We thank God for His faithfulness in reaching Mandarin-speaking friends with the good news of Jesus Christ. For the past 10 years, our Mandarin Ministry has faithfully proclaimed God’s Word, helping many come to know and experience the love of Christ. As we celebrate this milestone, our entire church family has the opportunity to share in that ministry as the Mandarin Ministry leads our combined worship service. Together, we worship the same Lord in different languages, and this Sunday, our service will be led in Mandarin.
sermon: Ceaseless thanksgiving (Passage: Ephesians 1:15-23) with Dr. Peter Au
Follow-up Questions
- According to Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1, what are the three things he wants believers to know more deeply?
- Which of these three areas (knowing God better, understanding your hope in Christ, or trusting God’s power) do you find most challenging right now, and why?
- What is one specific step you can take this week to know God better and grow in confidence in His hope and power?
Three Things Every Christian Should Know Better
Ephesians 1:15-23 Explained for Everyone
Have you ever wanted to get to know someone beyond just facts about them? Maybe you know where they work, what they like, or where they live, but you don’t really know them personally.
That’s the heart behind a prayer the apostle Paul prayed for Christians in Ephesians 1. He wasn’t praying that they would become richer, healthier, or more successful. He prayed that they would know God better.
Here are three things Paul wanted every Christian to understand.
1. Know God Better
Paul’s first prayer is simple: that believers would know God more deeply.
Christianity is not just about learning information about God. It’s about having a relationship with Him. Just as friendships grow through spending time together, our relationship with God grows as we pray, read the Bible, worship, and obey Him.
The more we know God, the more we understand His character, His love, and His plans for us.
2. Know the Hope God Has Given You
Paul also wants Christians to understand the hope they have because of Jesus.
When the Bible talks about hope, it doesn’t mean wishing for something that might happen. Biblical hope is confidence that God will keep His promises.
Because Jesus died and rose again, Christians have a secure future. No matter what difficulties we face today, we can trust that God is working for our good and that one day we will be with Him forever.
This hope gives us courage when life feels uncertain.
3. Know God’s Power
Paul’s third prayer is that believers would understand God’s incredible power.
This is not ordinary power. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
Sometimes we think our problems are too big, our weaknesses are too strong, or our circumstances are impossible to change. But Paul reminds us that God’s power is greater than anything we face.
God’s power helps us persevere, grow in faith, resist temptation, and continue following Jesus even when life is hard.
Jesus Is King Over Everything
Paul finishes by reminding readers that Jesus is now seated in the highest place of authority. He rules over every power, every authority, and every kingdom.
Nothing is outside His control.
He is also the Head of the church, caring for His people and leading them according to His perfect wisdom.
Because Jesus is King, Christians can live with confidence, knowing that their lives are in His hands.
What This Means for Us
Many people focus on knowing more facts, gaining more success, or having greater influence. But Paul points us to something even better.
The greatest need for every Christian is to know God more deeply, to live with hope in His promises, and to trust in His power.
This week, take a few minutes to pray Paul’s prayer:
“Lord, help me know You better. Help me understand the hope You have given me. Help me trust Your power in every part of my life.”
When we pray like that, we begin to see life through God’s eyes, and that changes everything.