This earnest prayer reveals the infinite importance of knowledge as a foundation for walking worthy in this Christian life. The new has come, Now I have resurrection power living on the inside Proverbs 20:27The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. He gathers out the fruits from among the leaves, that his people might have the best food, and enjoy the richest pleasures. But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. 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. Spirit, soul, and body must be freely yielded to the great Husbandman. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Isaiah What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! But, since there are many who dispute it, allow me just to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, by mentioning certain facts which will lead you to see clearly that verily God does choose our lot, and apportion for us our inheritance. Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 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!. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. What kind of riches are you looking for? 5:13. But the antidote to these dangers is not to remain ignorant. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). Not a portion of but proportionate to! Wealthybut miserable! Because He wants to hang out on the Columbia River? That call became his motivating force. Paul presents a fourfold demonstration of the very same power which God makes available to believers - God raised Him from the dead (Ep 1:20 -note), seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:20), subjected all things under His feet (Ep 1:22-note), and gave Him as head over the church (Ephesians 1:22). That's why Calmen was disappointed when her aging teacher responded with a handwritten note that said, "I was aware of the fact that you were intelligent, but I never thought that someday I would be reading articles from your pen in the newspaper." which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation. This expectation of seeing Jesus, our "Blessed Hope" [see below] and being like Him is entertained equally by both Jewish and Gentile believers. The surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. 17 But I do more than thank. 1 Timothy So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. us with every (how many?) 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.". The same continuous current of His mighty power stands available to the faithful, to all who will believe. You have given us freedom (You set us free), I have resurrection power living on the inside (You set us free) (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) Ephesians 1:18 Context. ), Paul wants us to get a glimpse of our glorious future so that we will live in light of it right now. the more we will be motivated Setup File Name: Adobe_Premiere_Pro_v23.2..69.rar. Here it is the other way around. And then look at our Lord now at the right hand of the Father on high. 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. Knowing God has given you His very best in Christ (Rom. This hope is of the perfection of all, which we are called to enjoy really, but imperfectly, here. Encourages my soul. Salem Media Group. So what does he do? Glory (1391) (doxa) in this context seems to refer to the splendour, brightness or the brightness, shining or radiance. The world gets in the way, sin does its dirty deed, and carnality and strife and bitterness can rule. 15:10-note). 36.2; 59.3). ", Colossians 1:29 records Paul's testimony: "I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.". In other words, Paul had prayed (Eph 1:17) that they might have true spiritual insight into God, and then he included the phrase, having the eyes of your heart enlightened (RSV). Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. They will give us the hope and eternal perspective that we need to endure trials. Inheritance (2817) (kleronomiafrom kleros = a lot + nemo = to distribute) (see study of related Kleronomos) (see second word study kleronomia) is originally a portion which one receives by lot in a general distribution. A muscular mans big muscles display his might, even if he doesnt use them. What (5101) (tis) is singular in contrast to the next clause regarding "riches" which is introduced with "what are" which is plural. Why? All other ground is sinking sand. I do not mean that God is trying to appear to our physical eyesight. That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. Then he adds (Calvins Commentaries [Baker reprint], on Eph. Our dear Father "has blessed (past tense - it is a completed act!) Notice that pisteuo is in the present tense which describes those who are continuously believing as for example would be demonstrated by their lifestyle, which is generally (not perfectly) directed God-ward and Heaven-ward (homeward). In Ephesians 1:18 the Greek word forheart is singular so that Paul is praying for each individual person's heart! 8:28)! I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, My hope is built on nothing less We have been called by grace, to glory. But with God this shall never be. But, as weve seen (1:13), believers have been sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. Since Gods promises are as certain as He is faithful, the hope of our calling is not some vague, wishful thinking that everything will work out for our good. (Matthew 13:31-32) He used the mustard seed to teach His disciples an important lesson about faith and victory. But a day is coming -- oh! 28:19; Acts 17:3031). Or the funds to go on the radio. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. 4 Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Paul piles on words for power to make his point. The Lord, however, says, Not so fast. . Amos Help me tounderstand the confident hope I have in Christ Jesus my Lord. All rights reserved. This seems to be a confirmation, but she continues to ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5). The eye; fig: the mind's eye. That power works in every one of us, as I stand before you. When we are faithful to the call to obedience, He can call us to more specific areas (seeLuke 16:10).GotQuestions.org. 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. They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." 8:3839). She discusses her burden with her pastor and her spiritual mentor. God intends that His work be accomplished by His power. 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. by Theodore Epp - Ephesians 1: 19-23 The Scriptures frequently refer to God's power as it relates to the believer. Faith and Riches - Do you want to be rich? (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. As we experience God's power in our own lives, we can encourage others. 3 John That power is like the working of his mighty strength, NLT (revised)I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. 1:18). Mark After all, what good is it to have wealth if you are too weak to use it? God's people do not fight for victory but from victory! "Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," which comes from God's grace (Ephesians 1:7-note). Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. There could be no more, and it is foolish and presumptuous to ask for more. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. This is a wonderful truth. (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. | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? Thus, His possession is located in the saints. Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? Your prayer will likely be a welcome reminder to others. When He ascended, we ascended. The Message (MSG). ", Revelation 7:12 (note) saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that . Living in the light of Your goodness POWER FOR EVERY SAINT. Joel Don't miss out on this "once in a lifetime" opportunity! 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! Thayer summarizes kleronomia as (1) an inheritance, property received (or to be received) by inheritance, or (2) what is given to one as a possession. He also helped found Fuller Seminary in 1947 and worked ceaselessly for Christ until his death in 1968. (Dt 32:9+). The invitation goes out to everyone: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. But many ignore the invitation or make up excuses for why they cannot respond. It is reserved in heaven for you. In this context dunamis refers to inherent power, found in and dispensed by God (cf Ro 1:16+= "the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation"). He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about his title there can be no dispute. Eido/oida is distinguished from ginosko(epiginosko, epignosis - the other major NT word group for knowing) because ginosko generally refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge". 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). The context for this passage is important. THOUGHT: When you open your Bible, ask the Author to open your heart! To ask God for more power is an affront to His gracious love which already has provided us everything. Oh, how we need to grow in our experience of it, because the struggles we face in life are not merely human conflicts. "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. " (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). 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. 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). 3:1421). Consequently, they constantly strive for material things and are continually caught up in carnal pursuits. 31:3; Ezek. 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. This is obvious when the writer of Genesis says that Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived (Gen. 4:1 ESV, emphasis added). ", It is power. Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. 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. 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!) 2:14; 1 Pet. You. (Ephesians 5:18+) The filling of the Holy Spirit will result in power for service with souls being won to Christ and Christians growing in grace and knowledge. "That you will know" Recall Paul's pronouncement of truth in Colossians 1:27 that believers (Jews and Gentiles) now have Christ in them and that this is their hope of glory. Youll not be happy until you know the hope of His calling. 6:5 = in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;; Eph. Hence, the translation takes the participle to form a part of the basis for the prayer. Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. 3:20). We have been called by grace, to glory. You have given us freedom, my chains are gone Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Gods power is awesome! See related in depth study of the Believer's Blessed Hope. He teaches you to recognize and uphold what is excellent so that you will be sincere and blameless before God (Phil. 1:19, p. 214): Pauls object, therefore, was not only to impress the Ephesians with a deep sense of the value of Divine grace, but also to give them exalted views of the glory of Christs kingdom. Paul confidently added that nothing therefore can separate you from Gods love (Rom. Saints (40) (hagios) describes men and women who have been set apart from the world by the sanctifying work of the Spirit for a specific purpose determined by God before the foundation of the world (see notes Ephesians 2:10). How blessed is God! Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! Septuagint Usage -Grundmann (ischu, Kittel, 3:397, note 3) asserts that ischus is the most common word for power in the LXX. It substitutes for 30 Hebrew expressions in the Septuagint where it regularly translates such terms as kach (strength, power, ability), chayil (capacity, power), and az (strength). We have an inheritance in him, and he has an inheritance in us. The eyes of your heart will be enlightened! 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. The surpassing greatness of Gods power is given to every believer, not just to those who believe and then have a mystical experience, second blessing, or some other supposed additional work of grace. Amen. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? They have laid all God's revealed character under contribution. 19:25; 47:6; 63:17; Jer. Enlightened (5461) (photizo from phos = light) means to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it. There are too many Christians trying to do the work of God without first being filled with God. The way to combat these forces is to stand in Gods mighty power (v.10)that is, resurrection power. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. It is from from which we get theocracy, the rule of God; autocracy, absolute rule; democracy, the rule of the people; and plutocracy, the rule of the wealthy. We could never defeat these spiritual foes in our own power, but we can through the Spirits power. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the security of your salvation. but we barred our gates, and fenced our walls against him. WHAT ARE THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS: tis o ploutos tes doxes tes kleronomias autou en tois hagiois: There are two ways to interpret "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (1) The saints are His inheritance He considers a treasure of incomparable worth! If you identify with these sentiments, you are not alone. 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. You called me from the grave by name Josephus, Antiquities 11.3.4). God's power is made available to us by His indwelling presence. The American Standard Version reads: "the eyes of your heart," not mind. We discover our call to a specific area of service by walking closely with the Lord, practicing obedience, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:12;Colossians 1:10). In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul asked God to enlighten their eyes so they could better understand the message encoded in His Word. How can we begin to fathom a prayer like that? | GotQuestions.org, The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power Toward Us, Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers, having been called "with a holy" (2 Timothy 1:9, out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles (Romans 9:24, through the "gospel" that we "may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Th 2:14, and be brought "into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1Cor 1:9, and return in triumph "with Him" at the end of this age (Revelation 17:14. Note that while most versions render this as a prayer for "enlightenment," the fact is that Paul uses the perfect tense for photizo which describes them as having been enlightened in the past with continuing effect. Listen to his arguments here. 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+). If I were to put you in a barrel and put that barrel in the Mississippi River, where would you be? What was Davids response to Gods power (v. 13)? 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). Virtually all the authorities agree that "heart" is the correct translation. They are, so to speak, what he looks forward to enjoying forever. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. can ignite great endeavors. 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. We need to practice the Joshua rule "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you." Amazing grace! The conduct (works) doesn't save us but does demonstrate the belief to be genuine. . Freedom, You have given us freedom Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Victory is ours! Ask Him to impress on your heart the blessings and responsibilities of your calling. For there is a difference between ability (dunamin) and strength (ischuo). It is a mystery that God should find his inheritance and portion in the love of men and women like ourselves. 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. Literally eido/oida refers to perception by sight (perceive, see) as in Mt 2:2+"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? The Father has chosen (verse 4) and predestined (verse 5) believers to adoption in Jesus Christ. Play Chris Tomlin's Resurrection Power. It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. 1:19). (Bible Knowledge Background Commentary). The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us from the Word, and then gives us the wisdom to understand and apply it. May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. But where are You?. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. That's what Paul is praying for here. 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. Ischus is used of the ability of human beings in Mark AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' Note however that Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. In none of these prayers does Paul request material things.

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