SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 09-12-2018

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Believers’ enrichment through Christ”, we learnt that God has given us unlimited blessings: “all things that pertain unto life and godliness”. We should be holy and blameless before Him. Trials and adversity shouldn’t make us to envy unbelievers. Rather, our light should enlighten and transform them. We should use our time, talents and treasure to expand God’s Kingdom and glorify His name.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 722: INTERCESSION FOR BELIEVERS’ SPIRITUAL GROWTH MEMORY VERSE: …… “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” (Ephesians 1:17). TEXT: Ephesians 1:15-23

INTRODUCTION Paul longed for the Ephesian believers to advance in faith, love, wisdom and revelation of the Father of glory. He earnestly desired their growth in grace and that they lived worthy of Christ. He sought to strengthen their faith and spiritual foundation by revealing to them the fullness of God’s purpose of redemption in Christ. Intercession was his way to back all this up. QUESTION 1: Why was Paul’s intercession for the Ephesians believers’ spiritual growth important to him? – Acts 20:20,21

THE CONSOLATION AND CONCERN OF THE APOSTLE Ephesians 1:15,16 Paul rejoiced that the Ephesians were growing. He prayed for their further growth. Rather than complain about our brethren’s faults, we should pray for them. Prayer will give the body of Christ constant victory and arm us better for soul-winning. QUESTION 2: What challenge does the Apostle’s lifestyle pose to present-day leaders and ministers? – Ephesians 1:15,16; 6:18 QUESTION 3: Point out how believers can show concern for the spiritual welfare of fellow believers – Galatians 6:2; James 5:16

THE COMMUNION AND CONTENT OF THE APOSTLE’S PRAYER Ephesians 1:17-23 The content of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was their spiritual welfare. They needed wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of the exalted and glorified Christ, enlightened spiritual eyes and to know the hope of their calling. The prayer was not sentimental, carnal or materialistic. In praying for the brethren, we should learn to put their spiritual needs before their physical needs. QUESTION 4: What lesson can we draw from Paul’s pattern of prayer? – Ephesians 3:14-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:1

CHRIST’S EXALTED POSITION AND THE CHURCH’S STABILITY Ephesians 1:20-23 The resurrected Christ is placed far above every principality, power, might or dominion and every name that is named in this world and in the world to come. All things have been put under His feet. He is the able Head of the Church. Through Him, every believer receives life and light. We can overcome temptations, trials and challenges of life if we remain fully attached to Him. QUESTION 5: How can the believer grow spiritually and become stable in Christ? – John 15:5; Col 2:8-10

CONCLUSION Intercession for the Church was central to Apostle Paul’s ministry. The prayer put spiritual needs before the physical. Like Paul, we should pray for one another’s spiritual welfare and growth. The resurrected Christ is above all powers and is Head of His Church. Believers should fear no other power. We should maintain our confidence in Him who has all things put under His feet.