What did Paul ask? Our dear Father "has blessed (past tense - it is a completed act!) Dunamis does not refer to explosive power, as if the gospel will blow men to bits but as discussed above, it refers to intrinsic power. Bend the whole energy of your powers to realize your election as a child of God; rise to the occasion every time. 6:16; Heb. 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. Christians are not like the Gentiles who have no hope (Eph 2:12+), but are those who have hope or firm assurance (cf "full assurance of hope" Heb 6:11) that God will do good to us in the future because Christ has purchased salvation for us on the Cross in the past (see notes below on Ro 5:1-2), sanctifies them through His Spirit in the present (Gal 5:16-25-note), and will lead them to glory in the future (Col 1:27+; 1Jn 3:2,3+ ). What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Kleronomia compounded from kleros and nemo, allot, is first the activity of dividing by lot, then the portion so divided, the inheritance. But wholly lean on Jesus name. By it He speaks to the soul, grants saving faith, and ushers elect sinners into salvation (John 6:3744, 65; Acts 2:39). 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. Psalms Maybe we need to go back and read the manual! 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. It is a great truth that God does choose the inheritance for his people. The difference that obtains between Christians is not one of grace, but of the use we make of grace. (ESV Study Bible), Spurgeon - "See how high Christ is raised! 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. Here in verse 18 he wrote about Gods inheritance, the saints themselves! You have given us freedom, my chains are gone When He is seated at the right hand of God, so are we, in Christ. Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in Eph 1:1-2 (ED: THOSE WHO BELIEVE). (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). Acts Why? 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!. He said, "It's not like you to be shy." (Click to read more about your inheritance in Spurgeon's Sermon A Wise Desire based on Ps 47:4). Is she supposed to do something about this? Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to His power. Meditate on the truths in Ephesians Chapter One. He makes a circuit of its bounds; he ascends its loftiest hills; he crosses and recrosses it, that he may know all that has come into his ownership. Jesus, You have given us freedom 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. I never heard such a sermon in all my lifeEphesians 1:18. It is grace that supplies the wealth, but it is faith that lays hold of the wealth (cp 2Cor 5:7-note). God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. The "heart" in Scripture speaks of the very center and core of one's life, the seat of thoughts and moral judgments. In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul let his "students" know that he prayed for them constantly. A day is as a thousand years. It comes only through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. I knew his hand was bigger than mine." It is used in doxologies to extol the power or dominion of God (1 Pet 5:11; Jude 25; Rev 5:13) and of Christ (1 Tim 6:16; 1 Pet 4:11; Rev 1:6; 5:13), which has victory over all contrary powers. In favor of this view is the context of Ephesians 1 (verses 3, 11, & 14). Revival and blessing come to the church when we stop looking at a picture of God and look at God Himself! Daniel Knowing these truths in a deeper, more intuitive way, you will be empowered by His Spirit to stand firm on Who He is and how faithful He will be to all of His promises towards you. Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. Second is energeia (working), the energizing force of the Spirit that empowers believers to live for the Lord. Paul wrote (Phil. But the effectual call is the lightning bolt that connects. That we might look beyond appearances, to see the church as God doesa people transformed to display His glory, unspeakably precious to Him (Ep 1:18). If anyone should instill hope and bring out the best in others, it should be the Christian. 1:19). 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. . 22:14). And so they liken them to fruit and branch and root; but we need simply say that the gathering together of words so nearly co-extensive in their meaning is witness to the effort to condense the infinite within the bounds of human tongue, to speak the unspeakable; and that these reiterated expressions, like the blows of the billows that succeed one another on the beach, are hints of the force of the infinite ocean that lies behind 'According to the working of the strength of the might which He wrought in Christ' - the Resurrection, the Ascension, the session at the right hand of God, the rule over all creatures, and the exaltation above all things on earth or in the heavens - these are the facts which the Apostle brings before us as the pattern-works, the chefs-d'oeuvre of the power that is operating in all Christians. The giant trees are cut down; and their roots burnt out, or extracted by a team of horses. But there is a second reason why we need Gods power. (Titus 2:11-14-See notes Titus 2:11; 2:12; 2:13; 2:14). But heaven seems so far away, you say. - Now, I want to ask you a question: Are you sitting in this auditorium, this morning, or are you sitting in heavenly places? Usually ischus denotes power, might, strength, ability. Ancient understanding is often linked to other kinds of power or authority (e.g., dunamis, exousia; cf. There are seminary professors who can exegete the Greek text here, but these glorious truths do not thrill their hearts. She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. (Jon Courson's Application Commentary). Do you hunger and thirst for God as a deer does for the water brooks? The power of Christ applied in the believers behalf can't be defeated because the Creator's power exceeds that of the evil created beings, Satan and his minions. To run an organization needs no God. 4:11; 1 Pet. Its in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. And many a life that might grow rich in its heritage of God is dwindled and marred, because it sets a limitation on God's heritage of itself. It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. Why is it important to know what is the hope of His calling? 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. Also, the parallel passage (Col. 1:12) refers to our sharing in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Other Scriptures also refer to the inheritance that is stored up for those who are Gods children through faith in Christ (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Heb. Paul wants to encourage us as we realize that our salvation is evidence of Gods surpassingly great power at work in us. Prior to start Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download, ensure the availability of the below listed system specifications. Beloved Christian, think not of what you can get from God but, rather, think of what you mean to God. One might think of ischus as God's latent power. The four words are dunamis, energeia, ischus and kratos. All believers have been called by grace, out of darkness into His glorious light. 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). Energeia isused only of supernatural power in the NT. J C Philpot -It is no great mystery that the Son of God should be exalted to the throne of power. 4:7). But I do more than thank. ", etc (See 5W/H questions). (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! The Word of God is scarcely preached while rock music and religious performers entertain worldly pagans. Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Romans 5:4,5 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: . Then again, Nick has become his father, killing a man with no consequences, no guilty conscience either. Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Believe or not! (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary). Literally this verse reads, The eyes of your heart being enlightened. We think of the heart as the emotional part of man, but in the Bible, the heart means the inner man, and includes the emotions, the mind, and the will. He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. 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 . Ephesians 1:18-23The Message. 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. (cf Ps 42:1, Mt 5:6+, 1Pe 2:2+). In the first instance it means a lot. | GotQuestions.org, Is there power in the name of Jesus? 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. Let that motivate you to praise your rich and glorious God for His rich and glorious inheritance! 1:3; 2:1; 3:9; Hab. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Here is the reason why God is so little to us. He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about his title there can be no dispute. After Jonah was back on dry land, the word of the Lord came to him again with the same call, giving him another chance to obey. 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?") 1 Peter 3:9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 2 Thessalonians 2:16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace. Know (1492) (eido, oida - eido is used only in the perfect tense = oida) means in general to know by perception. They are also his by conquest. 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. That ye may know what is the hope of His calling Eph. The eyes of our hearts refers to our total inner person, which includes the intellect, the emotions, and the will. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. Live today in anticipation of Christs imminent return. God demands that we obstinately oppose Satan, as those Romans untiringly harried Hannibal. Paul piles on words for power to make his point. 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. He cannot give more; He will not give less than Himself. CSB and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. So that (1519) (eis) conveys the primary idea of motion into any place or thing figuratively as here speaks of the purpose for the Ephesian saints having been enlightened. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. Amos 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! Ephesians 1:1920is not stating that believers have received the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. 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!) Paul does not want these believers to be like Chief Crowfoot. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. (Eph 4:1+). 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 refers to the inherent strength which displays itself in the rule over others. Peering around, he studied Rader. Seated with Him. The gnawing tooth of decay cannot injure it. This day is as a thousand years because in your day of difficulty and dilemma, pressure and pain, sadness and sorrow, you have the unique opportunity to share the fellowship of the Lords suffering and to pray for others in a way you never would have been able to otherwise. 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. But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. Romans Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. . The American Standard Version reads: the eyes of your heart, not mind. John D. Rockefeller was the worlds first billionaire. 1:11; 3:4; Zech. It is in our personal lives. (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission), It is difficult to give a clear distinction between the 3 Greek words that expand on the meaning of "the surpassing greatness of His power (dunamis)", but in simple terms it pictures the piling up of similar terms in an attempt to convey the magnitude and capability of God's incomprehensible, infinite power. 18:23, 24.; 32:18, 19.; Josh 17:4; cf. Pauls request for them to know God was within proper bounds because their hearts had been enlightened (the Greek perfect tense indicates past action with continuing results), as discussed in verses 314, especially Eph 1:79 (previous note from Hoehner's discussion in Bible Knowledge Commentary) (Ed Note: Hoehner goes into greater detail regarding six ways this passage could be taken in hisEphesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Lehman Strauss-The prayer continues: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened (1:18). 17 But I do more than thank. 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. For example, Deuteronomy 32:9 says, For the Lords portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. Psalm 33:12 proclaims, Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. (See, also, Deut. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (NASB: Lockman), Greek: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA) kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou. Philippians All rights reserved. The verb belonging to this is kleroo, to draw lots, apportion by lot (only in Eph 1:11-note, Heb 1:4-note). There is a superabundance of machinery; what is wanting is power. Not a stain on its pure robes; not a freckle on its leaves; not a taint of miasma on its atmosphere. Ephesians 1:18-23 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. 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). When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. (1Pe 1:5-note) The idea is that we are being brought through an enemys country under a strong escortas (escort = a person or group of persons accompanying another to give protection ) the women and children from Lucknow, between the double line of English soldiers, till they were safe from the onset of the Sepoys. (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. we must have the power of God. The Christian Church is precious to God. God exercised this power in two ways. Where do we find the power to overcome anger, resist greed, offer forgiveness, or pursue sexual purity? 7:24; 19:11f, 14; 24:21, 25; 26:11; 27:12; 30:6, 15, 18, 21; 31:18; 32:12, 16, 18, 20, 26, 29ff; 33:28; 34:27; Dan. The soul, as is written, The soul of man is the lamp of the Lord (Prov.