Video Devotional on Ephesians 4:31-32

A video devotional by Pastor Geo on Ephesians 4:31-32.

Unintended Consequences

by John Young

Good morning, Beloved!

My favorite book in the Bible is the book of Ephesians. It seems to be the book that always pops into my mind, with its rich theology, its succinct analogies that serve to boggle my mind with God’s eternal purposes in choosing us, and the way that Paul shows our relationships in the church and among other Christians are informed by, and built upon, these deep theological truths and divine actions.

One of the prominent themes of the book of Ephesians is unity. It could be said that 2:11-22 is Christ’s Accomplished Unity, and in chapters 4-6 we see the Christian’s Active Unity. It’s interesting to me that Paul speaks to these Ephesians about the unity we have—that he has with them! I think this is a very important thing for us to consider as a church these days. We tend to think that the only way for us to grow in unity is for us to physically be together…that unity is, by and large, geographical. I would admit that this is the most obvious way for unity to flourish. But I wonder if sometimes we take that privilege for granted and assume that if we’re together then we must be growing in unity. But we talk all the time about how if our conversations are only focused on the Astros or the barbecue we just had or something from the school, then we really aren’t growing together in Christ. Anyone can have those conversations. I wonder if God is not providing us with an opportunity to rely on Christ and his work and to strip us of our normal means of connection so that we may truly grow in unity, even when we’re not together.

That’s why I believe Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is so good for us. So much of it is focused on the church’s unity built upon Christ and what he’s accomplished in us and among us (and you can trace Paul’s argument for this in Ephesians 2). But for our purposes today, I would like to consider how Paul’s unity with these Ephesians is fleshed out in the letter, especially since he’s not physically with them, so how is this unity realized or practiced? We see evidence of the unity Paul has with these Ephesian Christians in a couple of ways: Prayer and Connection.

Prayer

There are two prayers that I direct your attention to: 1:15-23; and, 3:14-19:

1:15-23

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

3:14-19

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Observations:

1. Both of these prayers begin with “for this reason.” Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians are rooted in the glory of God: God’s glory is displayed in your salvation…and God’s glory is displayed in your unity and faith.

2. Paul is continuously praying for the Ephesians. In 1:16, he “does not cease to give thanks, remembering them in his prayers.” The NIV says that “I keep asking…” And what is he asking for?

3. Paul prays that the Father may give them the ability to know him better. (1:17)

4. Paul prays that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened to know the hope which he has called them to. (1:18). That their hearts would be encouraged with the certainty of faith that what is promised would become known to them.

5. Paul prays that they would also know the riches of the glorious inheritance. (1:18) So that the things of this earth would grow strangely dim to them and their hearts would be captivated by all that is theirs in Christ.

6. Paul prays that they would also know the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. (1:19-23) The very same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that is being exerted in your life today which enables you to live for him, submit to him as King, delight in him as King, and trust that he is ruler over all.

7. Paul prays that they would be strengthened with that same power so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and that you may know the love of Christ. (3:14-19)

Application:

1. Do Paul’s prayers sound like your prayers? If not, why not? What greater things could we pray for those we love than things like these?

2. How frequently during this time apart are you praying for your brothers and sisters by name in the church? Wouldn’t it be great if we made it a point to pray through the directory just 3 times a week during this time? Think about it, if we were all doing it, you would be specifically prayed for over 150 times per week by our church alone! Might it be that the Lord is using this to turn us into more of a praying church? Think of the web of prayer entangling, interweaving, and bonding us together for his glory.

3. Use Paul’s list of things he prays for, it doesn’t have to be long. And these are great things to pray for…and incredibly meaningful! For instance, it is no small thing to pray to the Lord that they would know him better. It’s a prayer that the Lord desires to answer! I’m reading a book that I strongly recommend, “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortland, where he talks about how Christ is our friend…a friend! (See John 15:15). “Not only does a true friend pursue you; he allows you to pursue him, and he opens himself up to you without holding anything back.”(p.117) “God, in the person of his Son, means that he approaches us on our terms and befriends us both for his and our mutual delight.” (p.119)

Connection

Look at the end of the book at 6:21-22:

21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Observations:

It wasn’t only that Paul prayed for them. He knew they were a relational people. On at least three different occasions Paul speaks in his letters of longing to see his brothers and sisters, but he simply couldn’t do it as they were constrained by time and space. Paul seeks to overcome those constraints here by sending his beloved co-laborer, Tychicus, to them for the purpose of: letting them know how Paul and his friends are, and so that they may be encouraged in heart.

Application:

I can’t tell you how encouraged I have been by having some of you pick up the phone and call me just to see how I am doing, or write me a card, or send a quick text. It has truly been like a refreshing cup of water in a dry desert.

What if, as you worked your way through your membership directory (and if you don’t have one and need one, there’s no shame in asking for one, we can either put it in your mailbox or send you one electronically), you called a person or texted a person on that page you just prayed for or are in the process of praying for? It doesn’t have to be someone you’re closely connected to nor does it have to be a long call or text, just reach out!

Just maybe one of the unintended consequences of this time apart is God is doing for his glory what we thought could only happen if we were together: make us a praying church and a more united church. I’ll pray to that end, will you join me?

Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Eph 6:23-24)

jy

PS: Book recommendations: In addition to the recommendation above, if you would like to think more about Paul’s prayers, I’d invite you to read D. A. Carson’s book, Praying With Paul.