“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:17-19)
Two satanic lies are destroying humanity. One of these pertains to God and His attitude toward us. But equally diabolical are the lies Satan tells us about ourselves. Here in Ephesians 1 Paul prays for the church that they may be freed for these lies by seeing both God and ourselves as we really are. His prayer is for a better view of God and self.
First, (v.17) Paul prays that God will give us a correct and full knowledge (Greek, epignosis) of Himself. In chapter 3 Paul will again offer a prayer for the Ephesians, this time that they might be able to grasp with all the saints what is the height, depth, length, and breadth of God’s love. Many people say that if we saw God as He really is, we’d flee from Him. But the very opposite is true. We’d run into God’s arms if we were freed from Satan’s deception and could see God as He truly is. Sinful man is already fleeing from God because he’s under Satan’s delusion. Note how Satan misrepresented God to Eve in the garden when he convinced her that God was unfairly withholding something good from her (Genesis 3:1-4) and how she and Adam fled from God once they had fallen (v.8). Note also, how Satan incited calamity against Job, then tried to make it look as though God was its source – “the fire of God fell from heaven” (Job 1:16). This is why Satan is referred to as both the deceiver (2 John 1:7; Revelation 12:9; 13:14) and as the slanderer (Greek, diabolos), i.e. devil. We must know God better and more intimately.
Second, (v.18) Paul prays that we may know how rich God has become by inheriting us. You see, Paul is not talking about our inheritance in heaven, but of God’s inheritance in us. One of the most common themes in the Bible is that God is creating an inheritance for Himself by calling out a people to be holy (Exodus 19:5-6; 34:9; Deuteronomy 4:20; 9:26, 29; 32:9; etc.). The devil lies to us to drive us to self-destruction. The human feelings that are common in all suicidal persons – feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness – are all generated by Satan’s lies. But God wants us to know how valuable we are to Him. Compare this theme in the parables of Luke 15.
Third, (v.18) Paul prays that we may understand the glorious hope to which God has called us. Not only are we precious to God now, but Paul wants us to know what we will become in the hands of God. And finally, (v.19), Paul prays that we might understand God’s infinite power available to take us from our present humble state and glorify us in heaven with Christ. Our eyes must remain on Jesus who alone is able to save us.
REFLECTION
- What lies is Satan telling you today to make you afraid of God and hate yourself?
- Let’s pray with Paul that we may see both God and ourselves better.
