holy Spirit, God’s wisdom, other than his Saints. Jared, this is a powerful reminder of the Godhead and the wisdom and revelation that emanates from God, the teachings of Christ and the revelation to his Saints by His Holy Spirit. I often seek the insights of Biblical commentaries and I include below that which reminded me that God’s will can only be known by (as the commentary says below) the spiritual man alone (as opposed to the natural man). The mysteries of ages past were revealed by God in its fullness through Christ and the revelation of the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit. (see two following scriptures). When I am struggling with a decision and am “working through” the risks, and the desired outcome I so often have not used the very discernment that has been promised to me as a believer. This is a wonderful reminder of God’s gift to us that through His word and diligent listening for his direction (His Holy Spirit!!), we will have His Will revealed. Mysterious but utterly miraculous!!

    2 Peter 1
    20But you need to realize that no one alone can understand any of the prophecies in the Scriptures. 21The prophets did not think these things up on their own, but they were guided by the Spirit of God.

    Colossians 1

    25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.

    Commentary:
    “The natural man, the wise man of the world, receives not the things of the Spirit of God. The pride of carnal reasoning is really as much opposed to spirituality, as the basest sensuality. The sanctified mind discerns the real beauties of holiness, but the power of discerning and judging about common and natural things is not lost. But the carnal man is a stranger to the principles, and pleasures, and actings of the Divine life. The spiritual man only, is the person to whom God gives the knowledge of his will. How little have any known of the mind of God by natural power! And the apostles were enabled by his Spirit to make known his mind. In the Holy Scriptures, the mind of Christ, and the mind of God in Christ, are fully made known to us. It is the great privilege of Christians, that they have the mind of Christ revealed to them by his Spirit. They experience his sanctifying power in their hearts, and bring forth good fruits in their lives.”

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  2. Okay, Jared, you're really making us work!
    This is a reminder and affirmation of what a wonderful gift we've been given in the Spirit. This type of wisdom is my lifeline. It's all I want and all I need. It's fun to connect with others who are open to the Spirit as well.

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