Ephesians 1:15

“For this cause. also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints”

“For this cause”: In view of all the blessings that God had bestowed upon them. If we find ourselves lacking motivation to pray, it means that we have forgotten what God has done for us. The Christian who daily remembers all that God has done for them, doesn't need to be reminded to pray. “I also”: “I for my part” (Bruce p. 269). “Having heard”:

When Paul wrote this letter, it had been five years since he had been with the Christians in Ephesus. Paul used the same type of language in describing "hearing" about the faithfulness of Christians he had converted (1 Thessalonians 3:6; Philemon 1:4). In addition, this congregation probably contains. number of new members, converted since Paul left.

“Of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you”: Paul rejoices to hear of their continued faith in Jesus Christ. “The faith in the Lord Jesus which prevails among you” (TCNT). “And the love which ye show toward all the saints”: Faith in the Lord and love for brethren are two of the most basic distinguishing marks of the Christian (Colossians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:3). If one believes that Jesus is LORD, then one will submit to all that He has said (Luke 6:46). People that really believe that Jesus is LORD do not argue with God, and they do not place themselves above the Bible. Faith practically demonstrates itself in obedience to all of God's commands, including the commands which tell us how to treat our brethren (Galatians 5:6; Galatians 5:13; 1 John 3:22; 1 John 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11; 1 John 4:20). Hence something is seriously wrong when. professed Christian wants to stay at arm's length away from other believers. “The two necessarily go together. It is impossible to be in. right relationship with the head, while being cut off from all the rest of the body” (Boles p. 213). Love for other Christians is to be. major characteristic of true believers (John 13:35). “The two things which must characterize any true Church are loyalty to Christ and love to men” (Barclay p. 88). Love for brethren is always the product of. genuine faith, it is evidence that one's professed faith is indeed real. Note that this love is for "all" saints and not just directly towards self-chosen little cliques of Christian friends. Many texts stress that Christians are to love other Christians in very practical ways (Galatians 6:1; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; James 2:15).. great argument exists here against the doctrine of faith-only. No one would claim that the Christian has fulfilled such commands as John 13:35. at the point they say they love their brethren. Everyone realizes love must be demonstrated, in order to obey the command to "love your brethren". And yet, these save people claim that one is saved at the moment they say they believe in God. In like manner, to fulfill the command "to believe", such "faith" needs to demonstrate itself in practical ways, such as repentance, confession, and baptism.