Further, perfectadverbial participles are usually causal in NT Greek. . It is power which is able to overcome resistance. Even the ancients considered the heart to be the very center of a person -- the center of knowledge, understanding, thinking, wisdom. She asks her Bible study group to pray with her about the matter. Galatians He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Here Paul in effect prays that they would come to a beyond the shadow of a doubt knowledge of the hope of their calling, God's inheritance in them and their power. Since land was divided by lot, probably in the framework of common use of the fields, kleros came to mean a share, land received by lot, plot of land, and finally inheritance. It refers to a degree which exceeds extraordinary and thus excels. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. The first dealt with the past, where the hope was produced by the calling of his people to himself. Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. Together we can help each other achieve great things for Him. First, he raised Christ from the dead (v.20). Hoehner introduces the last section of chapter 1 -Paul prayed that they might know God more intimately in order to comprehend three things. 2:4): strength of sin (1 Cor. Also, the parallel passage (Col. 1:12) refers to our sharing in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Other Scriptures also refer to the inheritance that is stored up for those who are Gods children through faith in Christ (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Heb. Not "I hope so" but strong confidence that God is going to do good to us in future. Gods power is awesome! At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. Hes the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. 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). Ephesians 1:18 (NASB) Verse Thoughts All believers have been called by grace, out of darkness into His glorious light. The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us from the Word, and then gives us the wisdom to understand and apply it. (Phillips: Touchstone), Wuest: 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, (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission). (Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation). To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). ", Luke 10:27+ And he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. He speaks of the 'love of Christ which passeth knowledge,' and of God being 'able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.' 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. ", etc (See 5W/H questions). It is amazing that God would even need an inheritance because He owns everything (cp Ps 50:10) and yet here Moses clearly states that the Lords portion is His people. 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! Photizo - 11v -Lk. Do we really believe this is true? Salem Media Group. Nor do we need to pray for power to do Gods will. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 6:4; Heb. 1:4; 2:37; 3:4, 20; 4:1, 13f, 21ff, 30f; 5:7; 7:7; 8:6f, 22, 24; 10:8, 16f; 11:1, 6f, 10, 15, 17, 19, 25, 34; Hos. THE POWER OF GOD IN THE ASCENSION LIFE. So if youre having problems in your Christian life, if things dont seem to be working as they should, maybe its time to go back and read the owners manual! The radical idea of ischus, might, is that of indwelling strength, especially as embodied: might which inheres in physical powers organized and working under individual direction, as an army: which appears in the resistance of physical organisms, as the earth, against which one dashes himself in vain: which dwells in persons or things, and gives them influence or value: which resides in laws or punishments to make them irresistible. Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). God the Father gave the world to Adam. 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 God's people. These three words describe it as energetic, inherent in God, and able to overcome resistance respectively. 4:18), being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart. In other words, sin blinds the minds of unbelievers and renders them incapable of understanding the truth of the gospel, unless God opens their blind eyes (2 Cor. 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! 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+). Knowing of Jonahs disobedience beforehand, God had already prepared a great fish to swallow him and spit him out when he was humbled enough to repent (Jonah 1:172:1). There is no mortgage on his estate; no suits can be raised by opposing claimants, the price was paid in open court (1Co 6:20, Rev 5:9), and the Church is the Lord's freehold for ever. With all these avenues confirming her decision, she feels confident moving forward into the call of God for her life. If we are to ever see revival (ED: PERSONAL OR CORPORATE!) He is able! To shine or to brighten up. Paul writes (Rom. In this chapter are contained the inscription of the epistle, the salutation of the persons to whom it is written, the apostle's thanksgiving for blessings received by him, and them; in which the efficient, moving, procuring, and final causes of salvation are taken notice of, and the several parts and branches of it observed; and the whole is concluded with prayers for the Ephesians; in which mention is made of various things to the comfort of the saints, and to the glory of Christ. NET NOTE -The perfect participle pephotismenous (ENLIGHTENED) may either be part of the prayer ("that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened") or part of the basis of the prayer ("since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened"). This magnificent accumulation of words for power underscores the magnitude of Gods great power available to Christians. Second, this enlightenment comes to the heart of the believer (Eph. It sounds vague and theoretical. When we make use of these resources, we will experience the mighty power with which God raised Christ from death! (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary)(Bolding added), Lehman Strauss-The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Here Paul prays that we might have a full appreciation of our worth to God. In Ephesians 1:14+ (cf Eph 1:11) Paul spoke of our inheritance, but here the request seems to speak of God's inheritance in believers. Micah From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. 1 Samuel Lawrence Richards has a pithy comment stating that "One way to build our own prayer lives, and to direct our intercession for others, is to model our prayers on those found in Scripture. THOUGHT -Is your heart tender to the Word of God? He does not call a believer to hope for the forgiveness of his sins: they are gone. The verb belonging to this is kleroo, to draw lots, apportion by lot (only in Eph 1:11-note, Heb 1:4-note). We are God's very special possession - His glorious inheritance. The next time you participate in a group prayer session, speak up with a bold heart and give honor to the almighty God. But then we cant figure out why this stupid product doesnt work right! Then ask God to restore to you the joy of your salvation. Huperballo is used only 5x in the NT but 3 are in Ephesians. He chose them, and set his love upon them. You have the reason why there is so little of vivid, vibrant joy in the things of God. God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to really understand these truths. WALK IN THE SPIRIT. The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. The power of God we experience in our lives is the same power by which God raised Jesus Christ from death. Throughout Ephesians 1 Paul is clearly struck with the magnificence of our inheritance in Christ. The work of the Lord languishes for lack of power. A blessing found at Qumran reads, May He illuminate your heart with the discernment of life and grace you with eternal knowledge (1QS 2:3; cf. The former is given by knowledge as well as by madness or rage; but strength comes from nature and a healthy state of the body. But even though he has reached it, several years must pass before he can understand its value, or compel it to minister, with all its products, to his need. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. And given the fact that the truth of "in Christ" is transcendent, we should always pray this prayer for ourselves and others (remember that Eph 1:16 "making mention" is present tense= continuously) and of course the only way we can possibly "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17+) is by the Spirit's enabling power. 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!) It is the reserve of strength. Resurrection Power. We are saved by grace, through faith (Eph. No spendthrift hand can scatter or over-spend its treasures. Ephesians 2:7+so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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.". But they unravelled the mystery by telling me that they put in, in enriching manure, all that they took out in the days of golden harvest. Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35+); empowered by the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:16+, Lk 4:14+); filled with and led by the Holy Spirit (Mt 4:1+, Lk 4:1+). The unaccustomed soil is brought beneath the yoke of the plough. They will give us the hope and eternal perspective that we need to endure trials. In summary, Paul is praying for one of the things these believers need to fully understand and to deeply realize -- the hope of God's calling. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Believe (4100) (pisteuo) refers not just to an intellectual assent to the truths of the gospel but to a saving belief that effects the heart, resulting in a transformed, supernaturally directed conduct based on the truth believed. How you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live. Amen. In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul asked God to enlighten their eyes so they could better understand the message encoded in His Word. In either case Pauls point is clear: redemption and its accompanying blessings are so profound that we must have supernatural help to understand them. In Ephesians 1:1820, the apostle Pauls prayer reveals that growing in the knowledge of God means growing in the knowledge of Gods mighty power. Its certainly not because of the power of the believer, but the power of God. Dunamis is the root from which we derive the English word dynamic, (synonyms = energetic, functioning, live, operative, working) which describes that which is marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change. Whereas the first and second concepts to be understood dealt with the past and future respectively, the third deals with the power of God in the present time toward believers. Might (2479) (ischus) (see note by Wayne Barber ischus) refers to power as an enduement. Ischus is the inherent ability which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment. When we were children, the map of Africa gave us a few scattered names around the coast line; but the great interior was blank. That yet I must not see; In Ephesians 1:18 the Greek word forheart is singular so that Paul is praying for each individual person's heart! YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. . God is far more involved with His universe than some would like to think. The inability to see and understand spiritual things is not the fault of the intelligence but of the heart. But in Hebrew and Greek thinking, the heart was considered the seat of knowledge, thinking, and understanding. To summarize, Paul prayed that we would come to know God more intimatelyin order that we might know the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints. And then look at our Lord now at the right hand of the Father on high. (Eph 1:18ESV) Notice how this rendering places the emphasis on God as the One Who "inherits"! Physically, we are here; but, in Christ, we have been raised. Probably, ere long the whole will have been opened up to European civilization and commerce. THOUGHT - MacArthur's comment makes "sense" because if you love Him, you will obey Him (Jn 14:15) and (Spirit enabled) obedience to Him opens the "windows of heaven" to have spiritual blessings poured out (in this case enlightenment) from Him. If we do walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. 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. Only when we come to understand how our lives are anchored in eternity (Heb 6:18-19+) can we have the right perspective and motivation for living in time (1Jn 3:2-3+). Its broad acres have been made over to thee by deed of gift. Romans 8:24-25 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? The power which is really at work in Christian men today is in its nature If I were to put you in a barrel and put that barrel in the Mississippi River, where would you be? Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. 1:16). Sublimal Messages Don't Work - Americans spend $50 million a year on subliminal message tapes designed to help them do everything from improve their self-image to stop smoking. The power which is really at work in Christian men to-day is in its nature properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. And many a life that might grow rich in its heritage of God is dwindled and marred, because it sets a limitation on God's heritage of itself. Job This day is as a thousand years because in your day of difficulty and dilemma, pressure and pain, sadness and sorrow, you have the unique opportunity to share the fellowship of the Lords suffering and to pray for others in a way you never would have been able to otherwise. . When her teacher finally did let her discover for herself that she would one day be Queen of England, Victorias response was, Then I will be good! Her life would be controlled by her position. Because he wants the field? Deuteronomy That ye may know.--The knowledge which St. Paul here desires for the Ephesians, in accordance with the whole tone of this Epistle, is a knowledge of heavenly things, only experienced in part upon earth--with an experience, however, sufficient to be an earnest of the hereafter. Out of nothing, nothing comes, is the usual rule. 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! The power behindChrists resurrectionis now working on our behalf. Oswald Chambers -The habit of rising to the occasion. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), Mal Couch - While this is Pauls great desire, that believers truly have a deep spiritual understanding about their relationship with the Lord, this is rarely achieved by the average Christian. Its in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home freesigned, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. The knowledge that Paul is praying for includes an intellectual grasp of the truth, but it also grips our emotions and brings our will into greater submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Knowing these truths in a deeper, more intuitive way, you will be empowered by His Spirit to stand firm on Who He is and how faithful He will be to all of His promises towards you. Pray Ephesians 1:17-19 (and other Pauline prayers). God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. I pray that you may know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. Ephesians 1:1820. Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness There are at least six ways that God wants us as believers to know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us: Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Gods Ultimate Purpose [Baker], pp. He is powerless to apprehend spiritual things. It would seemingly be enough to mention the power of God, who is omnipotent. In 2Co 3:10 = "surpassing glory" and 2Co 9:14 = "surpassing grace." (Commentary on the New Testament:), Warren Wiersbe - First, enlightenment comes from the Holy Spirit. That view stresses the value God places on us as believers, as demonstrated in Christs death, the forgiveness of our sins, and the abundant grace that He lavishes on us (Eph 1: 78). THESE ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORKING OF THE STRENGTH OF HIS MIGHT: kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou: INDESCRIBABLY TRANSCENDENT The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. A marvellous lift was there! 1:3; 2:1; 3:9; Hab. It is energetic power, energy put forth or energy put in operation. When you buy a new gadget, it comes with an owners manual that tells you how to operate it. Hoehner adds that "Paul is not saying that the power is available at moments of belief, but rather he is stating that the power is available to believers. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Wiersbe -The very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available for our daily lives! Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness Ischus is used of angelic power in 2 Peter whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. Some of the fairest hopes that ever blessed human vision; the most delightful friendships; the most perfect dreams of delight, have faded and withered before our eyes. They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. Ask Him to impress on your heart the blessings and responsibilities of your calling. 17:6; Ezek. 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. Hence, the translation takes the participle to form a part of the basis for the prayer. Rom. Rather, if we are the called according to Gods purpose, then we know that He is actively working all things together for our good, both in time and in eternity (Rom. Its in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. The possessive pronoun shows that it is Gods inheritance.Because of His choosing, redeeming, adopting, and sealing us, we are his possession. Take every opportunity in this long, long day youre in to thank the Father for the opportunity to store up treasure which will make you rich for eternity. Paul wrote, I am compelled to preach. 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. We need not pray for power to evangelize, to witness the gospel to others. Thus power unto salvation (Ro1:16): the kingdom coming in power (Mk 9:1): God himself called powerthe right hand of the power (Mt. Having been enlightened rests on the observation that you cant see in the dark and implies that the addressees used to live in mental darkness but that at conversion they were transferred into the realm of mental light, so that now they can see what the Spirit reveals to them (Eph 4:1718; Eph 5:8; Colossians 1:13). No, because hes after the treasure. The discoveries youll make, the understanding you will glean, the gifts of praise, the expression of even frustrated prayer will affect you for the next zillion years. Ye may know what is the hope of his calling. Faith must be exercised in all areas of Christian growth. It can be used of the power of growth, of the powers of nature, of the power of a drug, of the power of a mans genius. Paul describes unbelievers as (Eph. 36)? Zina21 March 3, 2023, 9:29pm 10. Do believers really have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:1920)? Ephesians 1:18. A certain rabbi, Bar Kappara, said, The soul and the Torah are compared to a lamp. 1 Corinthians Because He wants to hang out on the Columbia River? It is interesting to note that photizo (enlightened) was used by the pagan Mystery religions as a technical term for the rite of initiation into their inner secrets! And what a blessing he is! To say it another way, Paul prayed that believers would know the hope, inheritance and power not in their head but in their hearts, the very essence of their being. (Titus 2:11-14-See notes Titus 2:11; 2:12; 2:13; 2:14). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Kleros may be used in the plural, but kleronomia is never so used. Verse of the Day , Ephesians 1:18 Treasury of Scripture Knowing, God, My Praise (Study In God - All I Need-19). BGT . Harold Hoehner points out that "The NEB, NASB, and NIV state another request: I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. Hes not interested in the world. Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? If I am a billionaire and I give you ten dollars, I have given you out of my riches, a small portion of my wealth. There is a superabundance of machinery; what is wanting is power. He called you to Himself and will hold you there, no matter what circumstances you face. The conduct (works) doesn't save us but does demonstrate the belief to be genuine. Help Them To Achieve (Ephesians 1:15-23) - Newspaper columnist Jean Calmen once wrote about a teacher she called Miss K. In her youth, Calmen had been a student of Miss K's, so she sent the teacher a copy of a column she was especially proud of. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the Spirits transforming work within you. The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black, The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl - Imperfectly Imprinted Bibles, The Message Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, amethyst gem, The Message of Hope: Discover Meaning and Purpose for Your Life - eBook. 1:18. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:18 titled "The Hope of His Calling," Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds this great prayer of Paul and carefully navigates between the general call of God in the gospel for all and the effectual call of the Holy Spirit for believers. The passive voice indicates that this action is performed on the subject by an outside source, clearly implying the work of the Holy Spirit (aka divine passive). If not, why not? This is the same mighty power, NLT: I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe Him. He sealed us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be kept until the day of redemption, absolutely, totally, eternally secure in our salvation. Jesus, You have given us freedom 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. She begins to pray for direction. What are the practical applications of this truth? It is your hope of final glorification and of sharing Gods glory when Christ returns (Col. 3:4). Throughout Scripture, the word hope always refers to that which is coming, to that which is ahead. Undefiled! I cant. Imagine a couple of demons speaking. Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. Obadiah From phos; to shed rays, i.e. Look at our Lords body in the tomb. The KJV has a unique and memorable way of translating this verse And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power", Paxson - God would then tell us that in this wonder-working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance and consummation of our salvation: that it is all-sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthily of his high calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers. In favor of this view is the context of Ephesians 1 (verses 3, 11, & 14). A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. But it is mind-boggling when he prays that we will know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints! (Meyer, F B: Our Daily Homily). We could never defeat these spiritual foes in our own power, but we can through the Spirits power. To correct this problem, we must embrace all aspects of prayer. May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. What did God require of him (vv. There are seminary professors who can exegete the Greek text here, but these glorious truths do not thrill their hearts. He bought the world to get you. Illustration - In 218 b.c. 2 Thessalonians 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. us with every (how many?) Warren Wiersbe (Be Rich [Victor Books], pp. Those for whom Paul is praying were once "spiritually blind" darkened in their understanding, (Eph 4:18) walking around in "spiritual darkness" as he reminded them of later writing that "you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Eph 5:8-note). NIDNTT says that in classical Greek the root word "kleros is derived from klao, break. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! Lehman Strauss-Paul requests for the saints the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ that they might know three things:(1) The hope of His calling. God has called us, but to what purpose? Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), John MacArthur- UNDERSTANDING YOUR CALLING. Is this not every believers great challenge and need?!
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