Paul prays that they might have wisdom and insight to realise just who God is and what He has done for them,
"The Spirit of wisdom and revelation". In the Greek there is actually no indication for "the Spirit" as opposed to "the spirit" or "a spirit" (see NIV margin). God has already given us the Spirit (see 1:13), what we need is for Him to give us more wisdom and revelation. It is this that Paul is continually praying for. It is a fact that God will do certain things only if we ask for them, or will do them to a greater degree if we ask for them. Paul is praying that God will enable the Ephesians to realise more and more of what God has done for them and the extent of His plans. We too need to pray this for ourselves, we also to pray this for our fellow Christians. Then we will know Him better.
Without Christ the eyes of our heart are blinded, we cannot see things as they really are. Even after we come to Christ because of the years spent without Him, and also things that happen to us afterwards as well, we do not always see that well. Paul prays that the eyes if our heart will be enlightened, that we will be able to see things as they really are. In particular so that we may know the hope to which we have been called, and the inherticance we have. Today an inheritance is something that can be easily "liquidated". It is usually either directly in the form of money, or if it involves property, the property will be sold. In Paul's thinking an inheritance was different. An inheritance was a much more permanent asset. We have been given a share in God's kingdom, we are now an integral part of His kingdom, and an integral part of His plan and purpose. We have purpose as individuals, and are part of a greater purpose as well.
"The Spirit of wisdom and revelation". In the Greek there is actually no indication for "the Spirit" as opposed to "the spirit" or "a spirit" (see NIV margin). God has already given us the Spirit (see 1:13), what we need is for Him to give us more wisdom and revelation. It is this that Paul is continually praying for. It is a fact that God will do certain things only if we ask for them, or will do them to a greater degree if we ask for them. Paul is praying that God will enable the Ephesians to realise more and more of what God has done for them and the extent of His plans. We too need to pray this for ourselves, we also to pray this for our fellow Christians. Then we will know Him better.
Without Christ the eyes of our heart are blinded, we cannot see things as they really are. Even after we come to Christ because of the years spent without Him, and also things that happen to us afterwards as well, we do not always see that well. Paul prays that the eyes if our heart will be enlightened, that we will be able to see things as they really are. In particular so that we may know the hope to which we have been called, and the inherticance we have. Today an inheritance is something that can be easily "liquidated". It is usually either directly in the form of money, or if it involves property, the property will be sold. In Paul's thinking an inheritance was different. An inheritance was a much more permanent asset. We have been given a share in God's kingdom, we are now an integral part of His kingdom, and an integral part of His plan and purpose. We have purpose as individuals, and are part of a greater purpose as well.
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