It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. May His Spirit enable us to worship Him Monday - Saturday (not just on Sunday) in spirit and in truth. 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. But as far as our inheritance of God's grace is concerned, there are no preferences, no step-children's portions, no arbitrary distinctions. 2 Thessalonians 2:16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, NLT (revised)I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Knowing these truths in a deeper, more intuitive way, you will be empowered by His Spirit to stand firm on Who He is and how faithful He will be to all of His promises towards you. Beloved, Peter said, be not ignorant of this one thing: one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (II Peter 3:8). 4:4, 6). Rather, He is trying to appear to the eye of our soul through an inner consciousness. Ephesians 1:1920is discussing Pauls earnest desire for the Ephesians to attain knowledge regarding the power of God toward the believer. He bought the world to get the treasure. 2:916). He teaches you to recognize and uphold what is excellent so that you will be sincere and blameless before God (Phil. He prayed first of all that they be given a divine awareness of the power they possessed in Christ. 1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 20-23All 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. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 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. For example, Jesus said that evil thoughts come out of the heart (Matt. That power works in every one of us, as I stand before you. All rights reserved), The treasures of earth are not mine, The NTs concept of hope is built on the OT and has the elements of expectation, a trust in God, and the patient waiting for Gods outworking of his plan. But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. They are the real eyes for discerning the nature of issues important to God. 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. Your Holy Spirit lives in me The Message Canvas Bible: Coloring and Journaling the Story of God, Spring Palette, The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, softcover, The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look, Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/tan, Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook, The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook. Setup Size: 8.9 GB. In addition the view that the saints are Gods inheritance has precedence in the Old Testament, Moses recording that Israel was God's possession For the LORD'S portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. Now my whole lifes aims and ambitions are changed. Peering around, he studied Rader. Rather, it is constantly to be praying as you study the Word, Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know, love, and obey You better!. By it He speaks to the soul, grants saving faith, and ushers elect sinners into salvation (John 6:3744, 65; Acts 2:39). 10:32; Rev. 28:9; 33:12; 78:62, 71; 106:5, 40; Isa. There is the general call of the gospel that goes out to all people. In 2Co 3:10 = "surpassing glory" and 2Co 9:14 = "surpassing grace." Nahum The Lord pursued His disobedient servant until Jonah submitted himself to the call. It comes only through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. --DJD. It is according to the working (energeian, energetic power, from which comes the Eng. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). (Pathways to His Presence), Craig Blomberg - To Let Us Experience Gods Mighty Power, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. Rab. THOUGHT - God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory! You called me out of all my shame 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. Why? God the Father gave the world to Adam. Then we begin to possess the power that God has already given us in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. How long he laid siege to our hearts! 2:12) as, strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.. Isnt that something? Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. (Eph 2:12+). Click for additional discussion on some of the aspects of the hope of this calling. It's coming together, and it's all up under the headship of Jesus Christ. These refer to various kinds of ability ranging from physical/ mental expenditure (Genesis 31:6), sexual potency (Genesis 49:3), or Gods power (Exodus 9:16; 15:6). 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. Not even Satan has the power to do that. 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. There's good news and bad news if wealth is what you want. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. That burden was placed there by the Lord as part of His calling. Usually ischus denotes power, might, strength, ability. Ancient understanding is often linked to other kinds of power or authority (e.g., dunamis, exousia; cf. In, on, among. I cant handle hearing all of the heartbreaking prayer requests for sick children, terminally ill relatives, and church members in financial turmoil.. "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. " So that you will know what is the hope of His calling- The purpose was that might be supernaturally enabled to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that their calling (their salvation that had occurred in the past) gave them ahope sure not a hope so. 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. Because he wants the field? Ruth 3 John 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 ). They are, so to speak, what he looks forward to enjoying forever. The same continuous current of His mighty power stands available to the faithful, to all who will believe. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. Megethos in the Septuagint -Ex. It is his power. 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. He will win for Himself a great name, as He turns thy desert places into gardens, and makes thy wildernesses blossom as the rose. But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. Believers already have that power. (Eph 1:18ESV) Notice how this rendering places the emphasis on God as the One Who "inherits"! Thats why he prayed for our enlightenment (Eph 1:18). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope (living because of the resurrection of Christ Who ultimately is our "Hope" as Paul states in 1Timothy 1:1 "Christ Jesus, our hope") through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Paul piles on words for power to make his point. He said that we never form adequate conceptions of the treasure of the gospel, or if we do, we cant persuade ourselves that these things pertain to us, because they are so far from what we experience. (Mark 12.30+). Hebrews 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. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. But prayer meetings often slip to the bottom of attendance records. God never has museums. What are the practical applications of this truth? (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. The power of Christ applied in the believers behalf can't be defeated because the Creator's power exceeds that of the evil created beings, Satan and his minions. 15.110; Sib. The hope of His calling is to see Him and be one with Him. Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. 1:19). As for the worldling, God gives him anything, but for the Christian, God selects the best portion, and chooses his inheritance for him. (Dt 32:9+). 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. Note however that Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. 1 Thessalonians 2:89), and we live by grace, through faith (1Cor. You have given us freedom, Johnson asks "What is the greatness of the power to us what who believe? 4:16; Phil. Rather, as Paul will go on to say, we were dead in our sins, but God raised us up. When He ascended, we ascended. 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. Thats why there is rape and famine, pollution, corruption, and death on our planet. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name (1 Chron. The only check that can ever be imposed upon the continuous current of His mighty power to usward is the self-imposed check of unbelief. But by Gods grace the word of God may change your mind and your heart. In Ephesians 1:18 the Greek word forheart is singular so that Paul is praying for each individual person's heart! They became thine in the Council chamber of eternity, when the Father gave Himself to thee in Jesus. God wants you to know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power toward believers. The heart is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, mans inward being. 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. Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." Beloved Christian, think not of what you can get from God but, rather, think of what you mean to God. The field is the world. 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. The prayer moves from God and Christ (Eph 1:17, 20-21) to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17-19) and the church (Eph 1:22-23). Imagine a couple of demons speaking. Because God's resurrection power continues to work in us, it helps us (ED: MORE ACCURATELY IT ENABLES US! The surpassing-all-limit power of God can be limited in its working only by the believer's failure to believe. (THE MEASURE OF IMMEASURABLE POWER), Surpassing (5235) (huperballo from hupr = above + bllo = cast) literally means to throw beyond the usual mark and figuratively means to excel or surpass. 1 Chronicles In them we see the possibilities of humanity, the ideal for man which God had when He created and breathed His blessing .upon him. Thus chosen, purchased, and subdued, the rights of our divine possessor are inalienable: we rejoice that we never can be our own; and we desire, day by day, to do his will, and to show forth his glory. But if we want our church to truly be the church, the things Paul prayed for here are vastly more important. In accordance (2596) (kata) not out of but according to. See more belowon what it means to be called by God. 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. Greek: pephotismenous (RPPMPA) tous ophthalmous tes kardias [humon] eis to eidenai (RAN) humas tis estin (PAI) e elpis tes kleseos autou, tis o ploutos tes doxes tes kleronomias autou en tois hagiois. 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. The inability to see and understand spiritual things is not the fault of the intelligence but of the heart. The saints knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh. 1 Peter In the NT the idea of chance attaching to the lot is eliminated for all believers we inherit all spiritual blessings in Christ. That is, probably, "the thing hoped for," because promised, at our calling (as in Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:5; Titus 2:3; Hebrews 6:18; and perhaps 1Timothy 1:1), for the other objects of knowledge with which it is here joined are certainly objective or external to ourselves. (Risen: 50 Reasons Why the Resurrection Changed Everything), The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. 12)? If then you would know why it is that some of God's children live lives so much fuller and richer than others, you must seek it in the differences of their appropriation of God. God is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (Eph. After the supplies had been purchased and were being loaded in the wagon, the owner of the store said to the boy, "Son, you have been such a good boy, I'm going to let you put your hand in the candy jar and get all the candy you can grab." I submit that this argues strongly against so-called evolution in the first creation, as it was certainly not necessary in the second (new birth) creation. We need to step out in faith and this means faith that obeys (enabled by the Spirit). 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). To give light to, to illuminate. He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Not with corruptible things, as with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Pe 1:18-19), the Lord's portion has been fully redeemed. Victory is ours! The Greek text may be interpreted in either of two ways. (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). Psalms From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Literally this verse reads, The eyes of your heart being enlightened. We think of the heart as the emotional part of man, but in the Bible, the heart means the inner man, and includes the emotions, the mind, and the will. (See The Oneness of Covenant), Harold Hoehner -Paul then used three additional words to describe Gods power. It gives off light, but it doesnt strike anything in particular. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition), Robert Gundry -The heart was considered an organ of knowing as well as of feeling. WE DON'T JUST NEED A LITTLE HELP, A LITTLE "PUSH" SO TO SPEAK, BUT WE NEED HIS SUPERNATURAL POWER - cf Php 2:13NLT+) overcome our difficulties each day. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. Another English word dynamite, is derived from dunamis and since dunamis is used by Paul to describe the "power of God", some have suggested that the gospel is "Gods dynamite". In Ephesians 1:1820, Paul prays for believers to experience Gods resurrection power through a personal, intimate relationship with God. 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. And not just barely free, either. The eye; fig: the mind's eye. Here is the reason why God is so little to us. Why would he be praying for this "Aha" enlightenment? Ephesians 1:18. -- Glenn Spencer, Glenn Spencer - Old fashioned Holy Ghost power is the need of the day. THAT THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, Cf. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. NET NOTE -The perfect participle pephotismenous (ENLIGHTENED) may either be part of the prayer ("that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened") or part of the basis of the prayer ("since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened"). It sounds vague and theoretical. He bought the world to get you. Paul wants to make certain that both Jewish and Gentile believers fully understand that there is to be no differentiation between believers. (2) The other view is that the inheritance means all that we will inherit in Christ. Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. From the grave of mortality to the throne of the eternal God, who only has immortality; from the darkness of the tomb to the insufferable light; from this small world to the centre and metropolis of the universe. When we are saved we receive all of Gods grace and all of His power, and that assures us of the realization of our eternal hope. The " heart " is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, man's inward being. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. The same divine power that created, sustains, and controls the universe secures your salvation. The fact that God exerted such mighty power to save us implies that His same mighty power will keep us. The American Standard Version reads: the eyes of your heart, not mind. Hither the Apostle Paul first went after he had been at Corinth, though he then made but a short stay; when he came thither again, he found twelve disciples, and was the instrument of making a great many more: here he continued two or three years and formed a Gospel church, very large and flourishing, to whom he writes this epistle; and which was written by him when he was a prisoner at Rome, as appears by several passages in it, \Eph 3:1 4:1 6:20\, and seems to have been written much about the same time as were the epistles to the Philippians, and to the Colossians, and to Philemon. Savor each moment. Freedom, You have given us freedom F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! 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. Believe or not! (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). 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. Having prayed then that God would enlighten the eyes of our hearts, Paul specifies three things that God wants you to know: Paul later (4:4) will talk about the hope of your calling, but here he refers to the hope of His calling. Why does he do that? Ephesians 1:19 is a power packed passage with 4 Greek synonyms for power that give a great glimpse of the God's manifold power, especially His resurrection power (cf Ro 1:4+). The average ministry is fueled by the flesh. Ephesians 3:20+ Now to Him Who is able (dunamai) to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power (dunamis) that works (energeo- present tense - continually working) within us. God gives Himself to each. Freedom, You have given us freedom Paul is praying for the Ephesians understanding of Gods work on their behalf. Deuteronomy 9:29+ Yet they are Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm.. CD players dont have needles, he said, laughing. There is no way for sinful men and women to find their way into Gods presence unless He reveals Himself and appears to us. 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 will fully gain His inheritance when the saints are removed from this earth and come into his presence. Leaning his head on the seat in front of him, he trembled. This is the miraculous power each believer has experienced at the moment of salvation and surely there is no greater manifestation of God's power than this. Paul wrote, I am compelled to preach. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers. Notice here-. If you are still the same miserable crosspatch, set on your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sanctified you. It is but a step from the bosom of the Father to His right hand. In His devotional on Dt 32:9 Spurgeon asks "How are they his? 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. 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.". Not "I hope so" but strong confidence that God is going to do good to us in future. 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 refers to the inherent strength which displays itself in the rule over others. In other words, Paul had prayed (Eph 1:17) that they might have true spiritual insight into God, and then he included the phrase, having the eyes of your heart enlightened (RSV). Later in the letter (chaps. I askask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of gloryto make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust himendless energy, boundless strength! So what are we saying? Revival and blessing come to the church when we stop looking at a picture of God and look at God Himself! 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." When you begin to understand what is the hope of His calling in your life, the assurance and certainty associated with that calling and when you begin to realize that now we only have the earnest of that calling, but that one day well have the full payment, then whatever comes your way you can stand fast on the truth of what God has accomplished for you in Christ in the past, present and future. If anyone should instill hope and bring out the best in others, it should be the Christian. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:1820). The gospel itself is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 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. There are a good number of folks who have believed and been saved who's faith hasn't grown. Eph 3:16+is another "powerful" (power full - also using dunamis) passage indicating that the Holly Spirit is the Source of this incredible supernatural power (cf Lk 4:14+ = Jesus' pattern for our lives today [1Co 11:1+]!, Acts 1:8+, Ro 15:19+, 1Co 2:4+, 1Th 1:5, Micah 3:8)! 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. Suggestions for Prayer: Pray for greater spiritual enlightenment and a clearer understanding of your security in Christ. Out of nothing, nothing comes, is the usual rule.
