That You May Know

Paul was a man of prayer. As he traveled and taught, he came to know many Christians. It seems as if the more people he knew, the more Paul prayed. Paul’s deep concern for all the churches is evidenced in his communication with the Father (2 Cor 11:28). In his letter to the saints in Ephesus, we read some specific details of Paul’s concern and of his prayer life. He expresses gratitude to God for the church’s faith and love (Eph 1:15-16). Paul petitions God, asking to reveal His wisdom to Christians so that they may better serve Him (1:17). Knowledge is the key lesson as we come to the phrase, “that you may know” (1:18). What does Paul want so badly for Christians to know? As we follow through verses 18 and 19, we see three topics are brought to light.

Christians should know about the hope of His calling. This describes the confidence we have in our Lord. Our Christian hope is an assured expectation and anticipation of God delivering on His promises. God calls us by the message of Jesus, the gospel (2 Thess 2:13-14). In scripture, our hope is tied to salvation and the heavenly home for which we eagerly wait (Rom 8:23-24; Col 1:5). All who are in the church should acknowledge the hope of God’s calling. 

Christians should also know about the riches of the glory of His inheritance. Paul said the message he was preaching was made up of the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph 3:8). We are wonderfully blessed in the church to be joint heirs with Christ (Rom 8:16-17). We are set to inherit this reward, eternal life, because we are children of spiritual adoption (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:4-5; Eph 1:4-6). And of course, we know it is from God that we receive the reward (Col 3:23-24). All who are in the church should appreciate our rich inheritance. 

Christians should know about the exceeding greatness of His power. During His time on the earth, Jesus was declared to be God’s Son by miraculous signs (Rom 1:3-4). These wonders confirmed the identity of Jesus and the truth of His message. The purpose of miracles is always to confirm the word (Mark 16:20). This same power continues to back the soul-saving gospel (Rom 1:16). As we faithfully carry that same God-approved message, God’s power works in us (Eph 3:20-21). 

Paul’s prayer was centered around knowledge in the church. Christians today need to look to the wisdom and knowledge of God. As God’s people there are certain things that we must know. While we grow in our appreciation of these truths, we also grow in our relationship with God. May a deeper understanding of the beauties of the body of Christ provide us with a deeper motivation in carrying out our Christian duties.