Seeking wisdom - Sa’iliga o le atamai

Scripture Focus: Efeso 1:15-23

For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
- Ephesians 1:15-23 (WEB)

Study:

Paul begins by expressing his gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith and love, something he consistently conveyed in his letters. He doesn’t just offer a polite thank you; he actively remembers them in prayer. His most profound request is for them to receive a “spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” This isn’t simply intellectual understanding, but a deep, experiential knowing of God. He prays that their ‘eyes of hearts’ are enlightened – a metaphor for understanding truth spiritually. This understanding encompasses the hope to which they’ve been called, the incredible wealth of God’s inheritance in the believers, and the surpassing greatness of God’s power made available to those who believe. The passage culminates in a powerful statement about the supremacy of Christ – far above any earthly power, and head of the Church, which is his body.

Application:

This passage reminds us that a believing life isn’t merely about accepting doctrines, but about knowing God personally. We should actively pray for wisdom and revelation, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate God’s word and His will for our lives. Furthermore, recognizing Christ’s ultimate authority should shape our priorities and actions. It impacts how we view our work, our relationships, and our place in the world. It encourages us to actively participate in His church, recognising it as His body and seeking to build it up with love.

Reflection Questions:

• What does it mean to have the “eyes of your heart enlightened”?
• How does understanding the vastness of God's power affect your faith?
• In what areas of your life do you need to more fully acknowledge Christ’s authority?
• How can you actively pray for wisdom and revelation in your own life and for others?

Prayer:

Loving Father, thank you for your grace and the gift of faith. Open the eyes of my heart to know you more deeply, to understand the hope to which I am called, and to experience the power of your love. Help me to acknowledge Christ's authority in all areas of my life, and to be a faithful member of his body, the Church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: Ephesians, wisdom, revelation, faith, prayer, Jesus Christ, authority, hope, church, Christian life, spiritual enlightenment