Ephesians 1:15-23

*If you’re doing this with littles you may want to skip to the end for the Dinner Table Short

Sermon Summary

Paul prays that the church would see what is already true: Jesus is reigning, resurrection power is already at work, and the church is the instrument through which Christ will fill the world. Because these truths are so surprising, God must open the eyes of our hearts to believe them.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Pray for People Who Are Doing Well

Paul thanks God for the Ephesians’ faith and love and continues praying for them (Eph. 1:15–16). Even strong believers need ongoing grace.

Reflection Questions

• Who in your life is walking faithfully right now?

• Have you thanked God for their faith and prayed for them recently?

2. Prayer Prepares Hearts for Truth

Paul prays for the Ephesians’ understanding and then writes this letter to teach them. Prayer prepares the heart; teaching fills the mind.

Reflection Questions

• When you want someone to grow spiritually, do you rely more on explanation or prayer?

• How might you intentionally do both?

3. Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart

Paul prays that God would enlighten the eyes of their hearts (Eph. 1:18). Knowing something is different from valuing it.

Reflection Questions

• What truths about the gospel do you understand but struggle to truly treasure?

• How might prayer reshape the way you see those truths?

4. God’s Power Is Already at Work

Paul says the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work toward those who believe(Eph. 1:19–20).

Reflection Questions

• Where do you see God quietly working through ordinary people?

• How does this passage reshape what you expect God to do through the church?

5. The Church Is the Fullness of Christ

Paul calls the church “the fullness of him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:23). Christ fills his people so that through us his presence spreads into the world.

Reflection Questions

• How does this passage challenge a low view of the church?

• What role might God be calling you to play in the life of your local church?

Dinner Table Short

Read Ephesians 1:18

Talk About It

Ask:

• What does it mean to “see with your heart”?

• Why do we sometimes need God to help us understand His truth?

Explain briefly:

Sometimes we hear something about Jesus but don’t realize how wonderful it really is. Paul prayed that God would help people see how amazing the good news really is.

Family Practice

This week, pray together for someone who is doing well spiritually, thanking God for their faith and asking Him to help them keep following Jesus.