TECHNICAL Note that it is somewhat difficult to give a crisp, succinct definition of eido, so keep that caveat in mind as you read these notes. that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. I was just waiting on him. The man was powerfully built, and Fuller visualized how he must have looked in the ring. 15-19 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. I make the best my goal; In other words Paul is saying God's resurrection power is of such a magnitude and quality that it exceeds all standards of physical magnitude! (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study This mighty power is at the Christian's disposal upon one condition only -- that of faith. So Paul asks God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we will know what is the hope of His calling and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. He told them they could do anything God wanted them to do through Christ who would strengthen them (Phil. The Old Testament priests were called by God to their special work (Hebrews 5:4; cf. - Now, I want to ask you a question: Are you sitting in this auditorium, this morning, or are you sitting in heavenly places? (play "The Solid Rock"), Latter in Ephesians, Paul reminded the Gentile believers that in Christ they "were called in one hope of your calling (Eph 4:4+). The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. Oh! For less than $5/mo. Spurgeon compared the general call of the gospel to the sheet lightning that you see on a summer night. Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23. That we might sense and experience the working of His incomparably great power for us who believe (Ep 1:19a). For example, a young nursery worker may read about babies languishing in Romanian orphanages. 1 Clem. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). This is what Jesus meant when He said of the people: They seeing see not, and hearing they hear not (Mt 13:13). To find assurance, one must look to the covenant-keeping God and Scripture. Here he prays that we will know the riches of its glory. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Spiritual Life, Character of God, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), John MacArthur - MAINTAINING A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE. Dunamis is rather ability, faculty: not necessarily manifest, as ischus: power residing in one by nature. (Commentary on the New Testament:), Warren Wiersbe - First, enlightenment comes from the Holy Spirit. Only here in the NT (hapax legomenon)BDAG -1. quality of exceeding a standard involving physical magnitude (size),2. quality of exceeding a standard of excellence, greatness.". (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). In Ephesians 1:18, Paul wrote, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling (NASB). (2Pe 2:11+). They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." In other words, this is not just an intellectual ability to understand or teach these truths. The occasion of it was the foresight the apostle had of false teachers that would spring up in this church, after his death, and spread their pernicious doctrines, and draw away disciples after them, and do great mischief in the church; wherefore the design of this epistle is to establish the saints in the doctrines of the Gospel, that so they might not be carried away with the errors of the wicked: the subject matter of it is most excellent; it treats of the most sublime doctrines of grace, of divine predestination, and eternal election, of redemption by Christ, and of peace and pardon by his blood, of conversion by the power of efficacious grace, and of salvation by the free grace of God, in opposition to works: it also very largely treats of the nature and usefulness of the Gospel ministry, and of gifts qualifying for it, and of the several duties of religion incumbent on Christians; and the method which is used is exceeding apt and beautiful, for the apostle first begins with the doctrines of the Gospel, which he distinctly handles and explains, and then proceeds to enforce the duties belonging to men, both as men and Christians. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 2 Peter The power that EVERY believer in Christ has access to every day of their life until they see Jesus face to face! Therefore, not only do we have an inheritance (Eph 1:14) but He also has an inheritance (Eph 1:18). It grows even taller when he prays that we would know the glory of Gods inheritance in the saints. They became thine in the Council chamber of eternity, when the Father gave Himself to thee in Jesus. The same continuous current of His mighty power stands available to the faithful, to all who will believe. It will encourage you to go on. It is hope that Paul here links with Gods effectual call: Scholars are divided over whether hope refers to the subjective emotion or to the objective content of our promised blessings in Christ. NLT (revised)I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Then a distant aunt, unsolicited, sends her a sum of money, which happens to be the exact amount needed for airfare. Give all thou hast to God. 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. Kleronomia has the richer associations in the context of salvation history. 5:13): shall not be able (Lk13:24): I can do all things (Phil4:13): availeth much (Jas. This was even Paul's desire expressed so powerfully in Philippians writing that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Php 3:10+). But in order that you may know (eido) that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-- He said to the paralytic--I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. The saints knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. THOUGHT - As an aside, remember to pause, ponder and practice interrogating each term of purpose like so that asking questions such as "What is Paul explaining? Amen! I dare not trust the sweetest frame, "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." He makes a circuit of its bounds; he ascends its loftiest hills; he crosses and recrosses it, that he may know all that has come into his ownership. Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Victory is ours! Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? 1. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary). Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. For example, Jesus said that evil thoughts come out of the heart (Matt. Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. Thus as Christians, we should be filled with hope because we know that God has called us to salvation. (Eph 4:1+). And what a blessing he is! (Brown, Colin, Editor. Comment: "The Blessed Hope" is not an abstract concept, but an Alive Christ, for it describes the appearing of Christ in His majesty and glory at His Second Coming. The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. We have been called by grace, to glory. 4:4, 6). Ephesians 1works through the various roles of the Trinity in the redemption of man. But Jesus came to buy the world back. 1920).[72]. 1:9; 1 Co. 4:5; Eph. Used from Homer on it meant originally the fragment of stone or piece of wood which was used as a lot. Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! 15:56). Scripture speaks of two kinds of callings: the gospel or general call, and the effectual or specific call. There's more than enough power to break the hold of all sinful habits; more than enough to give deliverance from temptation; more than enough to enable the believer to live above circumstances. Vine explains that genuine belief is a firm conviction of the truth, a surrender to that truth and a conduct that results from that surrender. Job Adrian Rogers on Heaven Will Break Loose! 1:10; Heb. Only when we know who we really are can we live like who we are. Is (2076) is the present tense of eimi = to be, and so conveys the idea "what is continually the hope.". You might not always sense it, but its there nonetheless. The, the definite article. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. The power behindChrists resurrectionis now working on our behalf. He prays that the eyes of their understanding may be enlightened, Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 1:18. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles one word upon another in this incredible description. And not just for the time being, but. The "bad" news is that it doesn't have anything to do with money. Strengthened with might in the inner man (Eph3:16): with all might (Col. 1:11). Joshua You might not see yourself as a spiritual leader, but you are important to those who look to you as an example of Christian character. Illustration - In 218 b.c. In other words, if we now have come to believe in Christ, we can know that it took nothing less than Gods mighty power to bring us to that point. This is a wonderful truth. Paul describes unbelievers as (Eph. Thus, His possession is located in the saints. (John 8:55). As stated above, because of Christ's work for us on the Cross means that in light of the truth that believers have"been justified (declared righteous or in right standing before God, acquitted of our sins) by faith, we have peace with God (cf peace "of" God in Php 4:6-7+where peace depends on how we respond to our circumstances, testings, etc, and if we do by walking in the Spirit as commanded in Gal 5:16+, He gives us peace of God, the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22+) through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand (perfect tense speaks of the permanence or abiding nature of this condition) and we exult (continually boast, rejoice) in hope of the glory of God ( = when we see Jesus face to face - 1Jn 3:2-3+)." But, also. (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), THOUGHT -May our great, grace filled Father grant each of us His grace to ponder this incredible truth so that it might motivate us, enabledby HisSpirit, to walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called in Christ. 2:9f; 28:20, 22; 30:4; 2 Sam. 1:18). If we want to know what the Divine Power can make of us, let us turn to look with the eye of faith upon what it has made of Jesus Christ. Our Lord never dictated to His Father, and we are not here to dictate to God; we are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. The Holy Spirit has sealed the believer, providing the necessary down payment to give assurance and security of the eternal destination to the believer (Ephesians 1:1314). The Christian needs supernatural power, and God would have us see how great is His power to accomplish His purposes in us. In my opinion, you cant separate the two, because when your eyes are enlightened to know objectively all that God has promised to give you in Christ, it fills you with hope subjectively in your heart. Let every reader mark this, that supposing two men obtained a grant of an equal number of acres, if other things were equal, their wealth would be in exact proportion to the amount of use which each had made of his special acres. Is not this the secret of any grace or wealth there is in Christian lives? Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? What a disappointment to someone who helped contribute to that $50 million figure! God's Shield Of Faith Sermon by Anthony Zibolski, Ephesians 6:1-18 Eph 6:10; 1 Peter 4:11). 13:3; Ezra 9:8; Barn. After all, what good is it to have wealth if you are too weak to use it? But it is mind-boggling when he prays that we will know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints! Revival comes when, no longer satisfied to know about a God in history, we meet the conditions of finding Him in living, personal experience. A day is as a thousand years. Kleronomia is the portion or heritage which one receives by virtue of birth or by special gift from someone who has died (Lk 12:13). We will be perfect in righteousness and in love for God and one another. Or. Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Yes, there are dark spiritual powers at work behind the problems Paul discusses in Ephesiansanger, stealing, bitterness, slander, sexual immorality, greed, deception, and so on. I pray that you may know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have resurrection power! Paul explained (Col. 1:29), For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Laboring in His power is the antidote to burnout. Is she supposed to do something about this? The church, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, is similarly called: You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10). QUESTION -What does it mean to be called by God? What does this "working of the strength of His might" look like? On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; He purchased it and paid for it with the blood of His Son. In 1:18-19, he elaborates on what that means, namely, that God wants us to know three essentials about our salvation that will give us assurance about our high calling as Gods people. 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. I askask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of gloryto make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust himendless energy, boundless strength! Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download - getintopc.com The devil hopes you don't understand this. From her own people Rome raised an army, animated it with patriotism, and ordered it to fight. Luke used ophthalmos figuratively in recording Christ's charge to Paul that He was sending him to the Gentiles to open (anoigo) their eyes so that they may turn (epistrepho) from darkness (cf "prince of the power of the air" in Eph 2:2+) to light (cf Col 1:13, 14+) and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness (sending away) of sins and an inheritance (for which they were predestined before the foundation of the world, Ep 1:5+) among those who have been sanctified (set apart - here referring to the initial act of belief although more commonly in NT referring to the ongoing day to day salvation of the believer = sanctification, which is also by faith) by faith in Me. In the Mississippi River, right? Comment: In light of this incredible truth, walk in a manner worthy of your high calling (Eph 4:1), in a manner that gives [glory or] a proper opinion to others of your Owner! This is the curse of Christian living. Note: This discussion of kleronomia is the same explanatory note that is found in Ephesians 1:14-note (if you have already read that one). Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. Photizo - 11v -Lk. In referring to those who believe Paul goes beyond the initial act of faith in God for salvation and speaks of a continuing and growing faith. Did you see it? Now we are drowning in a sea of false religions and New Age philosophies. Ischus is used as an attribute of God in the Revelation saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power (dunamis) and riches and wisdom and might (ischus) and honor and glory and blessing." Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16). In Philippians 3:21 Paul states that the Lord Jesus Christ "will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the (supernatural) exertion (energeia) of the power that He has (KJV - according to the working whereby He is able = dunamai in present tense = continuously able) even to subject all things to Himself (Php 3:21+), The surpassing power which God's Spirit uses in continually energizing our supernatural life (Php 2:13-note), in ministering to our spiritual needs, is in accordance with, commensurate with His infinite, immeasurable divine energy. 7:35; 2 Ki. 4:16; Phil. Nahum Paul shows the proper relationship of faith and works in this letter, explaining that believers are God's, "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Vine comments - Eido/oida, to know, suggests intelligent perception, in contrast to ginsk which indicates progressive knowledge. 3:20). I am in total agreement with you. Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. Thus here Paul is emphasizing Gods power that already saved us rather than the power that He gives to sustain us. The end of which is, that those predestinated, redeemed, and adopted ones, should be to the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:12, and who are described as such, who first trusted in Christ upon hearing the Gospel; and after they had believed in him, were sealed by the Holy Spirit, said to be the Spirit of promise, Eph 1:13, and who is also spoken of as the earnest and pledge of the saints' inheritance, and who will continue so until all the people of God are redeemed from the grave in the resurrection morn, which will also issue in the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:14, and now on account of all these blessings of predestination, adoption, redemption, calling, and the sealing of the Spirit; as also, because of their faith in Christ, and love to the saints, these believers were possessed of, the apostle gave thanks, and continued to give thanks to God in his prayers to him, Eph 1:15,16. To understand it, you must continually ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name (1 Chron. There's good news and bad news if wealth is what you want. Second is energeia (working), the energizing force of the Spirit that empowers believers to live for the Lord. Even the best Christians need to be prayed for: and while we hear of the welfare of Christian friends, we should pray for them. 5:13. (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). 1986. They have laid all God's revealed character under contribution. It is power to overcome what stands in the way. In the first instance it means a lot. To shine or to brighten up. There is the danger of stopping at knowing doctrine, rather than allowing the doctrines to give you greater personal knowledge of the God of whom the doctrines speak. COMMENT - Note how Paul associates our New Creation in Christ (2Co 5:17+) with the creation of the heavens and the earth. Jesus, You have given us freedom If you identify with these sentiments, you are not alone. As Paul puts it (2 Tim. 1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. It sounds idealistic. The heart was the seat of understanding. 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. THOUGHT There will never be a day when God's power is not sufficient to accomplish what God purposes in us and through us to the praise of His glory (what He does in and through us will be seen by others who give Him praise and glory because they realize that it is a supernatural not natural work!) Isnt that something? 10:16; 51:19; etc.). We are God's very special possession - His glorious inheritance. The ESV also picks up the perfecttense rendering it "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened," which also describes a past completed action. Ephesians 1 - MSG - Christianity Believers already have that power. It seems to be parenthetical, as in the KJV, ASV, and RSV (ED: NRSV = "so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened"). But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. | GotQuestions.org, Is there any power in positive thinking? That men might know the measure of Gods power. The gospel is dynamic, Gods dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Wuest renders it "and what is the superabounding greatness of His inherent power to us who are believing ones as measured by the operative energy of the manifested strength of His might." A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. 19:25; 47:6; 63:17; Jer. The gnawing tooth of decay cannot injure it. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary), John MacArthur has an excellent discussion of this verse - Paul uses four different Greek synonyms to emphasize the greatness of that power. This magnificent accumulation of words for power underscores the magnitude of Gods great power available to Christians. dunamis) refers to a spiritually dynamic living force. In addition the view that the saints are Gods inheritance has precedence in the Old Testament, Moses recording that Israel was God's possession For the LORD'S portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. Living in the light of Your goodness His faith that God will strengthen me We have His "seal" on us, and more accurately within us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 1:1820, Paul prays for believers to experience Gods resurrection power through a personal, intimate relationship with God. How blessed is God! As for the worldling, God gives him anything, but for the Christian, God selects the best portion, and chooses his inheritance for him. Salem Media Group. Comment: The fact that Paul qualifies this "hope" as "one hope" emphasizes that there is the same ultimate, glorious reality for all of the church, whether Jew or Gentile! 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. God's Word promises riches It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. Slain because of our sins. ', Mark 12:33+ and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Finally, the context both here and throughout Ephesians seems to emphasize the motif of light as a property belonging to believers. I want this day to be as a thousand years for you. How could they have more than what they had? Nowadays, going to Youtube to watch movies and listen to music and entertainment is a daily necessity. Conversely, revival cannot come if we are far removed from God. Psalm 13:3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. Later in the letter (chaps. What promises did God make to him (vv. It would have been a tall prayer if Paul had prayed that we would know Gods inheritance in the saints. How much divine energy is at my disposal? Verse of the Day , Ephesians 1:18 Treasury of Scripture Knowing, God, My Praise (Study In God - All I Need-19). This simple discipline will serve to slow you down and allow you to more actively engage the text which facilitates more effective interaction with your Teacher the Spirit, the Author of the text! Is it not in the resurrection of those who were dead in trespasses and sins from their spiritual stupor and separation from God, releasing them from the shackles of sin and subservience to Satan and setting them free in Christ? We are dearer to Him than all the worlds He has ever made; more precious than all His other creation. Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. In the New Testament it's a special invitation from God to man to accept the priceless benefits of His salvation. Do we really believe this is true? 8:29;I John 3:1-2). Eph 3:16+ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. The eyes of our hearts refers to our total inner person, which includes the intellect, the emotions, and the will. The surpassing-all-limit power of God can be limited in its working only by the believer's failure to believe. Together we can help each other achieve great things for Him. Paul usessaints nine times - Ep 1:1+, Eph 1:15+, Eph 1:18+; Eph 2:19+;; Eph 3:8+, Eph 3:18+; Eph 4:12+; Eph 5:3+; Eph 6:18+. Such is the case in Matthew 13. And God's surpassing power is available to believers because we are in Christ and He is in us, these "positions" picturing an immutable union, a oneness, a solemn and binding covenant relationship. Why would he be praying for this "Aha" enlightenment? But, Paul adds, the surpassing greatness of His power, and then goes on to say (1:19b-21) that this power is in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Wow! Even more, we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and redeemed us with His blood. In that case, it was used of the believers inheritance which is their share in heaven.
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