THOUGHT - God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory! Jesus healed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38); cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:28); was resurrected from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:11+); and was seated at God's right hand in the heavenly places through the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:19, 20+). But we must see to it that we keep nothing back. You have given us freedom, my chains are gone That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. (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+). When we were children, the map of Africa gave us a few scattered names around the coast line; but the great interior was blank. 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? God the Father gave the world to Adam. We shall never know the far-away springs of the Niles and Congo's of his nature; we shall never unravel the innermost secret of his being. 6:4; Heb. No one can do the work of God successfully without being filled with the Holy Spirit. of each person. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? 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. From her own people Rome raised an army, animated it with patriotism, and ordered it to fight. 1:19; Eph. May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. The Lord pursued His disobedient servant until Jonah submitted himself to the call. But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. Live today in anticipation of Christs imminent return. Even though God has opened our eyes to see and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we still must seek Him to enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we will come to a deeper understanding of these crucial truths. Nor do we need to pray for power to do Gods will. We fence off a part of ourselves for God, excluding Him from all the rest. (John 13:7). If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. Look at our Lords body in the tomb. In accordance (2596) (kata) not out of but according to. Sometimes both terms are used interchangeably for nahlh (e.g. (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! Ephesians 1:18 Context. In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. | GotQuestions.org, What is the power of the Holy Spirit? . The eyes of our hearts refers to our total inner person, which includes the intellect, the emotions, and the will. The proper exercise of this power requires continuous faith in Christ, just as we believed in Him at conversion. 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. QUESTION -What does it mean to be called by God? 22:14). The unaccustomed soil is brought beneath the yoke of the plough. KJV The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. Jesus, You have given us freedom This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to really understand these truths. Isaiah In Ephesians 1:18 the Greek word forheart is singular so that Paul is praying for each individual person's heart! Hence, the translation takes the participle to form a part of the basis for the prayer. 2:14; 1 Pet. ", etc (See 5W/H questions). The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. 2:9f; 28:20, 22; 30:4; 2 Sam. I make the best my goal; Though lifting our troubles and needs to God is both acceptable and important, we should never forget to express our thankfulness, jubilance, and praise to Him in prayer. (Psalm 119:18-see commentaryor related commentary). 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). In a figurative sense, kleronomia refers to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits as our inheritance (which is the use in Eph 5:5-note) and eternal possession for every believer. Romans 8:28-30 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. This sense comes out clearly in the New Testament in the use of the word and of its cognates. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2007, All Rights Reserved. Ive been talking to You. 1:18. Ephesians 1:18. It is a great truth that God does choose the inheritance for his people. Ye may know what is the hope of his calling. It is Christs coming to take His own to be with Himself. 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. Third is kratos (strength), which may also be translated dominion (1 Ti 6:16) or power (Heb. Every Christian has a calling on his or her life. I agree that this is Pauls main aim. Note however that Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 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). The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. 2 Peter 2:11 (note) whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. 11:2; John 14:2526; 16:1214). This hope is of the perfection of all, which we are called to enjoy really, but imperfectly, here. Dunamis - 119x in 115v - Here are Paul's uses of dunamis in Ephesians Eph 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. 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). Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul reminded them, Our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction (1 Thess. Think about it: When the church holds a Bible study, concert, or picnic, many people show up. We, who are God's tillage, must make no bargain with his ploughshare, and withhold no acre from the operations of his Spirit. This indicates how precious his people are to God. 8:32) assures you that He wont withhold lesser things, and consequently youll not tend to worry about earthly needs. The Father has chosen (verse 4) and predestined (verse 5) believers to adoption in Jesus Christ. Mark | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? Yes, it is an inheritance. For example, a young man may begin to have a burden for a particular foreign nation and its people. Be diligent to pray and spend time in the Word so that your spiritual progress will be evident to all (1 Tim. As you face this new day, do so with the confidence that you are one of Gods elect. Be alert for attitudes or actions that need to be changed. Theyre depressed and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. Many believers were more interested in doing what felt right than in doing what God declared to be right.Instead of their emotions being controlled by Gods truth, their emotions distorted their understanding of His truth. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. 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. Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. So the dynamo of Christian living is within the believer because God is within the believer. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). The eyes of the heart must be opened by the Spirit of God. Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. Daniel 12)? Paul says that hope ultimately is a person "Christ Jesusour hope" (1Timothy 1:1, cp Col 1:27+). The real work of a Church depends upon the power of the Spirit." Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. That call became his motivating force. (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. How can we begin to fathom a prayer like that? (Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings). Living on the inside (You set us free) He returned home and wrote his wife, who was away: There has come a complete change into my life. This is amazing grace indeed! He will occupy and keep thee. And what is - And is a connective, which signifies that a word or part of a sentence is to be added to what precedes. The principle is that we should pray for the promises of God to be realized in our hearts (cf 2Pe 1:4) Only the Spirit can reveal spiritual truth. 1112)? After Jonah was back on dry land, the word of the Lord came to him again with the same call, giving him another chance to obey. What a tragedy when believers do the same thing with the riches they possess in Christ, failing to really possess their possessions! How much spiritual strength is available for me in my daily life? Are you praying the promises of God for yourself and your family and the body of Christ? Amen. How could they have more than what they had? It is used in doxologies to extol the power or dominion of God (1 Pet 5:11; Jude 25; Rev 5:13) and of Christ (1 Tim 6:16; 1 Pet 4:11; Rev 1:6; 5:13), which has victory over all contrary powers. How much divine energy is at my disposal? How long he laid siege to our hearts! It is the reserve of strength. Faith and Riches - Do you want to be rich? Power (1411) (dunamis- words derived from the stem duna all have the basic meaning of being able, of capacity in virtue of an ability) refers to inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way, the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. I was just waiting on him. Habakkuk In Ephesians 1-3, Paul is emphasizing that although the Gentiles were formerly alienated from God and strangers to His promises to Israel, now in Christ they are equal members of Gods covenant people. Hope gives us the assurance that we are going toward something better than this present life. He thinks of us as His inheritance. Jesus was not teaching us that a little faith could accomplish great things. 1:18). 15:13). Notice in this one letter Paul prays twice for the saints to experience dunamis which He associates with the indwelling Holy Spirit. But prayer meetings often slip to the bottom of attendance records. The American Standard Version reads: the eyes of your heart, not mind. Let this incomparable truth stir within your heart a passionate desire that He may be glorified in you more fully each day until that great day dawns for which both He and we look with such fervent expectation. But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. The church, like Samson in the lap of a harlot, has divulged the secret of strength and is shorn of power. The hand that bled to make it mine, Ephesians 1:18. . It will fill you with thanksgiving, joy, and hope. Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. Paul saw fit to teach simple believers, many of whom were slaves, the great doctrines of Romans and Ephesians and his other letters. The inner man can see (Ps. He also gives us the powerthe enablementto practice the truth (Eph. (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word), Jon Courson- And what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. Zina21 March 3, 2023, 9:29pm 10. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. This may be the reason Paul spends more time on this area. For there is a difference between ability (dunamin) and strength (ischuo). And not just for the time being, but forever. 1 Peter 4:11 (note) Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Throughout the Old Testament, the verb know and the noun knowledge refer to intimacy and relationship, not simply a cognitive understanding of the facts. We need not pray for power to endure suffering. The literal rendering is "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened." 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! | GotQuestions.org, Is there any power in positive thinking? (Dt 32:9+). The inner man, the heart, has spiritual faculties that parallel the physical senses. Galatians (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) 2 Corinthians 4:6+ For God, Who said, Light shall shine out of darkness, (Ge 1:2-3-commentary) is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. Setup Size: 8.9 GB. 2. the rich inheritance that he possesses in them, and 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! Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in Eph 1:1-2 (ED: THOSE WHO BELIEVE). observe fully, consider attentively denotes action of mind apprehending certain facts about a thing) wonderful (amazing, astounding, marvelous, extraordinary or even difficult - things beyond human capability) things from Thy law. This is the curse of Christian living. 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. For Further Study: Read Genesis 2733, noting how God used the events of Jacobs life to transform his weak spiritual commitment to one that was strong and unconditional (see especially Gen. 28:2022; 32:912). He gathers out the fruits from among the leaves, that his people might have the best food, and enjoy the richest pleasures. All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. In 2Co 3:10 = "surpassing glory" and 2Co 9:14 = "surpassing grace." Huperballo is used only 5x in the NT but 3 are in Ephesians. Im taking this message from this phrase in Ephesians 1:19: the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. I know that the vast majority of you do not feel that power. Many Christians have a stick your head in the sand attitude when it comes to grappling with the difficult doctrines of the Bible. He will fully gain His inheritance when the saints are removed from this earth and come into his presence. If that has happened to you, confess it immediately and turn from it. 7:7; Ezek. David wrote, Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 2 Thessalonians 2:16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace. 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). If we are to ever see revival (ED: PERSONAL OR CORPORATE!) a patrimony or a possession. Luke 24:45+ Then He (JESUS) opened (dianoigo) their minds (nous) to understand the Scriptures. Consequently, they constantly strive for material things and are continually caught up in carnal pursuits. And so they liken them to fruit and branch and root; but we need simply say that the gathering together of words so nearly co-extensive in their meaning is witness to the effort to condense the infinite within the bounds of human tongue, to speak the unspeakable; and that these reiterated expressions, like the blows of the billows that succeed one another on the beach, are hints of the force of the infinite ocean that lies behind 'According to the working of the strength of the might which He wrought in Christ' - the Resurrection, the Ascension, the session at the right hand of God, the rule over all creatures, and the exaltation above all things on earth or in the heavens - these are the facts which the Apostle brings before us as the pattern-works, the chefs-d'oeuvre of the power that is operating in all Christians. Here he prays that we will know the riches of its glory. he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ. Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! Ephesians 3:19+and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It was Paul who rejoiced in the confident hope that we have in Christ Jesus and he longed that others too would come to a real understanding of the incomparable riches of His grace which is expressed in his kindness towards us in Christ Jesus, and so Paul prays that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which God has called us - the riches of His glorious inheritance in US - His holy, called-out people. (Mark 12.30+). 1:10). In verse 18 he prays that we will comprehend those great truths, which he summarizes in the phrase, the hope of His calling.. When our hearts are set to obey the Lord, He confirms His call in a variety of ways: godly counsel, natural gifting, fruitful results, Scripture, and a sense of rightness that does not conflict with any of the other confirmations. (Believer's Bible Commentary). 1 Timothy 5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (1Pe 1:5-note) The idea is that we are being brought through an enemys country under a strong escortas (escort = a person or group of persons accompanying another to give protection ) the women and children from Lucknow, between the double line of English soldiers, till they were safe from the onset of the Sepoys. . Finally. He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. But there's no hidden message in the National Research Council's verdict on such techniques. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought (such is the literal rendering of the word, employed here). Rather, as Paul will go on to say, we were dead in our sins, but God raised us up. God called the entire nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). With that thought in mind a more accurate rendering is that of Wuest who has "the eyes of your heart being in an enlightened state with a view to your knowing what is the hope of His calling." It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. God demands that we obstinately oppose Satan, as those Romans untiringly harried Hannibal. He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Acts If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? Plato (Protagoras, 350) draws the distinction thus: I should not have admitted that the able (dunatous) are strong (ischurous), though I have admitted that the strong are able. To correct this problem, we must embrace all aspects of prayer. you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence. Kratos means strength or might, the power to rule or control or exert dominion (power to rule, supreme authority, sovereignty, the right to govern or rule or determine). God's people do not fight for victory but from victory! Hope for believers is not the worlds wishful thinking, but the absolute certainty that God will make true what he has promised. Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. --M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. What is the difference between kleros and kleronomia (in the context of the uses in the Septuagint)? Joel Ephesians 6:10 (note) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. (Ephesians 1:19) We are bidden to follow our Master in his up ward track, and to sit with Him, in daily happy experience, where He is already seated at the right hand of God. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. Lots were drawn to discover the will of the gods. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. THE POWER OF GOD IN THE ASCENSION LIFE. (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." In the Mississippi River, right? At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. Then we begin to possess the power that God has already given us in Christ. (Pathways to His Presence), Craig Blomberg - To Let Us Experience Gods Mighty Power, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural. The verb belonging to this is kleroo, to draw lots, apportion by lot (only in Eph 1:11-note, Heb 1:4-note). But I do more than thank. 4:18; 2Co 2:14), and touch (Acts 17:27). (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). Paul is praying for the Ephesians understanding of Gods work on their behalf. THOUGHT - Beloved, there is a powerful principle taught in this section. 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. The living family of God want a living Saviour, one who can hear and answer prayer, deliver out of soul-trouble, speak a word with power to the heart when bowed down with grief and sorrow, sympathise with them under powerful temptations, support them under the trials and afflictions of the way, maintain under a thousand discouragements His own life in their soul, sustain under bereavements the mourning widow, and be a father to her fatherless children; appear again and again in providence as a friend that loveth at all times and a brother born for adversity, smile upon them in death, and comforting them with His rod and staff as they walk through the valley of its dark shadow, land them at last safely in a happy eternity. (Brown, Colin, Editor. Nothing less than omnipotence can save a soul; and omnipotence at its very best in the glorification of Christ is none too great for the salvation of a sinner. Energeia isused only of supernatural power in the NT. A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. The Christian Church is precious to God. Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural. 1:4). God glories in his saints. Ephesians 1:1920is not stating that believers have received the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. For Further Study: Read 1 Chronicles 29:1113. Pauls request for them to know God was within proper bounds because their hearts had been enlightened (the Greek perfect tense indicates past action with continuing results), as discussed in verses 314, especially Eph 1:79 (previous note from Hoehner's discussion in Bible Knowledge Commentary) (Ed Note: Hoehner goes into greater detail regarding six ways this passage could be taken in hisEphesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Lehman Strauss-The prayer continues: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened (1:18). 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. Here is the inexhaustible strength of God in taking His crucified Son who was dead and buried, and raising Him from among the dead to His present majestic position in heaven.
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