Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Ephesians 1:15-21), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [15-17] The church already has the Spirit (vv. 13-14), and apparently it is appropriate to pray for still more of the Spirit to be given to the church, for more of his work to be done in us. The Spirit helps us to know, believe, and live in light of the revelation of God, especially in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How has the Spirit done this work in you already? In what areas of your life do you need still more of the Spirit’s work in helping you to know, believe, and live in light of the Gospel?

• [18] What is “the hope to which he has called you”? Why do you need the Spirit’s enlightenment of the “eyes of your hearts” to be able to know it? “The riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” is a way of saying that the church is precious to God. Does that surprise you? Do you believe it? Why or why not?

• [19-20] God’s resurrection power is immeasurably great, not only because he is able to raise the dead (e.g., Jesus), but because this power can be at work in all things, everywhere, for the good of all his people—even when it looks like he isn’t working at all. This is not a power you would recognize with earthly eyes, but with spiritual “sight” (faith). What are some aspects of the world or your life that look like death right now, where God could be working his resurrection power to bring about new life? Are you satisfied that this power operates like this, instead of sparing you from suffering and death in the first place?