When this heaven and earth shall have passed away and a new heaven and earth shall have come, God's child, the redeemed sinner made a saint in Christ, shall abide forever. (Eph 4:1+). 14:13, 17; 24:18; Deut. Too many people are trusting Christ for the power to save their souls and not trusting Him for the power to live day by day. a patrimony or a possession. Maybe youre saying, Is that ever true! 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. 2:20). Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. The God of Glory 3-6 How blessed is God! Do you have the power of God in your life? In this passage energeia describes the active, energetic, productive power of the Spirit of God at work. Your prayer will likely be a welcome reminder to others. 1:18). In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. It speaks of a clarity of mind or understanding by which one is able to see things intelligibly and clearly and proceed accordingly. It is utterly impossible to put the fullness of divine reality in human language, to compress the infinite into what is finite. May God not find the whine in us any more, but may He find us full of spiritual pluck and athleticism, ready to face anything He brings. Both views are theologically sound, but the second seems more consistent with Pauls emphasis in Eph 1:11 and Eph 1:14. Josephus, Antiquities 11.3.4). Paul always uses the word call to refer to this effectual call of God that actually saves the one called (Charles Hodge, Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians [Eerdmans], p. 75). 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! It is your hope of final glorification and of sharing Gods glory when Christ returns (Col. 3:4). It is Christs coming to take His own to be with Himself. 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. Nevertheless, in this verse Paul is referring to the subjective hope. For we saw (eido) His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." He also helped found Fuller Seminary in 1947 and worked ceaselessly for Christ until his death in 1968. True enlightenment continues to elude many because they have denied its source and have turned to gurus and teachers who have no light to give. God is the Master Engineer, He allows the difficulties to come in order to see if you can vault over them properlyBy my God have I leaped over a wall. God will never shield you from any of the requirements of a son or daughter of His. 2:89), and we live by grace, through faith (1Cor. He speaks of the 'love of Christ which passeth knowledge,' and of God being 'able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.' 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. The gold and the silver and all the universes are His. Scripture speaks of two kinds of callings: the gospel or general call, and the effectual or specific call. In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). Samuel Chadwick writes: "The Church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure. Zephaniah But with God this shall never be. It sounds like religious hype. To run an organization needs no God. Click for additional discussion on some of the aspects of the hope of this calling. It is simply providing hope and certainty for the believer, who has assurance because of the power that raised Jesus from the dead. 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." Song of Solomon In following the call of God, we must be sure to obey His instructions in Scripture. (1Cor 6:19, 20+). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! get to know the Bible better! It is a powerful work, past, present, and future: Gods power was evident in their conversion, Gods power is evident in their endurance, and Gods power will be evident in their resurrection. Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to His power. He implants Biblical truth into your thinking so that your responses become more and more like Christs. Lots were drawn to discover the will of the gods. I submit that this argues strongly against so-called evolution in the first creation, as it was certainly not necessary in the second (new birth) creation. Ephesians 1:18 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org The inability to see and understand spiritual things is not the fault of the intelligence but of the heart. Too many Christians are going hither and yon looking for more blessings, more secrets of how to live a victorious Christian life, etc. Perhaps it is because many of us assume in advance how the meeting will go. 1 Kings 20:27) (Deut. (Meyer, F B: Our Daily Homily). | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? get to know the Bible better! 6:5; 22:18; 24:2, 4; 1 Ki. Acts Thats why Paul prayed that God Himself would enlighten the hearts of the Ephesian believers (Eph. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular. This thought is too great to fully comprehend in this life! (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! All rights reserved), The treasures of earth are not mine, This earnest prayer reveals the infinite importance of knowledge as a foundation for walking worthy in this Christian life. He cannot give more; He will not give less than Himself. In other words, believers cannot do with this power what they choose, but its use must conform to the direction given by Christ, the head of the Church. 391-422) argues at length that Paul is referring here to the power of God in raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life when He saved us. 3:9 = "and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery"; 2 Tim. (cf Ps 42:1, Mt 5:6+, 1Pe 2:2+). Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. 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+). 15-19Thats why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldnt stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, Id think of you and give thanks. Hannibal invaded Italy in the second of three Punic Wars that determined the fate of Rome and Carthage. Aristotle (Rhet., i., 5) says strength (ischus)is the power of moving another as one wills; and that other is to be moved either by drawing or pushing or carrying or pressing or compressing; so that the strong (ho ischuros) is strong for all or for some of these things.. 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. Where do we find the power to overcome anger, resist greed, offer forgiveness, or pursue sexual purity? Paul is praying for the Ephesians understanding of Gods work on their behalf. Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. I suppose its all right to pray for that addition to a new Sunday School wing. I askask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of gloryto make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 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, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust himendless energy, boundless strength! (Eph 1:18ESV) Notice how this rendering places the emphasis on God as the One Who "inherits"! The prayer moves from God and Christ (Eph 1:17, 20-21) to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17-19) and the church (Eph 1:22-23). 2:14; 1 Pet. (The Reciprocal Inheritance). "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." Just as His calling (Eph 1:18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him. THOUGHT - God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory! Also the verb ischuooIt is good for nothing (Mt. 36)? 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! Paul Rader, former wrestler and boxer, became one of the most powerful evangelists of the early 20th century. They don't deliver the life-transforming power they promise. THOUGHT - Is my life a living epistle, a vibrant testimony to God's supernatural power? 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. QUESTION -What does it mean to be called by God? He gives the worldling husks; but he stops to find out the sweet fruits for his people. Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. 18:1; 22:15; 29:4, 11; 31:10; 33:16; 38:10; 39:10; 61:2; 65:6; 71:9; 78:61; 102:23; 103:20; 111:6; 118:14; 147:5; Prov. Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! I was just waiting on him. All rights reserved. 5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. 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. Consequently, they are constantly striving for material things and are continually chasing carnal pursuits. Lord, help me to influence prayer time at my church so that it is a healthy representation of the full Christian life, from supplication to praise. (Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings). The better we truly know the "hope of His calling", 31:3; Ezek. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the security of your salvation. 4:4, 6). These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles on the words in an attempt to describe the indescribably surpassing great power that is now available to every saint. of Thats amazing. Some are called to the political arena or to end human trafficking. The American Standard Version reads: "the eyes of your heart," not mind. Generally, then, it may be said that while both words include the idea of manifestation or of power in action, ischus emphasizes the outward, physical manifestations, and dunamis the inward, spiritual or moral virtue. Out of nothing, nothing comes, is the usual rule. From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) 3:20). That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:1820). Acts 26:18+ to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.. It is power to overcome what stands in the way. (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). 29:1113). Paul previously prays that the Ephesians would understand the hope, or certainty, of their calling and future inheritance (Ephesians 1:18). (Bible Knowledge Background Commentary). This time, Jonah did. 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. Jesus, You have given us freedom Amos When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others. 8:3839)! In His devotional on Dt 32:9 Spurgeon asks "How are they his? (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. Well, if you're in Christ, and Christ is at the right hand of God, where are you? In sum, for believerseido/oida suggests Spirit given fullness of knowledge, absolute knowledge (that which is without a doubt), rather than a progress in knowledge (cp ginosko) a distinction illustrated in the following passages. I make the best my goal; No. Wealthybut miserable! Although dynamite is derived from this word, there is no suggestion here or anywhere in the Bible that Gods power is instantaneous or explosive. Hope in the present context is not the objective hope, that hope which is laid up for the believer (Col 1:5; Rom 8:24) but the subjective hope of all believers. Here are the other two uses in Ephesians. This was true for the Ephesians, and it is true for us today. of each person. THOUGHT -Is your heart tender to the Word of God? The, the definite article. Either way you interpret this phrase, whether we are heirs to a vast fortune in heaven or whether we are Gods special inheritance (both are true), the application is the same. (Ephesians Commentary). This is the power of God that is available to believers. Observe, Those who have their eyes opened, and have some understanding in the things of God, have need to be more and more enlightened, and to . 4:6; 14:14, Gilbrant on ischus in classical Greek and the Septuagint -Classical Greek - Ischus is common in the most ancient Greek writings, but gradually it diminished in usage (see Moulton-Milligan for the few citations). But heaven seems so far away, you say. Here in verse 18 he wrote about Gods inheritance, the saints themselves! Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Kratos is exercised strength whereas ischus refers to great inherent strength. 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! 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. 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. The Message (MSG). 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 devil hopes you don't understand this. Augustine therefore said truly, "Give what Thou commandest, and then command what Thou wilt.". 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). we must have the power of God. She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, We have His "seal" on us, and more accurately within us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. Huperballo is used only 5x in the NT but 3 are in Ephesians. "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. That is, probably, "the thing hoped for," because promised, at our calling (as in Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:5; Titus 2:3; Hebrews 6:18; and perhaps 1Timothy 1:1), for the other objects of knowledge with which it is here joined are certainly objective or external to ourselves. Reaffirm your love for Him, and express your willingness to be changed by His Spirit in any way He sees fit. For Further Study: Read 1 Chronicles 29:1113. Yes, there are dark spiritual powers at work behind the problems Paul discusses in Ephesiansanger, stealing, bitterness, slander, sexual immorality, greed, deception, and so on. John Calvin helpfully explained why Paul throws in just about every word that he can to describe Gods power towards us who believe. Rab. 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). How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Lamentations In my opinion, you cant separate the two, because when your eyes are enlightened to know objectively all that God has promised to give you in Christ, it fills you with hope subjectively in your heart. 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). Now they needed to understand the hope of that calling so that they would then walk worthy of that calling. Colossians 1:5; 23 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel (1:23) if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. That there are diversities of gift is manifest; and there always will be a vast difference between those who have five talents and those who have two, in the amount of work done for the kingdom of God. Haggai . Isaiah 31:5; Ezek. 1 Samuel ), "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. But glance first at Ephesians 1:17-18. 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.' It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. This sense comes out clearly in the New Testament in the use of the word and of its cognates. In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul provided a wonderful starting point. When He died, we died. Many Old Testament texts speak of Israel as Gods chosen portion or inheritance. In accordance (2596) (kata) not out of but according to. Seated with Him. 11:22]). The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! It is His capability to function effectively. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened By the Spirit of God already, to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin; the insufficiency of their own righteousness; the beauty, glory, fulness, and suitableness of Christ, as a Saviour; the excellency, truth, and usefulness of the doctrines of the Gospel; in which their understandings were before dark, but now had light into them: wherefore these words are not to be considered as part of the apostle's petitions, but rather as what was taken for granted by him; and are to be put into a parenthesis, and the following words to be joined in connection with the preceding verse; unless it should be thought, that the apostle prays for greater illuminations, and for more spiritual light, and that the eyes of their understandings might be more and more enlightened; the phrase, (lkvh Nye) , (omma thv dianoiav) , "the eye of the understanding", is Rabbinical, and often to be met with in Jewish writings F6; the Alexandrian copy, and several others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "the eyes of your heart"; and to, (twbblh ynye) , "the eyes of the hearts, or minds", is a phrase used by the Jewish writers F7: that ye may know what is the hope of his calling; by which is meant, the effectual calling of the saints; which is not a call to an office, or a call merely by the external ministry of the word; but which is internal, special, powerful, high, and heavenly: and this is the calling of God, of which he is the author; who calls with an holy calling, unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus; and which is without repentance: and the hope of this calling, is either eternal happiness, which is the thing hoped for; or Christ, who is the ground and foundation of it; or the grace of hope, which is exercised on both; or all three: for hope of eternal glory, as it is founded on Christ, may be said to be the hope of the calling of God, because it is wrought in the soul at the time of the effectual calling, and what saints are then called to the exercise of; and calling grace, is an encouragement to hope for eternal life; since whom God calls, he justifies and glorifies: and now the apostle prays, that these saints who were called by the grace of God, might know more of Christ, the foundation of their hope; and what that is they are hoping for, and more and more what it is to hope for the same, upon the view of Christ's person, blood, and righteousness: and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; the saints themselves are the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance, in whom he is, and will be abundantly glorified; but here it rather seems to design the heavenly inheritance before spoken of, of which the Spirit is the earnest; and this is the Lord's, it is of his preparing, and it is his gift, and a very rich and glorious inheritance it is: hence it is not only signified by mansions, and everlasting habitations, by an house, and by a city, but by a kingdom; the riches of grace are preparatory to it, and the riches of glory are comprised in it; and this is in, or among the saints, who only have a right unto it, and a meetness for it; and what this inheritance is, with the riches and glory of it, will not be fully known in this life; and indeed but little of it is known; so that such a petition as this is always proper and pertinent.
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