Ephesians 1:15-23 -
‘In the Know’

Recap:
*God wants us to Grow regardless of environment. *

To grow, we must…
Count are spiritual blessings.
Know we are chosen.
Know that God will work it all out.

*Ephesians 1:17 NIV I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. *

*We need to ask ourselves, “Is this happening in me?” *

To Know God…

*1. In your Mind- *
It is first addressed to our minds, that we might understand with our intellect what God had done for them.

*We cannot learn who we are until we begin to know and learn who God is. *

When you Know God, you will…
Discover who you are.
Learn what you can do.
Tap the potential that lies within.

2. Know Him in your heart

*Ephesians 1:18-19 NIV
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. *

*As we understand this revelation in our mind, that it begins to enlighten, move, and motivate our hearts.
*

*3 keys that will cause us to know Him from the eyes of our Heart. *

*1. Know the Hope which He has called us. *

Romans 8:18 ESV For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

*Our lives here, are like a school, a training period. It is where we are being prepared for something that is incredibly great, but it is yet to come. *

*So don’t lose hope. You are headed for hope, headed for life, headed for glory. All of this life is working toward that end; its playing its part in that process. *

*2. Grasp the riches of His glorious inheritance *

He is our inheritance, an endless bank deposit of resources from which we can draw strength, comfort, encouragement, correction, and whatever else we need in our lives.

We are His inheritance. God’s inheritance is in us!

3. Walk in His great Power

Ephesians 1:19-21 NIV
His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

**
The resurrection of Jesus is the model of the power we possess.**

*This power only happens when you begin to act! When you begin to exercise the gifts that God has given you, then the power begins to flow, not before. *

*Many people never discover what God could do in their lives because they keep waiting to feel powerful before they act. *

This power helps us…

-Face our inner fears, hurts and past.
- Abandon evil habits.
-Restores broken relationships.
- Helps us reach out to others to help them in their need.

Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Discussion Questions:

1- How does understanding who God is, help you understand who you are?

2- What is the difference between knowing God in your mind vs knowing Him in your heart?

3- Read Romans 8:18. How does this verse give you hope when you are faced with trials and struggles?

4- How does the idea that we are God’s Inheritance affect you, or cause you to think differently?

5- Describe a time where you stepped out in faith and was met by the power of God?