And what a blessing he is! But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. After all, what good is it to have wealth if you are too weak to use it? These three words describe it as energetic, inherent in God, and able to overcome resistance respectively. His faith that God will strengthen me 6:14; 16:5f, 9, 15, 17, 19, 30; Ruth 2:1; 1 Sam. The radical idea of ischus, might, is that of indwelling strength, especially as embodied: might which inheres in physical powers organized and working under individual direction, as an army: which appears in the resistance of physical organisms, as the earth, against which one dashes himself in vain: which dwells in persons or things, and gives them influence or value: which resides in laws or punishments to make them irresistible. 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. The end of which is, that those predestinated, redeemed, and adopted ones, should be to the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:12, and who are described as such, who first trusted in Christ upon hearing the Gospel; and after they had believed in him, were sealed by the Holy Spirit, said to be the Spirit of promise, Eph 1:13, and who is also spoken of as the earnest and pledge of the saints' inheritance, and who will continue so until all the people of God are redeemed from the grave in the resurrection morn, which will also issue in the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:14, and now on account of all these blessings of predestination, adoption, redemption, calling, and the sealing of the Spirit; as also, because of their faith in Christ, and love to the saints, these believers were possessed of, the apostle gave thanks, and continued to give thanks to God in his prayers to him, Eph 1:15,16. The perfect tense speaks of an enlightenment that has occurred at a point in time and which persists. The prophet Jeremiah proclaims that knowledge of God is more valuable than anything else. 1 Chronicles If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." His emphasis is on spiritual perception and real Christian character. 18:1; Rev. Jesus was not teaching us that a little faith could accomplish great things. Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. 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. Out of nothing, nothing comes, is the usual rule. How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. 2 Peter There is nothing too difficult for him. It is energetic power, energy put forth or energy put in operation. But, Paul adds, the surpassing greatness of His power, and then goes on to say (1:19b-21) that this power is in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Wow! And all the crops of golden grain, all the fruits of Christian grace, are Thine from us, because Thou hast by thy blood and tears, by the sunshine of thy love, and the rain of thy grace, enriched natures which in themselves were arid as the desert and barren as the sand. Thus chosen, purchased, and subdued, the rights of our divine possessor are inalienable: we rejoice that we never can be our own; and we desire, day by day, to do his will, and to show forth his glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (1Th 2:10-11) so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God Who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. The salutation is in Eph 1:2, which is common to all his epistles: and in Eph 1:3, is the thanksgiving to God, as the God and Father of Christ, for spiritual blessings in Christ in general; and then he proceeds to particulars, and begins with election, which is represented as an act of God the Father, as of particular persons, as done in Christ, and from the foundation of the world, the end of which is perfect holiness and love, Eph 1:4, and which is further illustrated under the name of predestination; the blessing which that is an appointment to, is the adoption of children; the moving cause of it, is the good pleasure of the divine will; the instrumental cause, or means, is Christ Jesus; the end with God is for himself, Eph 1:5, and which, in the next verse, is explained of the glory of his grace; to which grace, acceptance with him in Christ is owing; and which is another spiritual blessing, or a branch of election and predestination, Eph 1:6. The American Standard Version reads: the eyes of your heart, not mind. 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. Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. ), "What I do you do not realize (eido- know beyond a shadow of a doubt) now, but you shall understand (ginosko- understand by your experience) hereafter. Encourages my soul. (Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary), MacDonald - We have seen that the source of spiritual illumination is God; the channel is the Holy Spirit; and the supreme subject is the full knowledge of God. Acts 16:14+ A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened (dianoigo) her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. This same power resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us. The present glories of the ascended Christ are glories possessed by a Man, and, that being so, they are available as evidences and measures of the power which works in believing souls. Ephesians 1:18-19 The Message 15-19 That's 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 couldn't stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. Amen. Help me tounderstand the confident hope I have in Christ Jesus my Lord. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). Nahum Samuel Chadwick writes: "The Church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure. Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to 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. ', 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. 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. Thus, His possession is located in the saints. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. Bruce adds (p. 271), Paul prays here that his readers may appreciate the value which God places on them, his plan to accomplish his eternal purpose through them as the first fruits of the reconciled universe of the future, in order that their lives may be in keeping with this high calling and that they may accept in grateful humility the grace and glory thus lavished on them., Our future is that throughout eternity we will actually share in Christs glory! (The Reciprocal Inheritance). 2:9f; 28:20, 22; 30:4; 2 Sam. It is a source of strength and stability amid the trials of life (1 Peter 3:1415). Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! By using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy. Paul wrote (Phil. God glories in his saints. | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? - Now, I want to ask you a question: Are you sitting in this auditorium, this morning, or are you sitting in heavenly places? I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, Hosea He will occupy and keep thee. But I do more than thank. To give light to, to illuminate. 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 . So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. 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. There are too many Christians trying to do the work of God without first being filled with God. But heaven seems so far away, you say. 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. Do we not remember that glorious hour when He carried our hearts by storm? In other words, if we now have come to believe in Christ, we can know that it took nothing less than Gods mighty power to bring us to that point. John He will put into thee the grace that thou shalt give back to Him in fruit. 13-14) writes, When she was young, Victoria was shielded from the fact that she would be the next ruling monarch of England lest this knowledge spoil her. (2Pe 2:11+). He is able! This is the curse of Christian living. But as far as our inheritance of God's grace is concerned, there are no preferences, no step-children's portions, no arbitrary distinctions. Paul does not pray, Lord, give them power. He prays, Lord, help their spiritual eyes see, and appropriate the power they already have resident within. The incomprehensible, dynamic power of the resurrected Christ is already in us. 1:19). Eph 1:21+ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. That fadeth not away! 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). 119:18) or other spiritual realities (2 Kings 6:17). It shows that the believers are valuable to God because he purchased them in order to inherit them. She contacts a Christian organization that operates orphanages in Europe and learns they have an opening for a worker. (6000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths). I cannot understand how this can be, but I know that God has an inheritance even in me. 25:15): virtue (Mk 5:30): power (Lk24:29; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. Col 1:28) also I labor, striving according to His power (dunamis), which mightily works (energeo- present tense - continually works) within me. Living on the inside (You set us free) No sooner has the emigrant reached his estate, than he commences to prospect it. Joel (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), Kenneth Wuest says that dunamis "power in the sense of that which overcomes resistance or effects a change" (In Mark 5:30 literal Greek = Jesus, perceiving in Himself the out from Him power going out) It was some of (Jesus') supernatural power which He felt leaving Him in the accomplishing of the miraculous cure". 6:5 = in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;; Eph. of each person. He implants Biblical truth into your thinking so that your responses become more and more like Christs. For example, a young nursery worker may read about babies languishing in Romanian orphanages. Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. us with every (how many?) Start for FREE. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 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 Christians, 4:7). Leviticus In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). Dunamis is rather ability, faculty: not necessarily manifest, as ischus: power residing in one by nature. Some commentators see His inheritance as a reference to believers, who are Gods inheritance or special possession (Eph 1:14). We have an inheritance in him, and he has an inheritance in us. Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 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. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. 10:16; 51:19; etc.). 2 Chronicles 31:14. Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! ", etc (See 5W/H questions). 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. All members of the true church are called to the one destiny of being taken out of this world, being like Christ [1John 3:2], and sharing His glory forever. They became thine in the Council chamber of eternity, when the Father gave Himself to thee in Jesus. In favor of this view is the context of Ephesians 1 (verses 3, 11, & 14). Peering around, he studied Rader. 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. 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. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament), Glenn Spencer on believe - This is a condition for the victorious life. 2 John His power delivered over 6 million people save through the Red Sea, while at the same time destroying the entire army of Egypt, the greatest army in the world at that time! Zondervan, Click to read more about your inheritance in Spurgeon's Sermon A Wise Desire, A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word, Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith, Risen: 50 Reasons Why the Resurrection Changed Everything, Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings, Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. 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. We have been called by grace, to glory. Ephesians 1:19 is a power packed passage with 4 Greek synonyms for power that give a great glimpse of the God's manifold power, especially His resurrection power (cf Ro 1:4+). (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), John MacArthur - MAINTAINING A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE. Is it not in the resurrection of those who were dead in trespasses and sins from their spiritual stupor and separation from God, releasing them from the shackles of sin and subservience to Satan and setting them free in Christ? The practical application of this is that your salvation does not rest on your choosing Christ, but rather on His choosing you. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name (1 Chron. He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. Our faith must grow. Paul accomplished his work for the Lord through the strength the Lord supplied, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me (Col. 1:29). Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. 119:18; John 3:3), hear (Mt. The first dealt with the past, where the hope was produced by the calling of his people to himself. It is reserved in heaven for you. And what is - And is a connective, which signifies that a word or part of a sentence is to be added to what precedes. Revival comes when, no longer satisfied to know about a God in history, we meet the conditions of finding Him in living, personal experience. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. Hoehner introduces the last section of chapter 1 -Paul prayed that they might know God more intimately in order to comprehend three things. Paul describes people who do not know Christ (Eph. Thus ability (Mt. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? I have total trust in You. When her teacher finally did let her discover for herself that she would one day be Queen of England, Victorias response was, Then I will be good! Her life would be controlled by her position. Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:18. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power (dunamis) will be of God and not from ourselves; 2 Corinthians 12:9+ And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power (dunamai) is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power (dunamai) of Christ may dwell in me. I cant handle hearing all of the heartbreaking prayer requests for sick children, terminally ill relatives, and church members in financial turmoil.. Do we really believe this is true? On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; 36.2; 59.3). This may be the reason Paul spends more time on this area. The first phrase of verse 18 is literally, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened. I understand it to be explaining in more specific detail Pauls words in verse 17, that God would give us a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the true knowledge of Him. To know these spiritual truths, God must open our eyes. There's more than enough power to break the hold of all sinful habits; more than enough to give deliverance from temptation; more than enough to enable the believer to live above circumstances. (Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing CompanyVolume 1,Volume 2,Volume 3- usedby permission), William Barclay says that dunamis "is the word from which dynamite comes. But we must see to it that we keep nothing back. 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. Hannibal invaded Italy in the second of three Punic Wars that determined the fate of Rome and Carthage. 8.247; Justin Martyr, Apology 1.61.12; Dial 39.2; 122.1; cf. of 1:18; Eph. In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. But even though he has reached it, several years must pass before he can understand its value, or compel it to minister, with all its products, to his need. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. It sounds idealistic. The Greek tense is aorist imperative which speaks in context of a request in the form of a command and speaks of urgency and need) my eyes, that I may behold (careful, sustained, and favorable contemplation - LXX translates with katanoeo from kata = down + noeo is literally to the the mind down on and speaks of giving very careful consideration to some matter, think about very carefully, consider closely. Thats too tedious, and besides, we think that were smart enough to figure this out without reading the directions. Amen. As Paul shows (Rom. What did Paul ask? Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! Numbers . I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 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. As we step into the lifts which are attached to so many factories and offices, and expect them to bear us upward, never doubting for a moment that they will do it if only we keep in the line of their ascent; so, if we would keep in abiding fellowship with the Holy Spirit--i.e., if we would not wilfully step out of the range of his blessed help--we should find ourselves mounting with wings as eagles, and going from strength to strength. In the NT the idea of chance attaching to the lot is eliminated for all believers we inherit all spiritual blessings in Christ. And yet what food for faith. He has just prayed that God would give to them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. 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. 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) You called me from the grave by name (ED: AKA AS NOT "ABIDING IN CHRIST!" This seemed to me very extraordinary. With all these avenues confirming her decision, she feels confident moving forward into the call of God for her life. When we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. 19:8; 2 Ki. What we can get from God rather than what we can be to God is our continued concern. In all those ways the Holy Spirit empowers Gods children. Just as the Jews were formerly Gods chosen inheritance, now His inheritance is in the saints, the church, made up of Jewish and Gentile believers on equal footing. John Calvin helpfully explained why Paul throws in just about every word that he can to describe Gods power towards us who believe. View (1) is probably the more valid interpretation although both views are taught in Scripture and the Greek text does allow for both interpretations. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? The way to combat these forces is to stand in Gods mighty power (v.10)that is, resurrection power. 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. They will give us the hope and eternal perspective that we need to endure trials. I make the best my goal; Esther 1 Kings The same divine power that created, sustains, and controls the universe secures your salvation. Harold Hoehner -In Eph 1:14 Paul wrote that the Christians inheritance is their final redemption from the presence of sin. (1Cor 6:19, 20+). Conversely, revival cannot come if we are far removed from God. 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. It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. 14:13, 17; 24:18; Deut. Prior to start Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download, ensure the availability of the below listed system specifications. But not content with this, in the following year he pushes his fences back further into the depth of prairie or forest, and again renews his efforts to compel the land to yield him her secret stores. Ye may know what is the hope of his calling. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened- Physical eyes (or ears) cannot see (hear) these deeper truths. 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 . Rab. Read the Bible, discover plans, and seek God every day. From the grave of mortality to the throne of the eternal God, who only has immortality; from the darkness of the tomb to the insufferable light; from this small world to the centre and metropolis of the universe. 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). Even though He has given humankind the freedom to make choices, His choices have already been made (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:1018). It does not correspond to experience, and so you instinctively feel like this sermon is going to be like a piece of fiction.
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