…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe… (Ephesians 1:17-19a)
Seeking the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
Paul asks God to give believers the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God. Before the New Testament was completed in the first century, the church depended on the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth. Paul prays that God will help the church fully understand His will so that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened. Today, we have the New Testament to teach and guide us, but the Holy Spirit continues to help us better comprehend the Scriptures as we dig deeply into the word.
Understanding the Spirit of Wisdom and Biblical Hope
Biblical hope involves two specific elements. First, Biblical hope means confidence, not wishful thinking; to have Biblical hope is to be sure of something. Second, Biblical hope looks toward the future, specifically toward eternal life and the assurance of a resurrection from the dead. We are called to this hope through the gospel. When we believe in the gospel, we believe in the hope it offers, and this confidence grows through the knowledge of the Scriptures and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Recognizing Our Eternal Inheritance
Paul also prays that we will know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. The Spirit works in us, helping us better appreciate our inheritance in Jesus Christ, which is the gift of eternal life. As we age physically and spiritually, our desire for heaven grows. We look forward to a realm without sickness, death, crying, or suffering where righteousness dominates. Through the knowledge of the Scriptures, we develop a more profound recognition of what God promises to do for us throughout eternity.
