It is grace that supplies the wealth, but it is faith that lays hold of the wealth (cp 2Cor 5:7-note). He was sometimes called the New Elijah. In 1916, while pastoring Moody Memorial Church of Chicago, Rader, 30, was asked to preach at Los Angeles Church of the Open Door. Joel (Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation). 8:32) assures you that He wont withhold lesser things, and consequently youll not tend to worry about earthly needs. Kleronomia has the richer associations in the context of salvation history. This is amazing grace indeed! money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. I do not mean that God is trying to appear to our physical eyesight. He does not call a believer to hope for the forgiveness of his sins: they are gone. Salem Media Group. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. We need to step out in faith and this means faith that obeys (enabled by the Spirit). 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. 13:9; Heb 5:11), taste (Ps. Gods power is awesome! First is dunamis (power), from which we get dynamite and dynamo. The KJV has a unique and memorable way of translating this verse And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power", Paxson - God would then tell us that in this wonder-working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance and consummation of our salvation: that it is all-sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthily of his high calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers. This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to really understand these truths. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 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. Ephesians 1:18 I. Energeia isused only of supernatural power in the NT. Paul wants to encourage us as we realize that our salvation is evidence of Gods surpassingly great power at work in us. 2:916). That is why one cannot receive the full impact of the meaning of the Word of God except as the Holy Spirit illuminates his mind to understand it. To find assurance, one must look to the covenant-keeping God and Scripture. 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. There is no way for sinful men and women to find their way into Gods presence unless He reveals Himself and appears to us. Paul would say "STOP IT!" It means to attain a degree that extraordinarily exceeds a point on a scale of extent. And what is - And is a connective, which signifies that a word or part of a sentence is to be added to what precedes. Is it not in the resurrection of those who were dead in trespasses and sins from their spiritual stupor and separation from God, releasing them from the shackles of sin and subservience to Satan and setting them free in Christ? He chose them, and set his love upon them. 2:89), and we live by grace, through faith (1Cor. The power mentioned inEphesians 1:1920is continually attributed to God, not us. "and to earnestly desire to walk worthy of the calling to which they have been called, motivated by the "hope of His calling". Nor do we need to pray for power to do Gods will. The Message (MSG). It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought (such is the literal rendering of the word, employed here). What is the difference between kleros and kleronomia (in the context of the uses in the Septuagint)? synkleronomos is a fellow heir, and kleronomeo means be an heir, inherit. Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? In His devotional on Dt 32:9 Spurgeon asks "How are they his? 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. Leaning his head on the seat in front of him, he trembled. Thus as 1 John 3:2-3 puts it, Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? (see note). Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, Psalms 121:3, Philippians 4:19, James 1:17, Ephesians 1:3, Revelation 21:9, Romans 8:21-26, . Ephesians 1:18. He let us in on that mystery. I see the old has passed away To correct this problem, we must embrace all aspects of prayer. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh. It speaks of a clarity of mind or understanding by which one is able to see things intelligibly and clearly and proceed accordingly. Faith must be exercised in all areas of Christian growth. As stated above, because of Christ's work for us on the Cross means that in light of the truth that believers have"been justified (declared righteous or in right standing before God, acquitted of our sins) by faith, we have peace with God (cf peace "of" God in Php 4:6-7+where peace depends on how we respond to our circumstances, testings, etc, and if we do by walking in the Spirit as commanded in Gal 5:16+, He gives us peace of God, the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22+) through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand (perfect tense speaks of the permanence or abiding nature of this condition) and we exult (continually boast, rejoice) in hope of the glory of God ( = when we see Jesus face to face - 1Jn 3:2-3+)." 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. 6:9; 7:9; 8:7; Joel 2:22; Amos 2:14; 3:11; 5:9; 6:13; Mic. 4:16; Phil. We must live as citizens of heaven who belong to God. 2 Timothy Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Its in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. NIDNTT says that in classical Greek the root word "kleros is derived from klao, break. Proverbs This is the power of God that is available to believers. 15:56). The hope of our calling is the absolute certainty of our heavenly destiny and includes all that awaits the saints at the return of the Lord Jesus and is what Paul referred to by the phrase the "Blessed hope" writing in Titus that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking (not just any kind of looking but looking anxiously, eagerly, earnestly, expectantly) for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. 20:27) (Deut. How long he laid siege to our hearts! The discoveries youll make, the understanding you will glean, the gifts of praise, the expression of even frustrated prayer will affect you for the next zillion years. It means to make known in reference to the inner life or transcendent matters and thus shed light upon. 1 Chronicles And so the ESV Study Bible comments that "The inheritance here is not the Christians inheritance but his (Gods). In our struggle with everything that sets itself against the knowledge of God, we have some incredible resources. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation. 2:13). Isnt that magnificent? The riches of His glory refers to the abundant, preeminent glory of God as displayed in His saints. 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. He is able! I cant. In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. Call or calling is used with reference to salvation in two senses. 1 Peter How much spiritual strength is available for me in my daily life? It always has the meaning of an effective power which does things and which any man can recognize." Still, with the stillness of death. In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul provided a wonderful starting point. He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about his title there can be no dispute. In summary, Paul is praying for one of the things these believers need to fully understand and to deeply realize -- the hope of God's calling. Do you hunger and thirst for God as a deer does for the water brooks? Amen! And they became thine in fact, when thou wast born at the foot of the cross. Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. 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." See discussion of the value of pausing to ponder this term of purpose or result . | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? (Phillips: Touchstone), Wuest: and what is the superabounding greatness of His inherent power to us who are believing ones as measured by the operative energy of the manifested strength of His might, (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission). What (5101) (tis) is singular in contrast to the next clause regarding "riches" which is introduced with "what are" which is plural. a patrimony or a possession. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Beloved Christian, think not of what you can get from God but, rather, think of what you mean to God. 1 Thessalonians If the Christian message is true, the world is on the way not to dissolution but to consummation. We are the Lords Portion, the Lords Inheritance. Do you have the power of God in your life? (play "The Solid Rock"), Latter in Ephesians, Paul reminded the Gentile believers that in Christ they "were called in one hope of your calling (Eph 4:4+). (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. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. 1317). But here, Paul is writing to believers (saints, us who believe, 1:18, 19). . May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. But by Gods grace the word of God may change your mind and your heart. In that verse protected means to keep or guard and reflects Peters confidence that salvation is inviolable. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. Let this incomparable truth stir within your heart a passionate desire that He may be glorified in you more fully each day until that great day dawns for which both He and we look with such fervent expectation. Into the city enters nothing that defiles, or works abomination, or makes a lie. Hope for believers is not the worlds wishful thinking, but the absolute certainty that God will make true what he has promised. 1:1523; 3:1421; Phil. This earnest prayer reveals the infinite importance of knowledge as a foundation for walking worthy in this Christian life. Ischus is used as an attribute of God in the Revelation saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power (dunamis) and riches and wisdom and might (ischus) and honor and glory and blessing." Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. 2 Kings As soon as thou didst open thine eyes to behold the crucified Lord, thou didst all unconsciously become heir to the lengths and breadths, and depths, and heights of God! 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.. He has called us to perfection in the likeness of Jesus Christ (Rom. They say, I dont bother with theology. Knowing of Jonahs disobedience beforehand, God had already prepared a great fish to swallow him and spit him out when he was humbled enough to repent (Jonah 1:172:1). The same power that brought Christ from the dead, and set him on high, works in the salvation of every believer. Some are called to the political arena or to end human trafficking. Is she supposed to do something about this? 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. Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. By Gods great mercy we have been begotten again (1Pet 1:3-note). (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. KJV And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. . 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. THAT THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED. 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. He reminded us of the motivation behind prayercommunicating with the One who is in control of all things. Ephesians 3:7+ of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of Gods grace which was given to me according to the working (energeia) of His power (dunamis) . Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. 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. One argument against taking it this way is that it becomes almost a repetition of the first part of the prayer, to know the hope of His calling. You called me from the grave by name Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black, The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl - Imperfectly Imprinted Bibles, The Message Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, amethyst gem, The Message of Hope: Discover Meaning and Purpose for Your Life - eBook. Ephesians 1:18-19 In-Context 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. Read the Bible, discover plans, and seek God every day. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. Not even Satan has the power to do that. And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto. Jesus answered and said to him (to Peter who was a bit "put off" that Jesus was preparing to wash his dirty feet! Luke used ophthalmos figuratively in recording Christ's charge to Paul that He was sending him to the Gentiles to open (anoigo) their eyes so that they may turn (epistrepho) from darkness (cf "prince of the power of the air" in Eph 2:2+) to light (cf Col 1:13, 14+) and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness (sending away) of sins and an inheritance (for which they were predestined before the foundation of the world, Ep 1:5+) among those who have been sanctified (set apart - here referring to the initial act of belief although more commonly in NT referring to the ongoing day to day salvation of the believer = sanctification, which is also by faith) by faith in Me. 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. When you buy a new gadget, it comes with an owners manual that tells you how to operate it. Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? This he did altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which he foresaw in them. He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. All rights reserved), The treasures of earth are not mine, 4:13), I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. He meant that he was able to face and accomplish whatever God called him to do (see also, Eph. Our society has been enamored with the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, especially since the influx of Eastern thought into the West during the 1960s. Miss K had always taught her students to have confidence in their abilities. I cant handle hearing all of the heartbreaking prayer requests for sick children, terminally ill relatives, and church members in financial turmoil.. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) . 34:8; 1Pe 2:3), smell (Phil. Paul saw fit to teach simple believers, many of whom were slaves, the great doctrines of Romans and Ephesians and his other letters. 10:16; 51:19; etc.). TECHNICAL Note that it is somewhat difficult to give a crisp, succinct definition of eido, so keep that caveat in mind as you read these notes. THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Languagecopyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Gods gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). 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. 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. To the extent that you understand these vast spiritual resources, you will enjoy God and glorify Him forever. 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. Glorified in the life that is life indeed. The idea is that it is the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in God, His indwelling strength. In Ephesians 1:3-14 Paul had just summed up what their calling involved. Odes Sol. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. He implants Biblical truth into your thinking so that your responses become more and more like Christs. We are His own possession. Perhaps it is because many of us assume in advance how the meeting will go. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers. Acts (The 365 Day Devotional Commentary). Calmen had expected her former teacher to say, "I knew you could do that.". Hoehner adds that "According to Aristotle is actual power whereas is potential power. Philippians (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. He has riches untold. Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 18, 2019 (message contributor) . 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. 10:10): a strong consolation (Heb6:18): a mighty angel (Rev18:21). Ischus - 10 times in the NT translated: might, 5; power, 1; strength, 4. Salvation is not a joint project, where we teamed up with God to bring it about. The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts as He sees fit and then calls us into a field of service that utilizes those gifts (1 Corinthians 12:111). Even though He has given humankind the freedom to make choices, His choices have already been made (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:1018). Hebrews 10:32+ But remember (present imperativeseeour need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings. With his natural mind, man cannot understand the things of God. (2) The other view is that the inheritance means all that we will inherit in Christ. He gives them to us by the handfuls. Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. The Christian Church is precious to God. Paul would have us appreciate our dignity. NLT (revised)I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. The way to combat these forces is to stand in Gods mighty power (v.10)that is, resurrection power. F B Meyer writes about THE SAINTS' INHERITANCE IN GOD (Ephesians 1:14, Ephesians 5:5). Philemon 3:20). 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.' The conduct (works) doesn't save us but does demonstrate the belief to be genuine. (Ephesians Commentary). Start for FREE. Paul does not want these believers to be like Chief Crowfoot. 1:16). But they unravelled the mystery by telling me that they put in, in enriching manure, all that they took out in the days of golden harvest. But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. 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. We are called by God to salvation. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. 26:64), and so in classical Greek used to denote the magistrates or authorities. by Theodore Epp - Ephesians 1: 19-23 The Scriptures frequently refer to God's power as it relates to the believer. 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. 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. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), Charles Stanley -LIFTING OUR LEVEL OF PRAYER, SCRIPTURE READING: EPHESIANS 1:1823 KEY VERSE: EPHESIANS 1:18. Im taking this message from this phrase in Ephesians 1:19: the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. I know that the vast majority of you do not feel that power. They worship a lie (as do all cults who have exchanged the truth of God for the lie of Satan - cf Ro 1:25+). Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in Eph 1:1-2 (ED: THOSE WHO BELIEVE). In short, Paul prays for our position in Christ to become our practice in Christ. What we can get from God rather than what we can be to God is our continued concern. We have been called, chosen, justified, and glorified for we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and are become his chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.