SOAP - Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)

  For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 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. 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. 22 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.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)

Observation: In this passage, Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the believers in Ephesus. He continually prays for them, asking God to grant them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation for a deeper knowledge of Him. Paul highlights the hope, inheritance, and power available to believers, drawing a parallel between the power that raised Christ from the dead and the authority given to Him by God. The passage emphasizes Christ's supreme authority over all things and His role as the head of the Church.

Application: Consider your own faith journey and love for fellow believers. Reflect on Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, and ask yourself if you seek a deeper knowledge of God and His will. How can you actively pray for wisdom, revelation, and enlightenment in your own life? In what ways can you acknowledge and tap into the incomparably great power that is available to believers?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the faith and love of fellow believers. Like Paul, I pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know you better. Open the eyes of my heart to understand the hope, inheritance, and power available to me through Christ. Help me to recognize and tap into this power in my daily life. May Christ be the head over every aspect of my life, and may I be a part of the Church that reflects His fullness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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English A2 Comprehension Questions:

1. Comprehension:

   • What is Paul expressing gratitude for in this passage?
   • What does Paul continually do for the believers in Ephesus?
   • According to the passage, what power is available to believers, and how is it described?

2. Vocabulary:

   • Define "revelation" as used in the passage.
   • Explain the meaning of "inheritance" in the context of the text.
   • What is the significance of Christ being seated at the right hand of God?

3. Personal Reflection:

   • Reflect on a time when you felt a deeper knowledge of God in your life.
   • How does the concept of hope mentioned in the passage impact your perspective on life?
   • In what ways can recognizing the power available to believers influence your daily decisions and actions?

4. Application:

   • How can you actively seek wisdom and revelation in your daily walk with God?
   • In what areas of your life do you need the eyes of your heart to be enlightened, as mentioned in the passage?
   • Share a practical way you can acknowledge Christ's authority in your life and be a part of the Church as described in this passage.