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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). This is what Jesus meant when He said of the people: They seeing see not, and hearing they hear not (Mt 13:13). the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. 1 Kings (see Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary), Old fashioned Holy Ghost power is the need of the day. It sounds vague and theoretical. One might think of ischus as God's latent power. 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. CD players dont have needles, he said, laughing. He will occupy and keep thee. Third is kratos (strength), which may also be translated dominion (1 Ti 6:16) or power (Heb. Sublimal Messages Don't Work - Americans spend $50 million a year on subliminal message tapes designed to help them do everything from improve their self-image to stop smoking. 28:19; Acts 17:3031). The inner man, the heart, has spiritual faculties that parallel the physical senses. We are called by God to salvation. 4:18 = hardness of heart; Eph. 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. And this is God's message to thee, O Christian soul! Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? This was even Paul's desire expressed so powerfully in Philippians writing that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Php 3:10+). Meditate on the truths in Ephesians Chapter One. Give all thou hast to God. 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. He returned home and wrote his wife, who was away: There has come a complete change into my life. Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. 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. 3:20). That men might know the measure of Gods power. Hell help us, all Heaven will break loose." ", Ischus - 251 uses in the Septuagint (LXX) - Ge4:12; 31:6; 49:3; Ex.9:16; 15:6, 13; 32:11, 18; Lev. 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. From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. J C Philpot -It is no great mystery that the Son of God should be exalted to the throne of power. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Second is energeia (working), the energizing force of the Spirit that empowers believers to live for the Lord. Eph 3:20+ Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (speaking of the power of the Spirit that continually energizes us - see Php 2:13+, cp the prayer in Eph 3:16+!). It is from from which we get theocracy, the rule of God; autocracy, absolute rule; democracy, the rule of the people; and plutocracy, the rule of the wealthy. [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? Arriving at the church the next day, he found a seat behind a large pillar. But there are many good reasons to interpret the text this way. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. BGT . 1:911; Col. 1:912), we discover the blessings he wanted his converts to enjoy. Working (1753) (energeia from en = in + rgon = work, English = energy) describes effectual working, efficiency or active, effective power. All of which is a parable. What was Davids response to Gods power (v. 13)? It seems to be parenthetical, as in the KJV, ASV, and RSV (ED: NRSV = "so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened"). The heart was the seat of understanding. Ephesians 1:18 - MSG - your eyes focused and clear, But I do more than thank. 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. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). 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 Kleronomos is one who has been given a kleros, the inheritor. In that case, it was used of the believers inheritance which is their share in heaven. 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). It will fill you with thanksgiving, joy, and hope. They say, I dont bother with theology. In accordance (2596) (kata) not out of but according to. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. | GotQuestions.org, How can we rely on the power of God? An almost identical prayer is recorded by Clement of Rome(written between 75-110 AD, cf to Ephesians 60-62 AD) asking God to open the eyes of our heart to know you. (Also a good prayer!). Although Paul wrote his letter in Greek, he was steeped in the Hebrew Biblethat is, the Old Testament. (See Ro 5:1, 2+). Ephesians 1works through the various roles of the Trinity in the redemption of man. (John 8:55). But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. The answer, according to one of the apostle Pauls prayers, is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amazing grace! 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. 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. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. 3:24; 4:37; 8:17f; 9:26, 29; 26:8; 32:13; 33:11, 25, 27; Jos. To be called by God is to be chosen by God for certain purposes. Yes, we are, indeed, the conquered captives of his omnipotent love. There is nothing too difficult for him. 2:11. God gives usspiritual giftsto aid us in our call to service. It is according to the working (energeian, energetic power, from which comes the Eng. 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. Heavenly Father, I pray that my heart would be flooded with the marvellous light of the gospel of grace. What a disappointment to someone who helped contribute to that $50 million figure! Key in on verse 16 this morning- "in addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.". 17 But I do more than thank. Jesus was buried and remained in the tomb for three days (John 19:42). It is the active exercise of supernatural power." Now Paul deals with the third area, that is, the greatness of his power which God directs toward believers (for a structural layout of the prayer, see 1:16b). But I do more than thank. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? I have a heritage of joy, We could never defeat these spiritual foes in our own power, but we can through the Spirits power. In hours of weakness they drew on God's power; in those of suffering, on his patience; in those of misunderstanding and hatred, on his vindication; in those of apparent defeat and despair, on the promises that gleam over the smoke of the battle, as the Cross before the gaze of Constantine; in death itself, on the life and immortality which find their home in the being of Jehovah. 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. Joshua So he should not be judging Adam who shows concern for his unborn child. And so inspired by the Spirit, Paul emphasizes that God has even more blessings to bestow on His children, the blessing of "resurrection power" so that saved sinners so that we might be enabled to live a supernatural life! Now the eyes of the believers heart must be continually taken up with his Lord in order that his knowledge of spiritual truth might increase. 1:1819). 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. But with God this shall never be. 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). Let that motivate you to praise your rich and glorious God for His rich and glorious inheritance! 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. The former is given by knowledge as well as by madness or rage; but strength comes from nature and a healthy state of the body. 10:32; Rev. NET and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. In this chapter are contained the inscription of the epistle, the salutation of the persons to whom it is written, the apostle's thanksgiving for blessings received by him, and them; in which the efficient, moving, procuring, and final causes of salvation are taken notice of, and the several parts and branches of it observed; and the whole is concluded with prayers for the Ephesians; in which mention is made of various things to the comfort of the saints, and to the glory of Christ. In the Mississippi River, right? God the Father gave the world to Adam. For example, a young man may begin to have a burden for a particular foreign nation and its people. Hosea That fadeth not away! (Ibid). ", etc (See 5W/H questions). Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." Vincent has a discussion of two related words ischus and dunamis (in his note on 2 Peter 2:11) -. (Ephesians Through Revelation). Enlightened (5461) (photizo from phos = light) means to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it. But in order that you may know (eido) that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-- He said to the paralytic--I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. Put those deficiencies together and you have the reason why we are dissatisfied and empty. But they are being intellectually lazy and exposing themselves to spiritual danger! 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!) (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). (Believer's Bible Commentary). How can we begin to fathom a prayer like that? Daniel It is utterly impossible to put the fullness of divine reality in human language, to compress the infinite into what is finite. And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? In them we see the possibilities of humanity, the ideal for man which God had when He created and breathed His blessing .upon him. 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. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. Usually ischus denotes power, might, strength, ability. Ancient understanding is often linked to other kinds of power or authority (e.g., dunamis, exousia; cf. Compare Peter's opening blessing for his readers in his second epistle Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge (epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge (epignosis) of Him Who called us by His own glory and excellence. (1Cor 6:19, 20+). It can be used of the power of growth, of the powers of nature, of the power of a drug, of the power of a mans genius. 17 But I do more than thank. You have given us freedom (You set us free), I have resurrection power living on the inside (You set us free) (Revelation 5:12+), Vincent - 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. 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. God demands that we obstinately oppose Satan, as those Romans untiringly harried Hannibal. The idea is to cause something to be fully known by revealing clearly and in some detail. (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! 2. the rich inheritance that he possesses in them, and This down payment from God is the first installment on whats coming, a reminder that well get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. On the other hand, eido/oida often refers more to an intuitive knowledge, although this distinction is not always clear cut. When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others. It is the power of God that made this possible. As we experience God's power in our own lives, we can encourage others. Theyre depressed and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. 2:1416). This seemed to me very extraordinary. 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. The power mentioned inEphesians 1:1920is continually attributed to God, not us. I have total trust in You. It cannot come if, instead of hearing His voice, we are content with only an echo! 1:10). He wants them to fully grasp the nature of all three aspects of their salvation. 6:9; 7:9; 8:7; Joel 2:22; Amos 2:14; 3:11; 5:9; 6:13; Mic. Calling (2821) (klesis) (Click for more in depth discussion of calling; see related word kletos, and discussion of who are "the called") refers to an invitation as to a banquet, a summons to court, and was a call for attention in Greek. The hope that your effectual calling instills is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments (1 Peter 1:3), and is characterized by confidently expecting and yet patiently waiting for those promises to be fulfilled. A day is as a thousand years. Calling here refers to Gods effectual callingthe calling that redeems the soul. | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? Are you confused now? Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download - getintopc.com But His riches are not in the universes that He possesses, nor in the substance of the earth that is His, but in the saints that He purchased at infinite cost, namely, the precious blood of His only begotten Son (I Pet. Savor each moment. Proverbs We are dearer to Him than all the worlds He has ever made; more precious than all His other creation. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. So pray for others and for yourself, that God will enlighten the eyes of your heart through His Word so that you will know what is the hope of His calling. Living in the light of Your goodness When we are faithful to the call to obedience, He can call us to more specific areas (seeLuke 16:10).GotQuestions.org. I'm taking this message from this phrase in Ephesians 1:19: "the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe." . The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). 2 Chronicles 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. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1Cor. Paul does not want these believers to be like Chief Crowfoot. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: Ephesians 1:18 Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened (Ephes. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. This is simply remarkable! to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called". 3:17 = so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; Eph. Leaning his head on the seat in front of him, he trembled. A muscular mans big muscles display his might, even if he doesnt use them. 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). The occasion of it was the foresight the apostle had of false teachers that would spring up in this church, after his death, and spread their pernicious doctrines, and draw away disciples after them, and do great mischief in the church; wherefore the design of this epistle is to establish the saints in the doctrines of the Gospel, that so they might not be carried away with the errors of the wicked: the subject matter of it is most excellent; it treats of the most sublime doctrines of grace, of divine predestination, and eternal election, of redemption by Christ, and of peace and pardon by his blood, of conversion by the power of efficacious grace, and of salvation by the free grace of God, in opposition to works: it also very largely treats of the nature and usefulness of the Gospel ministry, and of gifts qualifying for it, and of the several duties of religion incumbent on Christians; and the method which is used is exceeding apt and beautiful, for the apostle first begins with the doctrines of the Gospel, which he distinctly handles and explains, and then proceeds to enforce the duties belonging to men, both as men and Christians. One day a man is walking through a field. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. Some commentators see His inheritance as a reference to believers, who are Gods inheritance or special possession (Eph 1:14). I have often felt that way myself. The other day, when travelling in Scotland, I was introduced to some farmers whose soil was naturally of the poorest description; and yet, in answer to my inquiries, I found that they were able to raise crops of considerable weight and value. He will bring fruit out of thy rockiest nature, as the Norwegians raise crops on every scrap of soil on their mountain slopes. of 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. 4:18; 2Co 2:14), and touch (Acts 17:27). The literal rendering is "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened." This earnest prayer reveals the infinite importance of knowledge as a foundation for walking worthy in this Christian life. See related in depth study of the Believer's Blessed Hope. The real work of a Church depends upon the power of the Spirit." Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. (Ro 11:2+), Jesus is speaking to unbelieving Jews about His Father in Jn 8:54, and declares to these Jews that) "you have not come to know (ginosko) Him (GOD THE FATHER), but I know (eido- BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT) Him; and if I say that I do not know (eido) Him, I shall be a liar like you, but I do know (eido) Him, and keep His word. Hoeher comments that "Having mentioned the surpassing greatness of Gods power, Paul is now going to show that it is literally according to the power of the power of his power. Paul lists a series of three words for power used to describe the standard of the surpassing greatness of Gods power." 2:9). The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good. 19:23; Cant. There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. 4 Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Those for whom Paul is praying were once "spiritually blind" darkened in their understanding, (Eph 4:18) walking around in "spiritual darkness" as he reminded them of later writing that "you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Eph 5:8-note). Once on the mission field, he is willing to suffer hardships and separation from family and friends because the call of God is his greatest motivation. 4:15). Note that while most versions render this as a prayer for "enlightenment," the fact is that Paul uses the perfect tense for photizo which describes them as having been enlightened in the past with continuing effect. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name (1 Chron. They will give us the strength to persevere in godliness. And what is he attempting to describe? And what a blessing he is! The new has come, Now I have resurrection power living on the inside Such activity is a far cry from what God intended and expects the local Church to be. 6:10-13). For fifteen years the Romans defended their homeland against the brilliant Carthaginianand could never drive him out. Man can supply the energy, enterprise and enthusiasm for things human. The text is clear! They will give us the strength to persevere in godliness. 18:23, 24.; 32:18, 19.; Josh 17:4; cf. Here is how this applies: As a believer, you are always in need of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your heart to the great truths of the Bible. 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). God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation. 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. Here it is the other way around. Faith and Riches - Do you want to be rich? To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). Living in the light of Your goodness He finally disembarked his troops from a lack of support at home. --DJD. Rather, as Paul will go on to say, we were dead in our sins, but God raised us up. ), How is this resurrection power demonstrated even in this letter? Thus, it seems that the author is saying, "I know that you are saved, that you have had the blinders of the devil removed; because of this, I can now pray that you will fully understand and see the light of God's glorious revelation." Spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through self-effort or introspective meditation but through Gods Holy Spirit. In His devotional on Dt 32:9 Spurgeon asks "How are they his? The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. Paul Rader, former wrestler and boxer, became one of the most powerful evangelists of the early 20th century. Working, strength, and might or mighty further describe this power. Notice that pisteuo is in the present tense which describes those who are continuously believing as for example would be demonstrated by their lifestyle, which is generally (not perfectly) directed God-ward and Heaven-ward (homeward). We are God's very special possession - His glorious inheritance. Paul applies this truth that we are God's inheritance in his letter to the Corinthians writing Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? The verb belonging to this is kleroo, to draw lots, apportion by lot (only in Eph 1:11-note, Heb 1:4-note). For years, Ive been hearing Jesus could come at any time. 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. We belong to Somebody. A strong man (Mt. (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! This is the curse of Christian living. | GotQuestions.org, The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power Toward Us, Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers, having been called "with a holy" (2 Timothy 1:9, out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles (Romans 9:24, through the "gospel" that we "may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Th 2:14, and be brought "into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1Cor 1:9, and return in triumph "with Him" at the end of this age (Revelation 17:14. But if we want our church to truly be the church, the things Paul prayed for here are vastly more important. I cant handle hearing all of the heartbreaking prayer requests for sick children, terminally ill relatives, and church members in financial turmoil..