Reprinted by permission. 4:1; Song 2:7; 3:5; 5:8; 8:4; Is. It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. Too many Christians are going hither and yon looking for more blessings, more secrets of how to live a victorious Christian life, etc. Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural. Whereas the first and second concepts to be understood dealt with the past and future respectively, the third deals with the power of God in the present time toward believers. Encourages my soul. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh. The emphasis is not on that which is little, but rather that which starts out small and grows into something bigger and stronger. Remember that the first three chapters are doctrine but the last three are "duty," calling for a walk "in step" with the doctrinal truths. 20:27) (Deut. Odes Sol. 1QS 11:36). (Joshua 1:3+) In short, we need to lay hold of the power that resides within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. It is power which is able to overcome resistance. For we saw (eido) His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." 29:1113). But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. Nor do we need to pray for power to do Gods will. Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. Paul is praying "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes . He has called us to a completed righteousness and to the completed redemption of our bodies. He bought the world to get you. We are dearer to Him than all the worlds He has ever made; more precious than all His other creation. That men might know the measure of Gods power. The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. 8:3839)! 4:10; 8:10; Esther 4:17; 10:2; Job 4:2; 5:5; 6:11f, 22, 25; 9:19; 12:16; 16:5; 23:6; 26:2, 12; 30:2, 18; 31:24, 39; 36:5, 19, 22; 37:23; 39:11, 21; 40:16; Ps. --DJD. Jeremiah Paul writes to the believers at Rome asking "Or do you not know (eido) what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?" God had placed a call on Pauls life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:1516). Ephesians 1:18. 2:9; 2 Thess. This was true for the Ephesians, and it is true for us today. 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. But they are being intellectually lazy and exposing themselves to spiritual danger! It is a matter of constant complaint with Christian people that they fall so far below their aspirations and hopes. What did Paul ask? Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2007, All Rights Reserved. But where is He?. 1:18). All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. (THE MEASURE OF IMMEASURABLE POWER). 1 Clem. 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. The world can't understand it, but we can. For example, a young nursery worker may read about babies languishing in Romanian orphanages. The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. Every Christian has a calling on his or her life. 3:21; Col. 2:12; 2 Thess. the more we will be motivated Perhaps you can remember three words to capture this message: resurrection power now. 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. 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. Practice these truths enabled by the Holy Spirit. Thus we are His portion or inheritance which He will finally and ultimately possess throughout eternity. All who receive it respond in faith. Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. It is God who is at work in you, Paul assures us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. Used from Homer on it meant originally the fragment of stone or piece of wood which was used as a lot. Nevertheless, in this verse Paul is referring to the subjective hope. 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. Our faith in Christ did not originate with our feeble will, but with the sovereign, eternal will of God. 8:30), And these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. That sequence is certain! Young's Literal: and what the exceeding greatness of His power to us who are believing, according to the working of the power of His might, AND WHAT IS THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA). We have been called by grace, to glory. Prayer meetings that support only one aspect of prayer are imbalanced and can quickly be awash in negativity. Plato (Protagoras, 350) draws the distinction thus: I should not have admitted that the able (dunatous) are strong (ischurous), though I have admitted that the strong are able. The inscription is in Eph 1:1, in which the author of the epistle puts his name, declares his office, and how he came into it; and describes the persons to whom he wrote it, by their religious characters, and the place of their abode. This indicates how precious his people are to God. Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35+); empowered by the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:16+, Lk 4:14+); filled with and led by the Holy Spirit (Mt 4:1+, Lk 4:1+). 13:9; Heb 5:11), taste (Ps. Ezekiel The child that lies in yonder cradle, over which the coronet is emblazoned, may claim his broad ancestral estates simply by right of birth: and it is on that tenure that the saints hold heaven. (John 13:7). 18:1; Rev. Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. The uses of eido will not be listed because of the large number (656 hits in 619 verses searching on Strong's Number in the NT - if you want to see these usesCLICK HERE and go down to the "Frequency Lists" and you can study the uses in different translations book by book). If that has happened to you, confess it immediately and turn from it. What kind of riches are you looking for? We are not in heaven yet; but we are as safe as if we were. On the other hand if I give you a million dollars, I have given to you "according to" or more in proportion to my riches. The Old Testament priests were called by God to their special work (Hebrews 5:4; cf. In Ephesians 1:1820, the apostle Pauls prayer reveals that growing in the knowledge of God means growing in the knowledge of Gods mighty power. Is (2076) is the present tense of eimi = to be, and so conveys the idea "what is continually the hope.". Jesus answered and said to him (to Peter who was a bit "put off" that Jesus was preparing to wash his dirty feet! 3:7; Eph. You have given us freedom, Freedom, You have given us freedom 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). He is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Isa. Ephesians 1:18 I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, > Ephesians > Chapter 1 > Verse 18 Ephesians 1:18 Context Crossref Comment Greek Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version (Jon Courson's Application Commentary). 2:14+). In later Christianity this enlightening was equated with baptism (cf. He thinks of us as His inheritance. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. They remain in bondage, depressed, and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. Illustration - In 218 b.c. And not just barely free, either. 26:64), and so in classical Greek used to denote the magistrates or authorities. Hebrews But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. 1:1523; 3:1421; Phil. . 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. All of which is a parable. (seeEphesians Through Revelation), Complete Biblical Library - This power always operates "in Christ." Thus as Christians, we should be filled with hope because we know that God has called us to salvation. From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. Now my whole lifes aims and ambitions are changed. Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. The gold and the silver and all the universes are His. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study It is a free gift, and yet we have a right to it. I agree that this is Pauls main aim. You called me out of all my shame But that one in our nature should be exalted to that seat of pre-eminence and power; that the Mediator between God and man should be the man Christ Jesus; that the hands which once were nailed to the cross should now hold the sceptre, and that the feet which once walked on Lake Gennesaret, which were weary and dust-soiled at Jacobs well, which were washed with a sinful womans tears and kissed in penitential grief and love with polluted lipsthat these very feet should now have all things put under them both in heaven and earth, there is the mystery. It is according to the working (energeian, energetic power, from which comes the Eng. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! This sense comes out clearly in the New Testament in the use of the word and of its cognates. 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. The heart was the seat of understanding. Are you working it out with your tongue, and your brain and your nerves? Comment: The firm assurance or hope that believers have in this life is the return of Jesus Christ in glory to take them home into His presence and give them glorified bodies like His. Some take it to mean, the riches of the glory of the inheritance that comes from God and is enjoyed among the saints. In other words, they take it to be a prayer that we would come to know all of the spiritual blessings that God has given to us. 17:6; Ezek. 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. The city of Ephesus is, by Pliny {a}, called the other light of Asia; Miletus was one, and Ephesus the other: it was the metropolis of the lesser Asia, and one of the twelve cities of Ionia, and the first and chief of them: it is said to be built by the Amazons {b}: it was famous for the magnificent temple of Diana; and the inhabitants of it were very much given to superstition and idolatry, and even to devilish arts, Ac 19:19. Than Jesus blood and righteousness; 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. you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. We fence off a part of ourselves for God, excluding Him from all the rest. (Eph 4:1+). Paul said that God's power is "to us-ward who believe" (Eph. Open the compasses of your faith to measure this measureless abyss; and then marvel at the power which bore your Lord across it, and know that that same power is towards you, if you believe, waiting to do as much for you in your daily experience if you will but let it have its blessed way. 1 Corinthians 1:1). What a tragedy when believers do the same thing with the riches they possess in Christ, failing to really possess their possessions! The man was powerfully built, and Fuller visualized how he must have looked in the ring. That call became his motivating force. COMMENT - Note how Paul associates our New Creation in Christ (2Co 5:17+) with the creation of the heavens and the earth. He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. 10:13; Eph. But this is as impossible to our unaided energy, as for the swallow to follow the majestic flight of the golden eagle, soaring sunward. 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). Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. Now back to Paul's prayer, the point is that when the Holy Spirit opens the spiritual eyes of the heart of Paul's readers, they will be able to perceive and to know these great truths intuitively with a positive knowledge beyond a chance of a doubt. 25:15): virtue (Mk 5:30): power (Lk24:29; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. They have laid all God's revealed character under contribution. We are His own possession. NET NOTE has an interesting comment that a paraphrase reads "Since you are enlightened by Gods Spirit, I pray that you may comprehend the hope to which he has called you, the spiritual riches that await the saints in glory, and the spiritual power that is available to the saints now. Thus, the prayer focuses on all three temporal aspects of our salvation as these are embedded in the genitivesthe past (calling), the future (inheritance), and the present (power toward us who believe). As we develop sensitivity to His voice, we move forward with what we know. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. Here it is the other way around. Because God's resurrection power continues to work in us, it helps us (ED: MORE ACCURATELY IT ENABLES US! In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul let his "students" know that he prayed for them constantly. Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:12). 5:13. 6:23; 1 Ki. Strength (2904) (kratos) refers to manifested power or power that is put forth in action. In Ephesians 1:3-14 Paul had just summed up what their calling involved. Ischus is used of angelic power in 2 Peter whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. His power is to us-ward who believe (Eph. (Ibid). Since land was divided by lot, probably in the framework of common use of the fields, kleros came to mean a share, land received by lot, plot of land, and finally inheritance. COMMENT - This context refers to the spiritual powers of the heavenly beings. ", Ephesians 1:19 (note) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. He wishes them to have eternal life in Christ [John 20:31] and to know that they have it.". observe fully, consider attentively denotes action of mind apprehending certain facts about a thing) wonderful (amazing, astounding, marvelous, extraordinary or even difficult - things beyond human capability) things from Thy law. Kratos is exercised strength whereas ischus refers to great inherent strength. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. Hes the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. The saints knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. ", Luke 10:27+ And he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. He considers each us to be His precious portion. Strengthened with might in the inner man (Eph3:16): with all might (Col. 1:11). Because He wants to hang out on the Columbia River? Youll not be happy until you know the hope of His calling. 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." THOUGHT - Beloved, there is a powerful principle taught in this section. The same limitless power that created, sustains, and controls the universe saved you and keeps you saved. What a disappointment to someone who helped contribute to that $50 million figure! Only when we come to understand how our lives are anchored in eternity (Heb 6:18-19+) can we have the right perspective and motivation for living in time (1Jn 3:2-3+). Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to His power. When He ascended, we ascended. I see the old has passed away But heaven seems so far away, you say. 1. The invitation goes out to everyone: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. But many ignore the invitation or make up excuses for why they cannot respond. It is active energy as opposed to potential energy..In the NT it occurs eight times and is used only by Paul, three times in Ephesians (1:19; 3:7; 4:16). His call now is to all those redeemed by the blood of Jesus to showcase to our world Gods mercy, grace, and salvation (Hebrews 12:14;Matthew 5:16). There is the danger of stopping at knowing doctrine, rather than allowing the doctrines to give you greater personal knowledge of the God of whom the doctrines speak. I cannot understand how this can be, but I know that God has an inheritance even in me. Wealthybut miserable! Eido/oida is distinguished from ginosko(epiginosko, epignosis - the other major NT word group for knowing) because ginosko generally refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge". He does not ask God to give them what they do not have, but rather prays that God will reveal to them what they already have. 79)? (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. The better we truly know the "hope of His calling", It is only as God's Spirit illuminates our mind that we actually can truly know the spiritual truth He wants us to know. Perhaps it is because many of us assume in advance how the meeting will go. (cf Dt 32:9+) And thats what we are. Not only that, but it is all the power we are ever offered or could ever have. But wholly lean on Jesus name. (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) Therefore, not only do we have an inheritance (Eph 1:14) but He also has an inheritance (Eph 1:18). 2 John When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others. It abounded with orators and philosophers, and men of great wisdom and learning {c}; and was formerly a very rich, trading, flourishing city, but now a village, and a poor desolate place; it retains the name of Efeso, though the Turks call it Aia Salik. The practical application of this is that your salvation does not rest on your choosing Christ, but rather on His choosing you. The power of God in our lives is the result of being Spirit filled and we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit. It does not correspond to experience, and so you instinctively feel like this sermon is going to be like a piece of fiction. The only aim of the life is that the Son of God may be manifested, and all dictation to God vanishes. Ischus therefore conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. In Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary, the Jewish and Roman leaders successfully killed Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 19:30). The "bad" news is that it doesn't have anything to do with money. A blessing found at Qumran reads, May He illuminate your heart with the discernment of life and grace you with eternal knowledge (1QS 2:3; cf. And I see my past has been redeemed In conclusion, is supernatural power that is in actual operation. 2. the rich inheritance that he possesses in them, and 1:18; Eph. From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. Nahum NIV and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. In the four Gospels, we see Gods power at work in the ministry of Jesus Christ, but in the Book of Acts, we see that same power at work in ordinary men and women, members of the body of Christ. 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, In Ephesians 5:27, Paul says that Gods aim is that He might present to Himself the church, in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. In Colossians 1:27, Paul says that to the saints, God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.. It means to make known in reference to the inner life or transcendent matters and thus shed light upon. The hope of your calling is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments. 17 But I do more than thank. It refers to a degree which exceeds extraordinary and thus excels. In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. He teaches you to recognize and uphold what is excellent so that you will be sincere and blameless before God (Phil. The contrast between the two verbs is illustrated in John 8:55, Ye have not known Him [ginsk, you have not entered upon the knowledge]: but I know Him (oida, that is, I have perfect knowledge of Him). With all these avenues confirming her decision, she feels confident moving forward into the call of God for her life. (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. They are the real eyes for discerning the nature of issues important to God. Ive been talking to You. This power is active, dynamic, and compellingand it is mightily at work on your behalf. 22:5. If I were to put you in a barrel and put that barrel in the Mississippi River, where would you be? Ephesians 1:18 In-Context 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. THOUGHT - God grant all of Your children spiritual eyes to perceive and possess our possessions in Christ. One day a man is walking through a field. We need not pray for power to endure suffering. 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.' Paul presents a fourfold demonstration of the very same power which God makes available to believers - God raised Him from the dead (Ep 1:20 -note), seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:20), subjected all things under His feet (Ep 1:22-note), and gave Him as head over the church (Ephesians 1:22). (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). In Ephesians 1:18 the Greek word forheart is singular so that Paul is praying for each individual person's heart! 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. 2:9). The orphans are helped, and God is glorified. The wealthy devoted their treasure to the cause, and all classes sacrificed everyday amenities for troops in the field. Precious things of the sun and of the moon, for God is light; of the ancient mountains of his faithfulness, and the everlasting hills of his truth; of the fountains and brooks of his love, that gush spontaneously forth to satisfy and enrich. Colossians 1:29+ For this purpose (WHAT PURPOSE? Though lifting our troubles and needs to God is both acceptable and important, we should never forget to express our thankfulness, jubilance, and praise to Him in prayer. Do we not remember that glorious hour when He carried our hearts by storm? 4:18; 2Co 2:14), and touch (Acts 17:27). Peter expresses the same thought in 1 Peter 1:5, where he says you are protected by the power of God through faith in Christ. Perhaps he perceived a power shortage in the Ephesians saints! TECHNICAL NOTE - There are 25 compounds with huper in the NT, and 16 are found only in the Pauline Epistles. Figuratively, as used in this verse, photizo means to make clear, to cause to fully know or to cause to understand and is used of God's enlightenment through revelation. See the blood-mark upon all the chosen, invisible to human eye, but known to Christ, for "the Lord knoweth them that are his"; (2Ti 2:19) he forgetteth none of those whom he has redeemed from among men; he counts the sheep for whom he laid down his life (Jn 10:14-15), and remembers well the Church for which he gave himself. F B Meyer commenting on inheritance in 1Peter 1:4-notesees it asview #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! Salem Media Group. What (5101) (tis) is singular in contrast to the next clause regarding "riches" which is introduced with "what are" which is plural. The power which is really at work in Christian men today is in its nature Already we have noted that God made us His heritage that we should be to the praise of His glory (1:11-12). 2 Peter 2:11 (note) whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. They are actually conflicts with evil spiritual forces (6:12). Resurrection Power. 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). But Jesus came to buy the world back. - Jn 15:5!) The power that God has made available to the believer is according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph 1:19-21). Comment: "The Blessed Hope" is not an abstract concept, but an Alive Christ, for it describes the appearing of Christ in His majesty and glory at His Second Coming. In His devotional on Dt 32:9 Spurgeon asks "How are they his? Photizo - 11v -Lk. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary)(Bolding added), Lehman Strauss-The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Here Paul prays that we might have a full appreciation of our worth to God. The power which is really at work in Christian men to-day is in its nature properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge.
Equate 8000 Blood Pressure Monitor Manual,
Definition Of School By Different Authors Pdf,
Mg Cars Font,
Articles E
