Ephesians is a “Prison Epistle,” along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon (see Eph 3:1, Eph 4:1, and Eph 6:20). Written by Paul from Rome, the epistle expands on themes in Colossians, much as Romans does to Galatians. Whereas Colossians develops the all-sufficiency of Christ to the Church, Ephesians shows the blessings of that “fullness” enjoyed by the members of God’s family. The idea of unity resulting from reconciliation runs strong through the book (Eph 1:9-10; Eph 2:16-18; Eph 3:4-6; Eph 4:3-6; Eph 5:30-32; Eph 6:18-20). It is possible that the epistle was actually a circular letter to the churches of Asia. Paul’s goal is to inform the saints of their privileged status and exhort them to live in a way worthy of their standing.
Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000
Elijah #7
Jesus found the time an place to pray; He taught by example; "teach us to pray" not "how to pray" (Luk 11:1-4). It's more important we pray than how we. Jesus puts God's concerns first; He prays corporately. We need to awake as believers - revival of "sleeping" (Eph 5:14). Revival evidence: (1) restoration of obedience to God; (2) God's power is vindicated; 3) repentance among God's people (1Ki 18:39). A nation in crisis needs praying people (1Ki 18:41-46). Elijah is a standard of powerful prayer. "Prayer is not preparation for ministry, but the ministry itself "(Oswald Chambers). We should pray because of helpless dependence (2Ch 20:12). We need to pray because God urges us to pray (Psa 91:15) There's a time for effective prayer (Isa 55:6, Isa 30:18, Mat 7:7, Jam 4:3) . God has promised He'll answer prayer (Mat 7:11, Joh 15:16, Joh 16:23). The attitudes and actions of Elijah are instructive (1Ki 18:41-46): (1) Elijah sends Ahab to go eat while he goes to the mountain to pray. Elijah isolated himself to pray; Jesus also did (Mat 14:23, Mar 6:46, Mat 6:6). Prayer gets it power from the word of God (1Ki 18:41-42, Jam 5:18). Elijah prayed claiming God's promises 1(Ki 18:1). God controls the weather (Zec 12:1). We need to pray in obedience to His word(Joh 15:7, Joh 15:6). Before you pray get into God's word, and ask for guidance, then pray according to His word and will (1Jo 5:14-15). Prayer expresses humble dependence on God (1Pe 5:6, Jam 4:10, Pro 4:34).
Scripture References: James 4:10, Matthew 7:7, Mark 6:46, John 5:14-15, Isaiah 30:18, Matthew 14:23, John 15:6, Isaiah 55:6, John 16:23, John 15:7, Psalms 91:15, John 15:16, Zechariah 12:1, Ephesians 5:14, Matthew 7:11, James 5:18, Luke 11:1-4, Proverbs 4:3, James 4:3, Matthew 6:6
From Series: "Elijah"
Elijah's life shows us the keys to spiritual power: the power of God's Word faith prayer revival and failure.