Ramsey Creek Baptist Church

Paul’s prayer includes three parts: thanksgiving, intercession, and praise. Thanksgiving: Paul thanks God for the believers faith in Christ and love for one another, recognizing that these are gifts given to true believers. The church wasn't perfect, but Paul was looking for glimpses of grace in their lives. Intercession: Paul pleads with God to teach them, to open the eyes of their hearts to really know Him. Paul wants them to see the hope of “His calling”, the glory of “His inheritance”, and the greatness of “His power”. These are things that God possesses and freely gives to believers, including the power of the indwelling Spirit. Praise: In a day of absolute Roman rule, Paul suggests that Caesar is not really the most powerful entity. Paul is saying that every other power is not just inferior to Christ – they are also subject to Him. Caesar's power is nothing compared to Jesus'. As Jesus Christ “fills all in all”, the Church