Slices
Prepare
Look back at verses 13 and 14 and to ‘when you first believed’. Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and invite him to bring revelation as you read his Word now.
Bible passage
Thanksgiving and prayer
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 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. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Explore
Imagine this: you have inherited someone’s estate. For years you knew that it would be yours, but the lawyer tells you of property details, company shares, club memberships and so many other things that you never imagined existed. They are all yours now. What a revelation!
Christians need a similar revelation if the inheritance we have in Christ is to be more than a concept. As the deposit, or first instalment, of what we will receive in full, we are given the Holy Spirit (vs 13,14) to reveal to us the full extent of God’s generosity, particularly three things. These are: our relationship with the Father (v 17), our future hope (v 18) and God’s power (v 19).
All this is rooted not in a concept but in an historical event – the resurrection of Jesus (v 20). Through this mighty act, God’s power is made available to his people in lived experience. The exalted Lord Jesus, who fills everything with his presence, is most particularly present in his body, the church (v 23). It is through the church that the future glory is brought into the present in the world.
Respond
Spend time in God’s presence now. Invite the Holy Spirit to take you deeper into the wonder of knowing God, the hope we have in Jesus, and the power at work in his people.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 20,21; 1 Peter 2
Pray for Scripture Union
Mission Partner Bodmin Youth Project are delighted to have a new part-time paid member of the team, Molly. Pray for her as she connects with the young people, thanking God for all their groups. Ask God to provide more volunteers for all their activities.
Help children discover the heart of Christmas
Give children more than the excitement of Christmas. Help them discover the hope, joy and good news of Jesus through fun, engaging and easy-to-use resources for children, families, churches and schools.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas event, session, gift or outreach, these resources make it simple to share the true meaning of Christmas in ways children can connect with and remember.
Ready to share the heart of Christmas?
🎄 Find your Christmas resources
📘 Also available from your local Christian bookshop.
