Mark E. Larson The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation Introduction: Pray for the Help of the Spirit for Spiritual Understanding

Mark E. Larson
The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
Introduction: Pray for the Help of the Spirit for Spiritual Understanding.
Every Christian has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit indwells every Christian (1 Cor. 6:19). The Holy Spirit is a tremendous blessing and help to each and every Christian. One of the ways He helps us today is by giving us a spiritual,
more deeper understanding of God's word (Eph. 1:15-21).
Similar to the Spirit of the Lord giving Christ knowledge, wisdom, and understanding Isaiah 11:2), the Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit) can guide us into all truth today (Jn 16:13). Though the gospel has already been revealed to the saints by the Holy Spirit (Jude 3), to have our eyes opened so we may have spiritual understanding of that which has been revealed in Scripture is something we should all desire.
The apostle Paul prayed that the saints at Ephesus would receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Today, we would do well to pray that same prayer and put our faith in God who gives wisdom liberally to all who ask Him (James 1:5; Mat. 5:6).
I. Pray for Wisdom, Revelation, and Enlightenment.
A. “Wisdom” - The ability to use the knowledge you have of God's word and properly apply it to life. Wisdom leads you in right paths (Prov. 4:11).
Bi Revelationi - Revealing what is hidden, disclosing truths that are unknown.
“By revelation He made known tome the mystery...” (Eph. 3:3-5).
Ci The eyes of your understanding being enlightened” - Divine light which opens our eyes to understand the spiritual truths of Scripture (Ps. 119:18).
II. Pray to the Father of Glory That He May Give to You:
A. “The Spirit of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
i. To reveal Christ's true identity (John 1:14; 8:58; Eph 1:20b), character (Jn
8:29; 1 Pet 2:21-23), and what He achieved for us (Eph 1:7; Rom 5:9-11).
ii. Pray you may understand Christ and know Him completely that He may indeed “dwell in your heart through faith” (Eph. 3:17; Gal. 2:20).
iii. Pray for the wisdom to rightly apply His teachings (Matthew-John; Acts
2:42; 1 Cor 14:37) that you may walk with Christ daily (Eph. 5:1-2, 8-10).
B. Enlightenment that you may truly see“the hope of His calling.”
i. By answering Jesus' call, what can we, with confidence, expect to happen?
(Eph. 4:1-6). What is the “one hope”? ii. Pray fora more complete understanding (Col. 1:5; 1 John 3:1-3).
Ci The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (cf. Rom. 8:17).
i. How rich and glorious our inheritance will be Abundant infinite blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3-6). Pray to look upon the unseen (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
Di The exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.”
i. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead works in us ii. Open our eyes to seethe great power in conversion to Christ (Eph. 2:1-7; John Titus 3:5; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22-24).
iii. The power to do anything that He wills us to do (Eph. 3:7, 21; Phil 4:13).
iv. Reveal to us the spiritual battle that is before us. Give us wisdom to apply your strength to overcome the evil one (Eph. 6:10-13).
v. Open our eyes to seethe great power of the resurrection day (vs. 19-20; cf Cor. 15:50-58) when we will be the Lord always (1 Thes. 4:17).