Dear Brethren,

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

Ephesians 1:15-16

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. The faith of the Ephesians

a) Paul was the founder of the Church at Ephesus
b) But he had other ministries to attend to
c) He left Ephesus after 2-3 years of ministry there

2. The growth of faith

a) Paul had kept in touch concerning the Ephesians
b) He had heard good things about them:

i) They had a good and firm faith in the Lord Jesus
ii) They had not abandoned their faith
iii) They had grown in their faith (despite Paul’ absence)

c) He had heard about their love

i) Love for the Lord was obvious
ii) This love had grown
iii) Their love for the saints (other believers) was noted
iv) Obviously, they cared for others who were in need
v) They gave towards their support
vi) This was truly commendable

3. An appropriate response

a) Praying for the Church
b) Praying with thanksgiving
c) This was a natural thing to do
d) Praying without ceasing is a good and appropriate response

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. Faith
a) Let us seek to encourage growth in faith
b) This can happen when we preach the word of God effectively
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17

2. Prayer

a) Let us be even more engaged in prayer
b) Let us learn how to deepen our prayer response:

i) Spontaneous prayer
ii) Thanksgiving prayer
iii) Heartfelt prayer

3. Keeping in touch with our churches/ members

a) Let us always seek to keep in touch with each other
b) We can pray for each other more meaningfully
c) We can find things that can encourage our hearts
d) Let us make the effort to inquire after our church members

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan