Diff EQ

A series on Pauls’ prayers
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Ephesians 1:15-23 

[Paul was a controversial figure in the first century church. But it could also be argued that he was not only a dynamic and influential apostle, but also a prayer warrior. In this series we’ll be looking at Paul’s prayers and what he has to say to us today.]

  

In order to take a college class in “Differential Equations”, you have to build a foundation of knowledge. You have to understand basic math, algebra, and calculus. Only then would you be ready for Diff EQ, as it was called when I was in school.

 

Paul understood the importance of having a foundation of knowledge. He spent almost three years in Ephesus teaching the new converts. He also discipled the believers to prepare them to stand on their own in a mostly pagan city.

 

Ephesus was a major commercial center and port, as well as the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor. It was also the home of the temple of the goddess Artemis, which was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. People came from far and wide to see it.

 

Despite this pagan and cultic influence, the Ephesian church was solid. As a result, Paul wrote his letter, not because of any heresy or improper behavior, but to encourage and build them up.

 

Pauls’ prayers for the Ephesian believers are both articulate and eloquent.

 

¹⁷ 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.    NIV

 

¹⁸ 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…            NIV

 

^19a I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.  NLT

 

What more could a follower of Christ ask for than to know God better; hold more firmly to the hope to which you’ve been called; and be assured that God’s power is available to you.

 

In 2001, Michael W Smith released a song titled “Open the Eyes of my Heart”. The lyrics are actually based on Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians.

 

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy

 

To open the eyes of your heart doesn’t require taking Diff EQ or even a foundation of knowledge. It only requires a childlike belief and faith to trust in the Lord who loves you and has a plan for your life.

 

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”                                      NLT     Matthew 19

 

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 Copyright 2024 Joseph B Williams

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