Over the past few weeks, we have entertained the question of “How’s Your Prayer Life?” We have been commanded to pray to the Father in Heaven for our daily needs (Matthew 6:9). The Scriptures insist that we earnestly pray continually to God for our blessings in this present life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And our Brother Paul instructs us to be complete in our prayers by praying for self and others. He states, “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NKJV). God desires our prayers. He encourages us to be consistent in our prayers for our own needs and the needs of others. As we conclude this series, let us consider Paul as he prays, “May God Give to You the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:15b).
We find this prayer as Paul deals with NT Christians in Ephesus who are being influenced by false teaching. (sound familiar?). Idols and conjuring of witchcraft surrounding the city heavily influenced those who had been and were being taught the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus the Christ. Its influence was extremely detrimental to the spiritual well-being of members who worshiped God in this place. So much so, some were falling prey to “sliding back” or apostasy to the world (Revelation 2:1- 7). Some secular historians report that this city more than likely promoted the worship of Mary, based on “Diana” worship, as “the Mother of God” doctrine approved by the Catholic faith around 425 A.D. This Apostle of God denounced these practices as a whole and SPECIFICALLY for the followers of Jesus. Later in his letter, Paul states, “But you have not so learned Christ” (Ephesians 4:20).
If the Church CANNOT worship as it pleases, then how is The Bride of Christ supposed to show its devotion and reverence for the Lord? Paul states that we have already been given the “Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him.” (2 Peter 1:3). Paul recounts the instruction given by the Holy Spirit soon after those faithful souls obeyed the Gospel soon after the day of Pentecost, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42). Paul argues this, and this ONLY, is what God designates as the curator of our souls away from a Devil’s hell. He instructs us to hold steadfastly in what we learned from the beginning (2 Timothy 3:15). Paul argues the Scriptures and their correct usage free us from sin and death (Galatians 5:1).
Why did God reveal Himself to mankind? Wasn’t it because He loves us? The Bible clearly institutes this zenith statement in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”. Without a doubt, the World “approves” this statement, but does not choose to obey it. What is meant by this? A person MAY believe in the instructions for righteousness, but NEVER become obedient (to do) what is needed for their benefit. Remember Israel in the Wilderness and God CLEARLY informed them the land was theirs, BUT they would have to go and take it? They “understood” it was theirs. They realized God never fails in His promises, BUT they allowed their human frailties to rule the day in stating, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13:31b).
Trust me when I say, we are no different than those of old, and God realizes this. Consequently, He still sits HIGH and looks LOW and holds mercy on us, but NOT forever. Do you trust Him? I pray that God may give to all of us the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him, and we never reject it! Amen. Take this to heart and God Bless,
Dr. Archie R. Green, Ed.D