11:36; Jn. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! When He was raised from the grave, we were raised from the grave. The soul, as is written, The soul of man is the lamp of the Lord (Prov. Or if you are so afraid of robbers that you cannot really enjoy it? It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. Joshua At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. It seems to be parenthetical, as in the KJV, ASV, and RSV (ED: NRSV = "so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened"). Augustine therefore said truly, "Give what Thou commandest, and then command what Thou wilt.". Hes the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Moth and rust cannot consume, nor thieves break through to steal. Prayer meetings that support only one aspect of prayer are imbalanced and can quickly be awash in negativity. Now my whole lifes aims and ambitions are changed. To shine or to brighten up. Paul applies this truth that we are God's inheritance in his letter to the Corinthians writing Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? It is energetic power, energy put forth or energy put in operation. Malachi When He is seated at the right hand of God, so are we, in Christ. Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? Greatness (3174) (megethos from megas = strong, great) refers to magnitude (great size or extent), greatness. (Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings). This is the same power God brought about in Christ. 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. Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. However, kleros, which meant originally lot, stresses more the individual piece of land allotted by lot, whereas kleronomia points more to the fact of inheritance with all its connotations already mentioned. us with every (how many?) Nor do we need to pray for power to do Gods will. His power is to us-ward who believe (Eph. The text is clear! Is (2076) is the present tense of eimi = to be, and so conveys the idea "what is continually the hope.". This effect in context undoubtedly refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit Who illuminates spiritual truth to the hearts of believers (See Illumination of the Bible). The analogy that we have quoted, however, fails us utterly in its final working out. (cf Ps 42:1, Mt 5:6+, 1Pe 2:2+). Romans THOUGHT - Believers in Christ are privileged to worship the Truth personified and consummated in Christ Jesus! Rom. Paul is praying for the Ephesians understanding of Gods work on their behalf. 8:32) assures you that He wont withhold lesser things, and consequently youll not tend to worry about earthly needs. Once on the mission field, he is willing to suffer hardships and separation from family and friends because the call of God is his greatest motivation. When we make use of these resources, we will experience the mighty power with which God raised Christ from death! 18:1; 22:15; 29:4, 11; 31:10; 33:16; 38:10; 39:10; 61:2; 65:6; 71:9; 78:61; 102:23; 103:20; 111:6; 118:14; 147:5; Prov. It is the reserve of strength. Because he wants the field? Key in on verse 16 this morning- "in addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.". Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. The proper exercise of this power requires continuous faith in Christ, just as we believed in Him at conversion. Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation. God glories in his saints. But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. I just love Jesus. Some even think that studying theology is spiritually dangerous. ', 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. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. 2 John 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. While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! Haggai In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul let his "students" know that he prayed for them constantly. In Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary, the Jewish and Roman leaders successfully killed Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 19:30). And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. by Theodore Epp - Ephesians 1: 19-23 The Scriptures frequently refer to God's power as it relates to the believer. 1:1523; 3:1421; Phil. Revelation 5:12 (note) saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. Ephesians 1:7,11 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; , Ephesians 3:8,16 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; . ), Paul wants us to get a glimpse of our glorious future so that we will live in light of it right now. (Brown, Colin, Editor. 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. As the story goes Crowfoot, the chief of the Blackfoot nation in southern Alberta, gave the Canadian Pacific Railway permission to lay track from Medicine Hat to Calgary, he was given in exchange a lifetime railroad pass. 8:28)! 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. As soon as thou didst open thine eyes to behold the crucified Lord, thou didst all unconsciously become heir to the lengths and breadths, and depths, and heights of God! We have been called, chosen, justified, and glorified for we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and are become his chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Gods power is awesome! In Ephesians 1:314 Paul proclaims the blessings of our salvation. When you buy a new gadget, it comes with an owners manual that tells you how to operate it. ", It is power. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 1:3-4). Jon Courson- That ye may know what is the hope of his calling Ephesians 1:18. 2:4): strength of sin (1 Cor. He bought the world to get you. 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. 5:13): shall not be able (Lk13:24): I can do all things (Phil4:13): availeth much (Jas. And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe - Supernatural power for believers to enable them to live in triumph. The devil hopes you don't understand this. 1:4). WALK IN THE SPIRIT. Why would he be praying for this "Aha" enlightenment? 7:35; 2 Ki. He considers each us to be His precious portion. Paul says that hope ultimately is a person "Christ Jesusour hope" (1Timothy 1:1, cp Col 1:27+). Look at our Lords body in the tomb. 6:9; 7:9; 8:7; Joel 2:22; Amos 2:14; 3:11; 5:9; 6:13; Mic. (Joshua 1:3+) In short, we need to lay hold of the power that resides within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. 1 Kings Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. They are also his by conquest. All Christians have the same hope. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened By the Spirit of God already, to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin; the insufficiency of their own righteousness; the beauty, glory, fulness, and suitableness of Christ, as a Saviour; the excellency, truth, and usefulness of the doctrines of the Gospel; in which their understandings were before dark, but now had light into them: wherefore these words are not to be considered as part of the apostle's petitions, but rather as what was taken for granted by him; and are to be put into a parenthesis, and the following words to be joined in connection with the preceding verse; unless it should be thought, that the apostle prays for greater illuminations, and for more spiritual light, and that the eyes of their understandings might be more and more enlightened; the phrase, (lkvh Nye) , (omma thv dianoiav) , "the eye of the understanding", is Rabbinical, and often to be met with in Jewish writings F6; the Alexandrian copy, and several others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "the eyes of your heart"; and to, (twbblh ynye) , "the eyes of the hearts, or minds", is a phrase used by the Jewish writers F7: that ye may know what is the hope of his calling; by which is meant, the effectual calling of the saints; which is not a call to an office, or a call merely by the external ministry of the word; but which is internal, special, powerful, high, and heavenly: and this is the calling of God, of which he is the author; who calls with an holy calling, unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus; and which is without repentance: and the hope of this calling, is either eternal happiness, which is the thing hoped for; or Christ, who is the ground and foundation of it; or the grace of hope, which is exercised on both; or all three: for hope of eternal glory, as it is founded on Christ, may be said to be the hope of the calling of God, because it is wrought in the soul at the time of the effectual calling, and what saints are then called to the exercise of; and calling grace, is an encouragement to hope for eternal life; since whom God calls, he justifies and glorifies: and now the apostle prays, that these saints who were called by the grace of God, might know more of Christ, the foundation of their hope; and what that is they are hoping for, and more and more what it is to hope for the same, upon the view of Christ's person, blood, and righteousness: and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; the saints themselves are the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance, in whom he is, and will be abundantly glorified; but here it rather seems to design the heavenly inheritance before spoken of, of which the Spirit is the earnest; and this is the Lord's, it is of his preparing, and it is his gift, and a very rich and glorious inheritance it is: hence it is not only signified by mansions, and everlasting habitations, by an house, and by a city, but by a kingdom; the riches of grace are preparatory to it, and the riches of glory are comprised in it; and this is in, or among the saints, who only have a right unto it, and a meetness for it; and what this inheritance is, with the riches and glory of it, will not be fully known in this life; and indeed but little of it is known; so that such a petition as this is always proper and pertinent. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. Call or calling is used with reference to salvation in two senses. Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! We may not be able to conquer Satan all at once, but he cannot conquer us at all. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. Heavenly Father, I pray that my heart would be flooded with the marvellous light of the gospel of grace. Hope (1680) (elpis) (See also study on Believer's Blessed Hope) expresses a desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it. He chose them, and set his love upon them. 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). Rab. 4:10; 8:10; Esther 4:17; 10:2; Job 4:2; 5:5; 6:11f, 22, 25; 9:19; 12:16; 16:5; 23:6; 26:2, 12; 30:2, 18; 31:24, 39; 36:5, 19, 22; 37:23; 39:11, 21; 40:16; Ps. Paul would have us appreciate our dignity. 3:20). And remember that this "spiritual journey" is not an "arrival" in this life but is a life long journey (sanctification), albeit it is a journey which is "motivated" by the hope (guaranteed assurance 1Jn 3:2+) of our final arrival one day in the future in twinkling of an eye (glorification - 1Cor 15:52+). In, on, among. Jude And so he prays that these saints might be able to grasp the breadth and length and height and depth (Eph 3:18) of the great truths in chapter one, so that they might be enabled by the indwelling Spirit and the riches of God's grace (DOCTRINAL TRUTH IN CHAPTERS 1-3) to order their steps so that they "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called." 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. Surely not. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." The power that God has made available to the believer is according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph 1:19-21). (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary). 2:9; 2 Thess. Perhaps you can remember three words to capture this message: resurrection power now. She asks her Bible study group to pray with her about the matter. ", Ischus - 251 uses in the Septuagint (LXX) - Ge4:12; 31:6; 49:3; Ex.9:16; 15:6, 13; 32:11, 18; Lev. 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+). And what a blessing he is! (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! Luke 24:45+ Then He (JESUS) opened (dianoigo) their minds (nous) to understand the Scriptures. Such activity is a far cry from what God intended and expects the local Church to be. The grassland yields pasture to the cattle; and there is not a square inch of the enclosed territory that does not minister to the needs of the new proprietor. Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness Kneeling in the back seat, Fuller gave his life to Christ in prayer. It is reserved in heaven for you. There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. Vine comments - Eido/oida, to know, suggests intelligent perception, in contrast to ginsk which indicates progressive knowledge. The answer, according to one of the apostle Pauls prayers, is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 15:56). You have given us freedom, Johnson asks "What is the greatness of the power to us what who believe? When we know them in the head and not the heart, we are simply "smarter sinners" but when we know them in our heart, we will become more like our Savior. Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. 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. As you pray and study Gods Word, He transforms and renews your mind (Rom. In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). 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+). What a battle He had in us before we would be won! Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. We can read the promises of God and be certain of Gods ability to fulfill those promises, even those of redemption, resurrection, andglorification. Here in verse 18 he wrote about Gods inheritance, the saints themselves! Reaffirm your love for Him, and express your willingness to be changed by His Spirit in any way He sees fit. Thats why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Fathers hand (John 10:29). Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! He does not ask God to give them what they do not have, but rather prays that God will reveal to them what they already have. One demon says to the other, "Demon, if those liberal theologians ever really let Jesus Christ out of that tomb, and those so-called Baptist preachers begin to preach itwhew! Ephesians 1:18. Young's Literal: and what the exceeding greatness of His power to us who are believing, according to the working of the power of His might, AND WHAT IS THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA). Rather, it is constantly to be praying as you study the Word, Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know, love, and obey You better!. The heart is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, mans inward being. (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. Esther But a day is coming -- oh! I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, We have His "seal" on us, and more accurately within us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. 22:5. Faith must be exercised in all areas of Christian growth. In favor of this view is the context of Ephesians 1 (verses 3, 11, & 14). This same power resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us. F B Meyer commenting on inheritance in 1Peter 1:4-notesees it asview #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! How does this apply? 31:3; Ezek. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened- Physical eyes (or ears) cannot see (hear) these deeper truths. 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+. The deadline for submitting an application for a higher pension has been extended to May 3 from March 3.. Employees who were in service prior to September 1, 2014, and continued to be in service . That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:1820). God is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (Eph. Greek: pephotismenous (RPPMPA) tous ophthalmous tes kardias [humon] eis to eidenai (RAN) humas tis estin (PAI) e elpis tes kleseos autou, tis o ploutos tes doxes tes kleronomias autou en tois hagiois. (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." Sometimes familiarly with the glorious superlatives of our heavenly calling, and the eternal hope of glory that is set before us, causes our eyes to become dimmed and our hearts to become complacent. Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. In the four Gospels, we see Gods power at work in the ministry of Jesus Christ, but in the Book of Acts, we see that same power at work in ordinary men and women, members of the body of Christ. It refers to a degree which exceeds extraordinary and thus excels. By it He speaks to the soul, grants saving faith, and ushers elect sinners into salvation (John 6:3744, 65; Acts 2:39). When we really grasp this amazing truth, all we can do is worship and glorify our precious Saviour and occupy our time, redeeming the days as we wait expectantly for His blessed appearing. 4:18; 2Co 2:14), and touch (Acts 17:27). 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 next time we feel weak, we need to recall this passage to our mind (a present imperative command in Php 4:8-note), not in the sense of "mind over matter" but in the sense that this is what is true about us, a truth that we need to walk in by faith (2Cor 5:7, Col 2:6), even (especially) during those times we feel weak (cp 2Cor 12:9-10-note) or inadequate (2Cor 3:5-6-note, 1Cor 15:10-note). Listen to his arguments here. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? 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 to go back and read the manual carefully, asking God to give us His wisdom and understanding. But glance first at Ephesians 1:17-18. Beloved, Peter said, be not ignorant of this one thing: one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (II Peter 3:8). The Message Canvas Bible: Coloring and Journaling the Story of God, Spring Palette, The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, softcover, The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look, Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/tan, Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook, The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook. No, not at all. God exercised this power in two ways. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that (purpose clause- ask "What purpose?") 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. Paul was called by God: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1; cf. (2Pe 1:2-4-notes 2Peter 1:2; 1:3; 1:4). (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). Freedom, You have given us freedom Ephesians 1 1-2 I, Paul, am under God's plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. 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. Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural. Therefore, not only do we have an inheritance (Eph 1:14) but He also has an inheritance (Eph 1:18). 2:9). Proverbs 1 Thessalonians Knowing God has given you His very best in Christ (Rom. Maybe we need to go back and read the manual! 15-19Thats 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 couldnt stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, Id think of you and give thanks. The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. In the parallel prayer in Colossians 1:11-12, Paul prays that we would be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. In other words, Gods glorious, mighty power enables us to endure trials steadfastly, patiently, and joyously, with a thankful heart to the Father. 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." He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. Ephesians 6:10 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. We have the case of Elisha when the Syrian army was sent to Dothan to take him captive. NLT: I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. 3:7; Eph. And so the ESV Study Bible comments that "The inheritance here is not the Christians inheritance but his (Gods). New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce writes (The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians [Eerdmans], p. 270), That God should set such high value on a community of sinners, rescued from perdition and still bearing too many traces of their former state, might well seem incredible were it not made clear that he sees them in Christ, as from the beginning he chose them in Christ., Why did God do this? Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." It is these riches that we must seek, enjoy, and use to glorify their sourceour heavenly Father.Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI.
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