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Ephesians 1:15-17, For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 

Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus is quite extraordinary!  The prose is both beautiful and powerful.  It speaks to who we are in Jesus, new life in Christ, and what we must now do about it.  The church at Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey, was established on Paul's second missionary journey.  On his third missionary journey, Paul spent 2-3 years in the city.  He addressed false doctrines and pagan practices.  In his letter to the church of Ephesus, written roughly 10 years later, Paul commends the Ephesian church on their faith and love.  They have done well and we see that expressed in this letter.

In today's focus verses, Paul states how he has heard of their faith and love, and he gives thanks for them and their dedication to Jesus.  He lifts them in prayer, specifically that they will know God even more and will be given supernatural wisdom and revelation.  While he is pleased with their spiritual maturity, he is still praying for them, that they continue to grow in holiness.  Paul wants them to truly have the knowledge of God, which can't be gained by study but only through God himself. 

As I read this, I can't help but think about how we are never done growing spiritually.  We never get this point in our walk in which we can say, "That's it, I've made it, no more study, prayer, or service needed for me!"  If we aren't dead, we aren't done.  God isn't done with any of us yet.

Let's pray...Dear God, Thank you for continuing to invest in us our sanctification.  Help us not become complacent or lazy in our faith, thinking we have done all there is to do.  Reveal to us our next step and give us the courage, desire, and motivation to learn and grow and become more like you.  More of you, less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.