Table of Contents

SAT JUL 08 – The Power of the Exalted Jesus

Read for This Week’s Study

Ephesians 1:15-23

KJV ¹⁵ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, ¹⁶ Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; ¹⁷ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: ¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: ²² And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, ²³ Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. CEV ¹⁵ I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people. ¹⁶ So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. ¹⁸ My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God's people. ¹⁹ I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used ²⁰ when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. ²¹ There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. ²² God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. ²³ The church is the body of Christ and is filled with Christ who completely fills everything.
, Ephesians 3:14-21, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

KJV ¹⁶ Rejoice evermore. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. CEV ¹⁶ Always be joyful ¹⁷ and never stop praying. ¹⁸ Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.
, Deuteronomy 9:29, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

KJV ²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. CEV ²⁰ But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. ²¹ Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. ²² Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us.
, Psalm 110:1

KJV ¹ The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. CEV (A psalm by David.) ¹ The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right side, until I make your enemies into a footstool for you.”
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Memory Text

Through the Holy Spirit, believers may know “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20

KJV ¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, CEV ¹⁹ I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used ²⁰ when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven.
, NKJV).

Sometimes people want to have a lot of power. They make really fast cars and trucks with super strong engines. For example, there’s a car with 5,000 horsepower and a truck that can go really, really fast.

But in the Bible, there’s a different kind of power that Paul talks about. He prays for the believers in Ephesus, a place where people believed in many different powers and gods. He wants them to understand the incredible power that God has given them through Jesus. This power is not like horsepower or magic tricks.

Paul says there are four amazing things that show God’s power: Jesus coming back to life after dying, Jesus being in charge of everything, everything being under Jesus’ control, and Jesus being the leader of the church.

When we think about these things, we can start to understand how big and strong God’s power is. And as believers, we can even experience that power in our lives.

SUN JUL 09 – Praying and Thanksgiving

Paul heard some good news about the believers in Ephesus. They were doing well in their faith and showing love to each other. So, Paul decided to tell them how he prays for them.

In the book of Ephesians, there are two times when Paul shares his prayers. Let’s compare them. Both times, Paul focuses on thanking God and asking for His help. Paul believes that thanksgiving is an important part of prayer. He thinks that we should be grateful for the blessings we have received from God. (Ephesians 1:15-16

KJV ¹⁵ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, ¹⁶ Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; CEV ¹⁵ I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people. ¹⁶ So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers.
, Philippians 1:3-4

KJV ³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, CEV ³ Every time I think of you, I thank my God. ⁴ And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.
, 1 Thessalonians 1:2

KJV ² We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; CEV ² We thank God for you and always mention you in our prayers. Each time we pray,
, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

KJV ¹⁶ Rejoice evermore. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. CEV ¹⁶ Always be joyful ¹⁷ and never stop praying. ¹⁸ Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.
)

Paul also mentions that he prays for the believers in Ephesus all the time. But what does it mean to “pray without ceasing”? It doesn’t mean we have to kneel in prayer all day long. Instead, it means that we should live with open hearts, ready to notice God’s presence and power around us. We should seek to thank Him in all circumstances and ask for His guidance in our lives. (1 Thessalonians 5:17

KJV ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. CEV ¹⁷ and never stop praying.
)

Sometimes we see prayer as something we do when it’s convenient or nice to do. But Paul sees prayer as a very important part of being a Christian. He takes it seriously and spends time thanking God and praying for others. He sees prayer as a central part of our faith. (Ephesians 1:16

KJV ¹⁶ Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; CEV ¹⁶ So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers.
, Ephesians 1:17-23

KJV ¹⁷ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: ¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: ²² And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, ²³ Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. CEV ¹⁷ I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. ¹⁸ My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God's people. ¹⁹ I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used ²⁰ when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. ²¹ There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. ²² God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. ²³ The church is the body of Christ and is filled with Christ who completely fills everything.
, Ephesians 3:14-21

KJV ¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; ¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; ¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. ²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. CEV ¹⁴ I kneel in prayer to the Father. ¹⁵ All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. ¹⁶ God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers ¹⁷ and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. ¹⁸ I pray that you and all God's people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. ¹⁹ I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is. ^20-21 I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.
)

So, it’s important to always thank God in prayer for the things we have to be grateful for. It helps us appreciate the blessings we have received and shows our love and appreciation for God.

MON JUL 10 – Experiencing Insight From the Holy Spirit

Experiencing Insight From the Holy Spirit

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him” (Ephesians 1:16-17

KJV ¹⁶ Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; ¹⁷ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: CEV ¹⁶ So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God.
, ESV).

In reporting his prayers, Paul records one central request that he places before the throne of God. He has already noted that the Holy Spirit has come into believers’ lives at the time of their conversion (Ephesians 1:13-14

KJV ¹³ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. CEV ¹³ Christ also brought you the truth, which is the good news about how you can be saved. You put your faith in Christ and were given the promised Holy Spirit to show you belong to God. ¹⁴ The Spirit also makes us sure we will be given what God has stored up for his people. Then we will be set free, and God will be honored and praised.
). Now Paul prays for a fresh blessing of the Spirit to give needed spiritual insight focused on a deepened understanding of Jesus (“in the knowledge of him,” Ephesians 1:17

KJV ¹⁷ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: CEV ¹⁷ I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God.
).

Paul prays that the Holy Spirit will bring special insight to believers on what three topics? See Ephesians 1:17-19

KJV ¹⁷ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: ¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, CEV ¹⁷ I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. ¹⁸ My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God's people. ¹⁹ I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used
.

When Paul prays for insight for them about “the hope to which he has called you” (Ephesians 1:18

KJV ¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, CEV ¹⁸ My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God's people.
, ESV), he prays that they will be alert to the past actions God has already taken for their salvation (Ephesians 1:3-9

KJV ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: ⁴ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: ⁵ Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. ⁷ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ⁸ Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; ⁹ Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: CEV ³ Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! ⁴ Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. ⁵ God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. ⁶ God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. ^7-8 Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because of God's gift of undeserved grace to us. God has great wisdom and understanding, ⁹ and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways.
, Ephesians 1:11-13

KJV ¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: ¹² That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ¹³ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, CEV ¹¹ God always does what he plans, and this is why he appointed Christ to choose us. ¹² He did this so we Jews would bring honor to him and be the first ones to have hope because of him. ¹³ Christ also brought you the truth, which is the good news about how you can be saved. You put your faith in Christ and were given the promised Holy Spirit to show you belong to God.
) and to the glorious future He has planned for them (Ephesians 1:10

KJV ¹⁰ That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: CEV ¹⁰ Then when the time is right, God will do all he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
, Ephesians 1:14

KJV ¹⁴ Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. CEV ¹⁴ The Spirit also makes us sure we will be given what God has stored up for his people. Then we will be set free, and God will be honored and praised.
).

When he prays for insight into “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18

KJV ¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, CEV ¹⁸ My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and you will understand the hope given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all God's people.
, NKJV), he is recalling the Old Testament idea of believers as God’s inheritance (Deuteronomy 9:29

KJV ²⁹ Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm. CEV ²⁹ But you, our Lord, chose the people of Israel to be your own, and with your mighty power you rescued them from Egypt.
, Deuteronomy 32:9

KJV ⁹ For the Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. CEV ⁹ but the Lord himself takes care of Israel.
, Zechariah 2:12

KJV ¹² And the Lord shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. CEV ¹² Then Judah will be his part of the holy land, and Jerusalem will again be his chosen city.
; compare Ephesians 1:11

KJV ¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: CEV ¹¹ God always does what he plans, and this is why he appointed Christ to choose us.
). He wishes them to know that they not only possess an inheritance from God, but that they are God’s inheritance, and Paul wants them to understand their value to God.

When Paul prays for spiritual insight about “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19

KJV ¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, CEV ¹⁹ I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used
, NKJV), he imagines the Holy Spirit bringing fresh understanding of the immensity of God’s power and actualizing it in their experience.

In all these prayers, Paul wants these people to experience for themselves what they have been given in Jesus.

How can you better experience “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe”? What does this mean in daily life?

TUE JUL 11 – Participating in Resurrection Power

In Ephesians 1:20-23

KJV ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: ²² And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, ²³ Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. CEV ²⁰ when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. ²¹ There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. ²² God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. ²³ The church is the body of Christ and is filled with Christ who completely fills everything.
, Paul talks about the great power of God and how it helps us. It mentions two important things:

(1) Jesus coming back to life after dying, and (2) Jesus being lifted up to rule over everything.

Paul says that Jesus rising from the dead is a very important belief for Christians. In 1 Corinthians 15:14

KJV ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. CEV ¹⁴ And if Christ wasn't raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is your faith.
, it says that if Jesus didn’t come back to life, then our faith would be useless. But because Jesus is alive, we can have hope that we will also live with Him forever one day (1 Corinthians 15:20-23

KJV ²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³ But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. CEV ²⁰ But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. ²¹ Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. ²² Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. ²³ But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns.
). This is really special because it means that we can have the Holy Spirit in our lives, who guides and helps us (1 Corinthians 15:20

KJV ²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. CEV ²⁰ But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life.
; 1 Peter 1:3

KJV ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, CEV ³ Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
).

In Ephesians 1:20

KJV ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, CEV ²⁰ when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven.
, Paul says that Jesus is now seated at God’s right hand, which means He is in a very special and important place. This comes from Psalm 110:1

KJV ¹ The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. CEV (A psalm by David.) ¹ The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right side, until I make your enemies into a footstool for you.”
, which is a verse in the Bible that talks about Jesus being exalted. It shows that Jesus is ruling over everything. In Ephesians 2:6

KJV ⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: CEV ⁶ God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven.
, Paul even says that believers are “seated with ... him [Christ Jesus] in the heavenly places.” This means that we are connected to Jesus and have a special place with Him.

So, the power of Jesus is not just something we hear about, but something we can experience in our lives. We can ask Jesus for help and believe in Him (Hebrews 13:20-21

KJV ²⁰ Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. CEV ²⁰ God gives peace, and he raised our Lord Jesus Christ from death. Now Jesus is like a Great Shepherd whose blood was used to make God's eternal agreement with his flock. ²¹ I pray God will make you ready to obey him and that you will always be eager to do right. May Jesus help you do what pleases God. To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever! Amen.
). We can also follow His teachings and live in a way that pleases God (Philippians 3:8-11

KJV ⁸ Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, ⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: ¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ¹¹ If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. CEV ⁸ Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ ⁹ and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. ¹⁰ All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, ¹¹ so that somehow I also may be raised to life.
). These things help us to receive and benefit from the amazing power that Jesus has.

It’s important to remember that there might be things that can stop us from experiencing this power. These can be bad habits or actions that go against what God wants for us. Ephesians 4:8-11

KJV ⁸ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ⁹ (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) ¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; CEV ⁸ As the Scriptures say, “When he went up to the highest place, he led away many prisoners and gave gifts to people.” ⁹ When it says, “he went up,” it means that Christ had been deep in the earth. ¹⁰ This also means that the one who went deep into the earth is the same one who went into the highest heaven, so he would fill the whole universe. ¹¹ Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers,
tells us that we should avoid these things and instead focus on following Jesus and His teachings.

So, if you want to experience Jesus’ power in your life, you can believe in Him, ask for His help, and live in a way that pleases God. This will help you to receive and benefit from His amazing power.

WED JUL 12 – Christ Above All Powers

Paul is talking about the great position of Jesus, who is now sitting with God on the throne ruling over everything. He mentions that Jesus is above all other powers in the world (Ephesians 1:20-21

KJV ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: CEV ²⁰ when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. ²¹ There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.
).

Paul talks about these evil spiritual powers in a few places in Ephesians. In Ephesians 1:21

KJV ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: CEV ²¹ There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.
, Ephesians 2:2

KJV ² Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: CEV ² You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn't obey God.
, and Ephesians 6:12

KJV ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. CEV ¹² We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.
, he mentions them. It seems like Paul is interested in these powers because they were a big part of the culture in Ephesus, where he was writing to. People in Ephesus practiced magic and believed in the power of different spirits and deities.

In Acts 19:11-20

KJV ¹¹ And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: ¹² So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. ¹³ Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. ¹⁴ And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. ¹⁵ And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? ¹⁶ And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. ¹⁷ And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. ¹⁸ And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. ¹⁹ Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. ²⁰ So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. CEV ¹¹ God gave Paul the power to work great miracles. ¹² People even took handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul's body, and they carried them to everyone who was sick. All of the sick people were healed, and the evil spirits went out. ¹³ Some Jewish men started going around trying to force out evil spirits by using the name of the Lord Jesus. They said to the spirits, “Come out in the name of that same Jesus that Paul preaches about!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of a high priest named Sceva were doing this, ¹⁵ when an evil spirit said to them, “I know Jesus! And I have heard about Paul. But who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them and beat them up. They ran out of the house, naked and bruised. ¹⁷ When the Jews and Gentiles in Ephesus heard about this, they were so frightened that they praised the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁸ Many who were followers now started telling everyone about the evil things they had been doing. ¹⁹ Some who had been practicing witchcraft even brought their books and burned them in public. These books were worth about 50,000 silver coins. ²⁰ So the Lord's message spread and became even more powerful.
, there is a story that shows how magic was common in Ephesus. Paul wants to show that Jesus is far greater and more powerful than any of these evil forces. He wants to make it clear that Jesus has authority over all of them.

Even today, there are some beliefs and practices that involve naming deities and powers in spells. Paul wants to show that Jesus is above all these powers and there is no power outside of His control.

Paul also wants to emphasize that Jesus’ rule is not limited to a specific time or age. His power and authority apply to both the present age and the future (Ephesians 1:21

KJV ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: CEV ²¹ There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.
).

In our present time, there may still be manifestations of these evil forces. They can appear in different forms, such as practices that involve seeking power from spirits or following harmful beliefs. To make sure we don’t get caught up in any of them, we should stay focused on following Jesus and His teachings. We should rely on His power and authority, knowing that He is greater than any evil force. By staying close to Jesus, we can be protected and guided in the right path.

THU JUL 13 – Jesus, All Things, and His Church

Early Christians believed that Psalm 110:1

KJV ¹ The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. CEV (A psalm by David.) ¹ The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right side, until I make your enemies into a footstool for you.”
and Psalm 8

KJV ¹ O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. ² Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. ³ When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; ⁴ What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? ⁵ For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. ⁶ Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: ⁷ All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; ⁸ The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. ⁹ O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! CEV (A psalm by David for the music leader.) ¹ Our Lord and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth! You let your glory be seen in the heavens above. ² With praises from children and from tiny infants, you have built a fortress. It makes your enemies silent, and all who turn against you are left speechless. ³ I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. ⁴ Then I ask, “Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?” ⁵ You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. ⁶ You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power — ⁷ the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, ⁸ the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. ⁹ Our Lord and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
were prophecies about Jesus. They saw in these verses that God would exalt Jesus and make Him victorious over His enemies. They understood that the powers of darkness in the heavenly places were a threat, but they trusted that these powers were under the control of Jesus.

When it says that God has put all things under Jesus’ feet, it means that Jesus has authority and power over everything, including the cosmic and spiritual powers (Ephesians 1:22

KJV ²² And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, CEV ²² God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything.
). This is important for the church because it means that through Jesus, the church is also victorious over these enemies. The church is closely connected to Jesus and receives everything it needs from Him. God has given the church the victorious Christ, and the church is like His body.

To know the exalted Christ and experience God’s power in our lives, Paul doesn’t give specific strategies or techniques. However, the fact that this passage is part of a “prayer report” suggests that prayer plays a role. Paul believes that when we celebrate God’s power, revealed in Christ, and pray for that power to be active in our lives, God will answer our prayers. Prayer is a way to draw closer to God and receive the power that Jesus offers us.

In my own experience, prayer has been powerful. Not only have I seen prayers answered, but prayer itself brings me closer to God. It helps me feel connected to Him and His power. When I pray, I can share my hopes, worries, and needs with God, knowing that He listens and cares. Prayer gives me a sense of peace and trust in God’s plan. It reminds me that I am not alone and that I can rely on His power to guide and strengthen me.

FRI JUL 14 – Further Thoughts

Here are the converted passages and the discussion questions:

Ellen G. White wrote about Christ’s exaltation as follows:

“When Christ entered heaven, He was seated amidst the worship of the angels. After this ceremony, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and Christ was truly glorified with the glory He had from the Father for all eternity. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was Heaven’s way of announcing that the Redeemer’s inauguration was complete. As He promised, He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers as a sign that, as a priest and king, He had received all authority in heaven and on earth and was the Anointed One over His people.” (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 38, 39)

“The Father embraces His Son, and the command is given, ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him’ (Hebrews 1:6

KJV ⁶ And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. CEV ⁶ When God brings his first-born Son into the world, he commands all of his angels to worship him.
). With indescribable joy, rulers, authorities, and powers acknowledge the supremacy of the Prince of life. The angels bow down before Him, and the resounding shout fills the heavens, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing’ (Revelation 5:12

KJV ¹² Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. CEV ¹² and they were saying in a loud voice, “The Lamb who was killed is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.”
). Songs of triumph blend with the angelic music, and heaven overflows with joy and praise. Love has conquered. The lost is found. Heaven echoes with voices exclaiming, ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever’ (Revelation 5:13

KJV ¹³ And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. CEV ¹³ Then I heard all beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, “Praise, honor, glory, and strength forever and ever to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!”
).” (The Desire of Ages, pp. 834, 835)

Discussion Questions:

Think about the “now” and “not yet” aspects of Jesus’ exaltation. In what way is Jesus already the Lord of “all things,” with the demonic powers under His control (the “now”)? And in what way does His complete reign over all things point to the future (the “not yet”)? (See 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

KJV ²⁴ Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. ²⁷ For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. ²⁸ And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

CEV ²⁴ Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father. ²⁵ Christ will rule until he puts all his enemies under his power, ²⁶ and the last enemy he destroys will be death. ²⁷ When the Scriptures say he will put everything under his power, they don't include God. It was God who put everything under the power of Christ. ²⁸ After everything is under the power of God's Son, he will put himself under the power of God, who put everything under his Son's power. Then God will mean everything to everyone.

)

How much of your life reflects the reality of Christ’s rule over everything? Or to what extent do you still live under the influence of other powers, the fallen powers that are losing their authority anyway? How can you distinguish between the forces of evil and the authority of Christ, and how can you distance yourself from the prevalent forces of evil in the world, even though they have been defeated?