GIVE THANKS: GOD IS WORKING IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

Ephesians 1:15-16-Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

When Paul heard of the faith and love of the Ephesians, he could do nothing else but give thanks for them. This was because their faith and love were evidence of their participation in this great work of God.

Faith and love do not earn us participation in this great work of God. They are evidence of our participation in God’s plan.

Significantly, Paul gave thanks, not for their love for God but all the saints. The real evidence of God’s work in us is not the love we claim to have for Him, but our love for His people that others can see (1 John 4:20, John 13:14, and John 13:34-35).

Paul not only gave thanks for God’s work among the Ephesians; he also prayed that it would continue with greater strength, as the prayer in Ephesians 1:17-23 makes clear.

Paul shows us here that preachers must do more than preach to their audience – they must also pray for them. “Whether a minister shall do more good to others by his prayers or preaching, I will not determine, but he shall certainly by his prayers reap more comfort to himself.” (Trapp)

Paul often prayed, making mention of others in prayer. When he prayed, he mentioned the Christians in Rome (Romans 1:9), the Christians in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:2), and Philemon (Philemon 1:4).

Prompt: Pray Ephesians 1:15-16. Think of the good work that God is doing in another believer’s life. Thank Him for it! Ask God to do an even greater work in their life.

Based on the Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik.