We can read the promises of God and be certain of Gods ability to fulfill those promises, even those of redemption, resurrection, andglorification. 3:20). This power is only for Christians, for those who believe. What power! The hope of his calling.--(See Ephesians 4:4.) Referring to himself as a believer, Paul wrote: "I am [have been] crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. | GotQuestions.org, How can we rely on the power of God? 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. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 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 Christians, we must have the power of God. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. But a day is coming -- oh! Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Dunamis is the root from which we derive the English word dynamic, (synonyms = energetic, functioning, live, operative, working) which describes that which is marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change. 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. | GotQuestions.org, What does God mean when He says, Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)? What a transformation took place in Peters life between the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament), Glenn Spencer on believe - This is a condition for the victorious life. It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. Megethos in the Septuagint -Ex. Deuteronomy Matthew And they became thine in fact, when thou wast born at the foot of the cross. 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that . In, on, among. (See The Oneness of Covenant), Harold Hoehner -Paul then used three additional words to describe Gods power. We need not pray for power to evangelize, to witness the gospel to others. THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Languagecopyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. The way to combat these forces is to stand in Gods mighty power (v.10)that is, resurrection power. What promises did God make to him (vv. The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. He does not call a believer to hope for the forgiveness of his sins: they are gone. If, for example, you realize you have every resource for godly living (Eph. Finally, the context both here and throughout Ephesians seems to emphasize the motif of light as a property belonging to believers. 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 yet what food for faith. The power mentioned inEphesians 1:1920is continually attributed to God, not us. (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. In the parallel prayer in Colossians 1:11-12, Paul prays that we would be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. In other words, Gods glorious, mighty power enables us to endure trials steadfastly, patiently, and joyously, with a thankful heart to the Father. Gods power is awesome! It is the power of God that made this possible. 18:23, 24.; 32:18, 19.; Josh 17:4; cf. (Daily Bible Study). Leaning his head on the seat in front of him, he trembled. Reprinted by permission. In conclusion, is supernatural power that is in actual operation. (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. 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. (1Cor 6:19, 20+). Too many Christians are going hither and yon looking for more blessings, more secrets of how to live a victorious Christian life, etc. On the Saturday before, California businessman Charles Fuller read about Raders visit in the newspaper. 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. No. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:18 titled "The Hope of His Calling," Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds this great prayer of Paul and carefully navigates between the general call of God in the gospel for all and the effectual call of the Holy Spirit for believers. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." In the first instance it means a lot. John MacArthur makes the excellent, Biblically logical point that "Until we comprehend who we truly are in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to live an obedient and fulfilling life. Galatians Can you conceive this? (Ibid). (Mark 12.30+). [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? He reminded us of the motivation behind prayercommunicating with the One who is in control of all things. The verb form, , makes the power obvious, for it means primarily to grasp, seize, or capture (Matt 9:25 = Mark 5:41; Matt 14:3 = Mark 6:17; Matt 26:48, 50, 55 = Mark 14:44, 46, 49; Rev 20:2). A strong man (Mt. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. Will you, starting today, begin to know by experience GodGods callingGods richesand Gods power?" The power behindChrists resurrectionis now working on our behalf. The power which raised Christ from the grave, lifted Him to heaven, put all things under His feet and made Him the Head over all to the Church, is to us-ward who believe. The psalmist understood that the supernatural Word of God was unlike any writing of man and thus pleaded with God to Open (Hebrew galah = Piel stem always denotes "to uncover" something which otherwise is normally concealed. Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. 6:23; 1 Ki. Your Holy Spirit lives in me If one had learnt a swifter art of appropriating the wealth that lay open to his hand, he would be actually, though perhaps not potentially, richer than his neighbour. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. Paul said that God's power is "to us-ward who believe" (Eph. The living family of God want a living Saviour, one who can hear and answer prayer, deliver out of soul-trouble, speak a word with power to the heart when bowed down with grief and sorrow, sympathise with them under powerful temptations, support them under the trials and afflictions of the way, maintain under a thousand discouragements His own life in their soul, sustain under bereavements the mourning widow, and be a father to her fatherless children; appear again and again in providence as a friend that loveth at all times and a brother born for adversity, smile upon them in death, and comforting them with His rod and staff as they walk through the valley of its dark shadow, land them at last safely in a happy eternity. As saints, were Gods inheritance, His treasure, His prize! (Believer's Bible Commentary). You have given us freedom, hallelujah B. Riches (4149) (ploutos) refers to the abundance of earthly goods, but here refers to spiritual abundance. The text is clear! Paul asks that the blessing imparted by God the Father ( Eph 1:3 ) to the Ephesians will be strengthened in them through the message of the gospel ( Eph 1:13 , 17 - 19 ). 1 Peter F B Meyer writes about THE SAINTS' INHERITANCE IN GOD (Ephesians 1:14, Ephesians 5:5). And given the fact that the truth of "in Christ" is transcendent, we should always pray this prayer for ourselves and others (remember that Eph 1:16 "making mention" is present tense= continuously) and of course the only way we can possibly "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17+) is by the Spirit's enabling power. The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. 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. God called the entire nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). The heart was the seat of understanding. 8:28)! 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. He bought the world to get you. Such is the case in Matthew 13. (seeEphesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) (Bolding added). The "bad" news is that it doesn't have anything to do with money. (Dt 32:9+). Paul does not want these believers to be like Chief Crowfoot. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. You might not see yourself as a spiritual leader, but you are important to those who look to you as an example of Christian character. Luke 24:45+ Then He (JESUS) opened (dianoigo) their minds (nous) to understand the Scriptures. Camp out here in a letter that begins with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly in Christ." The church, like Samson in the lap of a harlot, has divulged the secret of strength and is shorn of power. Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). - see related discussion - A Spirit Filled Church]The Church that multiplies committees and neglects prayer may be fussy, noisy, entertaining and enterprising, but it labours in vain and spends its strength for naught. To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). 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. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. We will be with Him forever in heaven, where there will be no suffering or tears or death. So the kindred adjective . You have given us freedom, my chains are gone . (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). Genesis Eph 1:21+ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. 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). This deep, interior "cardiac" enlightenment is clearly the result of the work of the Holy Spirit Who leads the believer to know (eido) intuitively all that God has made available to him in Christ (cf Jesus' promise to the disciples - Jn 16:13, cp 1Jn 2:20, 28+, 1Cor 2:10-13, 15-16+), and in essence to come to understand what it means to be "in Christ" or "in Him". All of which is a parable. of From this Verse - Robert Morgan -The Boxer and the Businessman (From This Verse). can ignite great endeavors. 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 world gets in the way, sin does its dirty deed, and carnality and strife and bitterness can rule. Later in the letter (chaps. Read Joshua 1:19 and then answer these questions: What were the circumstances of Joshuas call (vv. And what a blessing he is! The NET Bible is similar translating it ""since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened". 1 Timothy Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Ephesians 1:1920is not stating that believers have received the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is the same mighty power, NLT: I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe Him. Beloved Christian, think not of what you can get from God but, rather, think of what you mean to God. 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. (Ephesians Commentary). 5:10; 8:14; 14:4, 26; 15:6; 18:10; 27:24; 30:25; 31:25; Eccl. Ephesians 1:18-23 The Message 15-19 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. Not only that, but it is all the power we are ever offered or could ever have. Therefore, whereas the hope that was produced by his calling looked back to the past, his inheritance in the saints will be fully realized in Christs coming to get his saints." Thus power unto salvation (Ro1:16): the kingdom coming in power (Mk 9:1): God himself called powerthe right hand of the power (Mt. A ministry that is College-trained but not Spirit-filled works no miracles. 2:13). 1920).[72]. In that case, it was used of the believers inheritance which is their share in heaven. All rights reserved. Both views are theologically sound, but the second seems more consistent with Pauls emphasis in Eph 1:11 and Eph 1:14. Proverbs In following the call of God, we must be sure to obey His instructions in Scripture. Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. Setup Type: Offline Installer / Full Standalone Setup. Oh, how we need to grow in our experience of it, because the struggles we face in life are not merely human conflicts. They propagate self-effort and introspective meditation, but spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through such means. ), How is this resurrection power demonstrated even in this letter? Jonah Some of the fairest hopes that ever blessed human vision; the most delightful friendships; the most perfect dreams of delight, have faded and withered before our eyes. As Fuller listened, he suddenly recognized his own spiritual blindness. Finally. Lord, where are You? you cry. He had mercy on whom he would have mercy, and ordained a chosen company unto eternal life; thus, therefore, are they his by his unconstrained election. Surely not. Ask Him to impress on your heart the blessings and responsibilities of your calling. you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. Paul wrote (Phil. The heart is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, mans inward being. 2:14). But what a high and lofty ideal the apostle sets forth. 1 Peter 1:5 says that we are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Jude 24-25 proclaims, Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. THESE ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORKING OF THE STRENGTH OF HIS MIGHT: kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou: INDESCRIBABLY TRANSCENDENT We might expect Paul to pray for enlightened minds rather than hearts, but thats because we associate the word heart with emotions rather than with thought. (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. Energeia describes Gods power in raising Christ, Paul instructing the Colossian saints that they have "been buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the (supernatural) working (energeia) of God, Who raised Him from the dead (Note well - Paul says the Holy Spirit is God and He was the the One Who "raised Jesus from the dead" - Ro 8:11+) " (Col 2:12+). Amen. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation. Do you have the power of God in your life? Revival comes when, no longer satisfied to know about a God in history, we meet the conditions of finding Him in living, personal experience. We must live as saints, Gods holy ones, separate from this evil world. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). Ephesians 1:18 The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language 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, Read more Share Copy Show footnotes Ephesians 1:18 The New International Version (NIV) Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. 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. Amos All of this is for Gods glory (Ephesians 1:6,12,14). | 8,801 views. Kleronomia is literally what is received as a gift from someone who has died, but figuratively as in this verse it refers in a religious sense to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits. 3:1421). 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. 8.247; Justin Martyr, Apology 1.61.12; Dial 39.2; 122.1; cf. For Further Study: Read 1 Chronicles 29:1113. 4:7). (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), THOUGHT -May our great, grace filled Father grant each of us His grace to ponder this incredible truth so that it might motivate us, enabledby HisSpirit, to walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called in Christ. But I do more than thank. Dunamis is rather ability, faculty: not necessarily manifest, as ischus: power residing in one by nature. If Gods power toward us is so great, why do so many Christians fall into serious sin. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. Most uses are figurative. He teaches you to recognize and uphold what is excellent so that you will be sincere and blameless before God (Phil. Yes, God's Word promises us great richestreasures that we cannot even attempt to purchase with any amount of money. To the extent that you understand these vast spiritual resources, you will enjoy God and glorify Him forever. In Ephesians 1:18, Paul wrote, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling (NASB). We do not ask for it we were born into its blessed privilege. For less than $5/mo. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). 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. Working, strength, and might or mighty further describe this power. . Certainly, there is always the danger of spiritual pride that comes from thinking that you know more than others know. Second, this enlightenment comes to the heart of the believer (Eph. --M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. We have His "seal" on us, and more accurately within us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. GotQuestions.org, Warren Wiersbe sums up Paul's prayer for the saints to know the power they possess - The power of the Holy Spirit, through the resurrected, ascended Christ, is available to all Christiansby faith. We have the case of Elisha when the Syrian army was sent to Dothan to take him captive. It is a great truth that God does choose the inheritance for his people. In Ephesians 1:19 and Ephesians 6:10, ischus describes the strength of God bestowed upon believers. Ephesians 1:18. He will occupy and keep thee. Paul's prayer that they come to intuitively, absolutely know the hope of their calling is in marked contrast to their former state as idol worshipping pagans who were without "hope and without God in the world." 3:7; Eph. 7:24; 19:11f, 14; 24:21, 25; 26:11; 27:12; 30:6, 15, 18, 21; 31:18; 32:12, 16, 18, 20, 26, 29ff; 33:28; 34:27; Dan. But, as weve seen (1:13), believers have been sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. Since Gods promises are as certain as He is faithful, the hope of our calling is not some vague, wishful thinking that everything will work out for our good. I suppose its all right to pray for that addition to a new Sunday School wing. "Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," which comes from God's grace (Ephesians 1:7-note). 2 Kings Paul piles on words for power to make his point. Deuteronomy 9:29+ Yet they are Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm..
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