How can Ephesians 1:17 guide our spiritual growth and decision-making? The Text “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.” What Paul Is Requesting - The Father Himself is the giver. - The gift is “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” - The goal is deeper, experiential knowledge of God. How This Fuels Spiritual Growth - Wisdom = the ability to see life from God’s perspective (Proverbs 2:6). - Revelation = God disclosing truths we could never discover on our own (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). - Both are delivered by the Spirit, who indwells every believer (Romans 8:9). - Growth is not self-help; it’s Spirit-powered transformation that brings us into closer fellowship with the Father (John 14:26). Practical Steps to Receive and Respond • Ask persistently, like Paul does: “I keep asking…” (James 1:5). • Soak in Scripture daily; the Spirit illuminates what He inspired (Psalm 119:18). • Yield quickly: obey insights as soon as they come (John 14:21). • Guard humility; God reveals Himself to the lowly, not the proud (1 Peter 5:5-6). Guidance for Decision-Making 1. Start with God’s revealed will – Align choices with clear commands (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2. Invite the Spirit to spotlight motives – He searches hearts (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Evaluate options through wisdom principles – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). 4. Seek confirmation in the body – Mature believers help test revelations (Proverbs 11:14; Acts 15:28). 5. Move forward in faith, not anxiety – Trust that the Spirit guides into all truth (John 16:13). Supporting Scriptures that Echo the Theme - Colossians 1:9-10 — a parallel prayer for “spiritual wisdom and understanding.” - Isaiah 11:2 — the Messiah bears “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,” the same Spirit now in us. - Proverbs 3:5-6 — promise of straight paths when we trust and acknowledge Him. - 1 John 2:27 — the anointing teaches all things. Key Takeaways • Spiritual growth and wise decisions flow from the Spirit, not sheer human effort. • Persistent prayer invites an ongoing supply of wisdom and revelation. • Deeper knowledge of God is both the means and the end—when we know Him, we will walk wisely. |
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