All rights reserved, Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation, Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company, Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of being His child. 2:14). From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? Philippians This he did altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which he foresaw in them. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In later Christianity this enlightening was equated with baptism (cf. THOUGHT - Beloved, there is a powerful principle taught in this section. 15:56). He implants Biblical truth into your thinking so that your responses become more and more like Christs. Meditate on the truths in Ephesians Chapter One. The verb belonging to this is kleroo, to draw lots, apportion by lot (only in Eph 1:11-note, Heb 1:4-note). But, as we do with so many owners manuals, we read it superficially or hardly at all and then wonder why the Christian life isnt working the way its supposed to! you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. 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. They are the real eyes for discerning the nature of issues important to God. 1:5). (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). The American Standard Version reads: "the eyes of your heart," not mind. (play "The Solid Rock"), Latter in Ephesians, Paul reminded the Gentile believers that in Christ they "were called in one hope of your calling (Eph 4:4+). The Kleronomos is one who has been given a kleros, the inheritor. 2:13). The real work of a Church depends upon the power of the Spirit." 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. A ministry that is College-trained but not Spirit-filled works no miracles. Think about it: When the church holds a Bible study, concert, or picnic, many people show up. spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. For example, a young man may begin to have a burden for a particular foreign nation and its people. These refer to various kinds of ability ranging from physical/ mental expenditure (Genesis 31:6), sexual potency (Genesis 49:3), or Gods power (Exodus 9:16; 15:6). This may be the reason Paul spends more time on this area. (Believer's Bible Commentary). We can read the promises of God and be certain of Gods ability to fulfill those promises, even those of redemption, resurrection, andglorification. Kratos is exercised strength whereas ischus refers to great inherent strength. So that you will know what is the hope of His calling- The purpose was that might be supernaturally enabled to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that their calling (their salvation that had occurred in the past) gave them ahope sure not a hope so. This power is one of three aspects of the mighty salvation God won for believers in Christ: 1. the hope to which God has called them, It will be too depressing, we say to ourselves. (Dt 32:9+). For years, Ive been hearing Jesus could come at any time. Because God's resurrection power continues to work in us, it helps us (ED: MORE ACCURATELY IT ENABLES US! First, he raised Christ from the dead (v.20). So that Paul portrays the heart as having eyes to see and by seeing to gain knowledge. His emphasis is on spiritual perception and real Christian character. F B Meyer commenting on inheritance in 1Peter 1:4-notesees it asview #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! Then again, Nick has become his father, killing a man with no consequences, no guilty conscience either. ", Ischus - 251 uses in the Septuagint (LXX) - Ge4:12; 31:6; 49:3; Ex.9:16; 15:6, 13; 32:11, 18; Lev. The succession of ideas follows the order of conversion--first, "calling;" then acceptance to "inheritance;" lastly, "inward working of divine power" in the accepted. 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. 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. No, because hes after the treasure. I am in total agreement with you. The American Standard Version reads: the eyes of your heart, not mind. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition), Robert Gundry -The heart was considered an organ of knowing as well as of feeling. She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. But I do more than thank. (Click to read more about your inheritance in Spurgeon's Sermon A Wise Desire based on Ps 47:4). He called you to Himself and will hold you there, no matter what circumstances you face. 2 Kings Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. Now we are drowning in a sea of false religions and New Age philosophies. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. This power is active, dynamic, and compellingand it is mightily at work on your behalf. He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. Even though He has given humankind the freedom to make choices, His choices have already been made (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:1018). This is simply remarkable! When you buy a new gadget, it comes with an owners manual that tells you how to operate it. It grows even taller when he prays that we would know the glory of Gods inheritance in the saints. Warren Wiersbe (Be Rich [Victor Books], pp. How could they have more than what they had? This was true for the Ephesians, and it is true for us today. The " heart " is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, man's inward being. After addressing the role and example of Gods power inEphesians 1:114, Paul then informs the Ephesians that he gives thanks for them and their faith (verses 1516). In favor of this view is the context of Ephesians 1 (verses 3, 11, & 14). These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. There are seminary professors who can exegete the Greek text here, but these glorious truths do not thrill their hearts. O child of God, thy estate has been procured at the cost of blood and tears; but thou didst not buy it! God's power is sufficient for our every need. ESV and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. 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. It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). 2 Thessalonians 1:9 And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. Comment: The fact that Paul qualifies this "hope" as "one hope" emphasizes that there is the same ultimate, glorious reality for all of the church, whether Jew or Gentile! Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name (1 Chron. Be alert for attitudes or actions that need to be changed. Jesus was buried and remained in the tomb for three days (John 19:42). Such is the case in Matthew 13. 3:1421). 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. 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. Throughout Scripture, the word hope always refers to that which is coming, to that which is ahead. God never gives niggardly to His children but according to the (infinite) riches of His grace! In fact, the Greek word translated church in the New Testament means a called-out assembly. The call to salvation involves conforming us to the image of his Son. His election and call to salvation are part of an eternal plan for us that guarantees our inheritance in heaven: And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified (Romans 8:2930). 5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. The power behindChrists resurrectionis now working on our behalf. Revival and blessing come to the church when we stop looking at a picture of God and look at God Himself! There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. 21:23; Rev. The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. (See the Three Tenses of Salvation), Lehman Strauss- And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe (1:19). Precious things of the sun and of the moon, for God is light; of the ancient mountains of his faithfulness, and the everlasting hills of his truth; of the fountains and brooks of his love, that gush spontaneously forth to satisfy and enrich. Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey, Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians, Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition, Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ, The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian, Brown, Colin, Editor. What (5101) (tis) is singular in contrast to the next clause regarding "riches" which is introduced with "what are" which is plural. It is God who is at work in you, Paul assures us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. After all, what good is it to have wealth if you are too weak to use it? The work of the Lord languishes for lack of power. 1:10; Heb. The soul, as is written, The soul of man is the lamp of the Lord (Prov. Eyes (3788) (ophthalmos) is literally the organ of vision but in Paul's use is obviously figurative. These things are brought about by the power of God for the believer. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. So strong is the gravitation that holds us to earth, so dissipating our cares, so fickle our resolution, that nought but the Divine power and grace can lift us to the level of the Divine life. The inner man, the heart, has spiritual faculties that parallel the physical senses. God exercised this power in two ways. No amount of worldly noise or manmade programming will make up for the sad lack of the Holy Spirit's presence. "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. " 31:5; Ezek. 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. He gives them to us by the handfuls. The power of God we experience in our lives is the same power by which God raised Jesus Christ from death. It takes far more faith to encounter and endure the battles of the Christian life than it did to trust Christ and be born again. (Acts 26:18+), Robert Morgan illustrates the truth in this verse with the following story - Recently when my CD player died, I asked a friend to look at it. 1:3), you are less likely to succumb to temptation. (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. 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+. Remember that the first three chapters are doctrine but the last three are "duty," calling for a walk "in step" with the doctrinal truths. This is amazing grace indeed! This expectation of seeing Jesus, our "Blessed Hope" [see below] and being like Him is entertained equally by both Jewish and Gentile believers. The idea is to cause something to be fully known by revealing clearly and in some detail. Dr. Hammond thinks it was written about the year 58, and Dr. Lightfoot places it in 59, and the fifth year of Nero. Cold, with the coldness of death. 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). Hoehner adds that "According to Aristotle is actual power whereas is potential power. Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. In the first instance it means a lot. 119:18; John 3:3), hear (Mt. ESV having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Nothing can separate you from His love (Rom. The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. The fault is with themselves. Paul is praying for the Ephesians to be able to supernaturally grasp the truths in Ephesians 1:3-14 where we see that saints are (1) chosen (Eph 1:4+), (2) predestined (Eph 1:5+,, Eph 1:11+), (3) adopted as sons (Eph 1:5+), (4) accepted in the Beloved (Eph 1:6+- see article Accepted in the Beloved), (5) redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7+), (6) forgiven (Eph 1:7+), (7) sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ep 1:13+) and (8) given the earnest of our inheritance (Ep 1:14+). Here in Ephesians Paul first prays for God to grant them a true experiential knowledge (epignosis) of God (Eph 1:17) and then in Ephesians 1:18 appeals to God to illuminate their tender hearts, the very core of their being, with an intuitive, beyond a chance of doubt knowledge (eido) on three specific issues - hope, riches of His inheritance and power. 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. 1:9), God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. Knowing that you are saved because in eternity God purposed to save you and that His purpose is certain, will give you assurance you when youre struggling with doubt or failure. For there is a difference between ability (dunamin) and strength (ischuo). B. 5:10; 8:14; 14:4, 26; 15:6; 18:10; 27:24; 30:25; 31:25; Eccl. In other words, this is not just an intellectual ability to understand or teach these truths. Third is kratos (strength), which may also be translated dominion (1 Ti 6:16) or power (Heb. (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). We as His followers, can best imitate our Lord by learning to relinquish self reliance and instead relying on God's power which is manifest and effective through His Spirit in us, as we seek to continually be filled with Him (Eph 5:18+) and to walk by Him (Gal 5:16+). I finally see what youre telling me, Lord!" 1:19; Eph. Call or calling is used with reference to salvation in two senses. 1112)? Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! ", 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. Can you conceive this? Just before His ascension Jesus assured the disciples, You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you (Acts 1:8), an enduement every believer receives at the time he is saved. From her own people Rome raised an army, animated it with patriotism, and ordered it to fight. Ephesians 1:18-23The Message. But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). Job 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. On the other hand if I give you a million dollars, I have given to you "according to" or more in proportion to my riches. Amos Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! What a battle He had in us before we would be won! (John 13:7). Also of the angelic powers (Eph1:21; Ro8:38; 1 Pet3:22). It is active energy as opposed to potential energy..In the NT it occurs eight times and is used only by Paul, three times in Ephesians (1:19; 3:7; 4:16). THOUGHT - Why do we doubt God's power to deliver us out of our "little Red Sea" experiences? 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. When he began to share his wealth with others in great philanthropic endeavors, his health improved considerably and he lived to be an old man Gods power enables us to use Gods wealth. (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). The devil hopes you don't understand this. Nehemiah We live in a day when denominations, Churches, and religious organizations are running on man-made programs, social agendas, and orders handed down from denominational headquarters. But I do more than thank. (Meyer, F B: Our Daily Homily). 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! I have a heritage of joy, 4:7). BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Mighty strength in our inner being, "through His Spirit" (Ephesians 3:16-note). Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The power that EVERY believer in Christ has access to every day of their life until they see Jesus face to face! 11:2; John 14:2526; 16:1214). Ephesians 3:20+ Now to Him Who is able (dunamai) to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power (dunamis) that works (energeo- present tense - continually working) within us. This thought is too great to fully comprehend in this life! (1Pe 1:3-5-See notes 1 Peter 1:3; 1:4; 1:5), Comment: Our "living hope" guarantees our inheritance, our protection until the revelation of our the final aspect of our salvation - glorification - when Christ returns "in the last time", Hoehner explains the relation of hope and calling -The genitive that follows (, calling) could be a genitive of source, hope has its origin in his call or more likely a subjective genitive hope produced by his calling (cf. Hoehner introduces the last section of chapter 1 -Paul prayed that they might know God more intimately in order to comprehend three things. NET since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2007, All Rights Reserved. The average ministry is fueled by the flesh. Ephesians 1:18 I. Ephesians 1:18 The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language 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, Read more Share Copy Show footnotes Ephesians 1:18 The New International Version (NIV) But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. The Lord pursued His disobedient servant until Jonah submitted himself to the call. 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. Says a good divine, "It is one of the greatest glories of the Church of Christ, that our mighty Maker, and our Friend, always chooses our inheritance for us." Encourages my soul. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! 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. He has riches untold. The hope of your calling is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments. We need not pray for power to endure suffering. Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. In 1:18-19, he elaborates on what that means, namely, that God wants us to know three essentials about our salvation that will give us assurance about our high calling as Gods people. (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." To run an organization needs no God. Hence, the translation takes the participle to form a part of the basis for the prayer. Augustine therefore said truly, "Give what Thou commandest, and then command what Thou wilt.". But that one in our nature should be exalted to that seat of pre-eminence and power; that the Mediator between God and man should be the man Christ Jesus; that the hands which once were nailed to the cross should now hold the sceptre, and that the feet which once walked on Lake Gennesaret, which were weary and dust-soiled at Jacobs well, which were washed with a sinful womans tears and kissed in penitential grief and love with polluted lipsthat these very feet should now have all things put under them both in heaven and earth, there is the mystery. But prayer meetings often slip to the bottom of attendance records. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. 17 But I do more than thank. The shadows of secrecy or reserve on either side will blight a friendship in which all the conditions seem perfectly adjusted. get to know the Bible better! The difference that obtains between Christians is not one of grace, but of the use we make of grace. 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).
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