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Studies in Ephesians. Paul’s 2 nd Prayer Ephesians 3:14-21. I Bow My Knees. For this reason – that which has been previously said I bow my knees – a position of reverence in prayer Luke 22:41, Acts 9:40, 20:36 1 Kings 8:54. I Bow My Knees. Is there a set position to pray?
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Studies in Ephesians Paul’s 2nd Prayer Ephesians 3:14-21
I Bow My Knees For this reason – that which has been previously said I bow my knees – a position of reverence in prayerLuke 22:41, Acts 9:40, 20:361 Kings 8:54
I Bow My Knees Is there a set position to pray? No. Different positions - Lifting holy hands – 1 Tim. 2:8 - Bowing the head – Gen. 24:26, Ex. 4:31 - Standing – Mark 11:25 - Sitting – 1 Chron. 17:16 - Falling on one’s faceMatt. 26:39 Reverence – not drawing undue attention – cf. Matt. 6:5, Lk. 18:10-12
I Bow My Knees “To the Father” We pray to God through Jesus Eph. 2:18, 5:20 Jesus our Mediator, 1 Tim. 2:5, Heb. 8:6Through Jesus John 14:13-14, Col. 3:17, 1 Pet. 2:5
I Bow My Knees “From whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” God’s family, cf. Eph. 2:19
He would grant you… “According to the riches of His glory” - God’s blessings, cf. Eph. 1:3-14
He would grant you… “To be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” The Spirit working in them He works in us today though we may not fully understand it Rom. 8:9-11, 1 Cor. 6:19 It is an influence, Gal. 3:2, 1 Cor. 2:9-13, cf. John 16:13
He would grant you… “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” Christ dwells in us as well It is an influence, John 14:23, Rom. 8:9-10, 2 Cor. 13:5 He dwells in us as the Father does, 1 John 4:12-16 Relationship with God, Christ & Spirit brings us together!
He would grant you… “That you, being rooted and grounded in love…” Christian love – When we love God we will love one another 1 John 4:12, John 13:34-35 If we are not loving one another… 1 John 4:20-21 The depth of His love (18-19) BUT can we comprehend it? Eph. 2:4-5, John 3:16, 15:13, Rom. 5:8 Consider 1 John 4:7-11
He would grant you… “That you may be filled with the fullness of God …” We are complete in Him Colossians 2:10 If we are not loving one another, how can we expect God to dwell within us? Are we striving to be like Him? 1 Cor. 11:1, cf. Matt. 5:48
Paul’s confidence “To Him who is able…” Nothing is too hard for Him Jeremiah 32:27, Gen. 18:14 He is able to…Rom. 14:4 – make us stand1 Cor. 10:13 – make a way 2 Cor. 9:8 – make all grace aboundHeb. 7:25 – save us
Paul’s confidence “To do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think” He can answer our prayers, in ways we do not understand – 1 John 5:14-15, Matt. 7:11 “According to the power that works in us”
Paul’s confidence “To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus…” His glory is found in His church- Eph. 1:22-23, 3:10-11 When we treat each other as we ought to He is glorified
Paul admonishes us to be the church that belongs to God Are we doing our part?