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. Note that Paul writes to living saints (not dead ones), people who have put faith in Christ. Has God given this power to the believer according toEphesians 1:1920? 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. How does the Spirit enlighten you? Proper understanding of spiritual truth is not dependent on having a keen intellect but rather a tender heart! Ephesians 1:18 I. THOUGHT - MacArthur's comment makes "sense" because if you love Him, you will obey Him (Jn 14:15) and (Spirit enabled) obedience to Him opens the "windows of heaven" to have spiritual blessings poured out (in this case enlightenment) from Him. Its certainly not because of the power of the believer, but the power of God. The end of which is, that those predestinated, redeemed, and adopted ones, should be to the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:12, and who are described as such, who first trusted in Christ upon hearing the Gospel; and after they had believed in him, were sealed by the Holy Spirit, said to be the Spirit of promise, Eph 1:13, and who is also spoken of as the earnest and pledge of the saints' inheritance, and who will continue so until all the people of God are redeemed from the grave in the resurrection morn, which will also issue in the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:14, and now on account of all these blessings of predestination, adoption, redemption, calling, and the sealing of the Spirit; as also, because of their faith in Christ, and love to the saints, these believers were possessed of, the apostle gave thanks, and continued to give thanks to God in his prayers to him, Eph 1:15,16. But in Hebrew and Greek thinking, the heart was considered the seat of knowledge, thinking, and understanding. Ephesians 2:7+so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. We may not be able to conquer Satan all at once, but he cannot conquer us at all. It is said that for many years, he lived on crackers and milk because of stomach troubles caused by worrying about his wealth. Huperballo is used only 5x in the NT but 3 are in Ephesians. It is amazing that God would even need an inheritance because He owns everything (cp Ps 50:10) and yet here Moses clearly states that the Lords portion is His people. 18:1; Rev. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Kardia in Ephesians - Eph. Rom. You have given us freedom, my chains are gone We are the Lords Portion, the Lords Inheritance. We are saved by grace, through faith (Eph. Might (2479) (ischus) (see note by Wayne Barber ischus) refers to power as an enduement. Ischus is the inherent ability which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment. 7:35; 2 Ki. And so he prays that these saints might be able to grasp the breadth and length and height and depth (Eph 3:18) of the great truths in chapter one, so that they might be enabled by the indwelling Spirit and the riches of God's grace (DOCTRINAL TRUTH IN CHAPTERS 1-3) to order their steps so that they "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called." The church, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, is similarly called: You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10). Note that all three clauses (hope, inheritance, power) are linked to the verb "will know". Is this not every believers great challenge and need?! Or. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). Ephesians 1:1820. (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). They will give us the strength to persevere in godliness. For we saw (eido) His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. (Titus 2:11-14-See notes Titus 2:11; 2:12; 2:13; 2:14). Lehman Strauss - The prayer continues: " The eyes of your understanding being enlightened " (1:18). Seated with Him. Haggai What was Davids response to Gods power (v. 13)? The Holy Spirit has sealed the believer, providing the necessary down payment to give assurance and security of the eternal destination to the believer (Ephesians 1:1314). The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). As an introduction to mentioning the many afflictions he had endured for the Lord, Paul commented, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves (2 Cor. Such enlightenment is crucial because how you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live. It gives off light, but it doesnt strike anything in particular. THOUGHT - Believers in Christ are privileged to worship the Truth personified and consummated in Christ Jesus! Well, if you're in Christ, and Christ is at the right hand of God, where are you? (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. 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?" Oswald Chambers -The habit of rising to the occasion. 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. What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? Or if you are so afraid of robbers that you cannot really enjoy it? In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. Knowing with absolute certainty where we are going should give believers the confidence to live as more than conquerors now (Ro 8:37). It is truth too magnificent for words to describe which is why even Gods own revelation requires illumination of His Spirit in order for believers to begin to understand the magnitude of the blessings of salvation that exist for saints. Not a portion of but proportionate to! A. The same power that brought Christ from the dead, and set him on high, works in the salvation of every believer. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Spiritual Life, Character of God, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. 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. Now I have resurrection power living on the inside We do not ask for it we were born into its blessed privilege. Put those deficiencies together and you have the reason why we are dissatisfied and empty. What promises did God make to him (vv. As the story goes Crowfoot, the chief of the Blackfoot nation in southern Alberta, gave the Canadian Pacific Railway permission to lay track from Medicine Hat to Calgary, he was given in exchange a lifetime railroad pass. (Ibid). How does this apply? Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the Spirits transforming work within you. God may. Into the city enters nothing that defiles, or works abomination, or makes a lie. Hope (1680) (elpis) (See also study on Believer's Blessed Hope) expresses a desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it. 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. 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). God called the entire nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). 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. They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. In other words, this is not just an intellectual ability to understand or teach these truths. Your prayer will likely be a welcome reminder to others. It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. Long before he laid down earths 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. There must be no reserve put on any part of our being. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). 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! The Lord pursued His disobedient servant until Jonah submitted himself to the call. This certainty is provided in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us from the Word, and then gives us the wisdom to understand and apply it. Habakkuk We will be with Him forever in heaven, where there will be no suffering or tears or death. Zina21 March 3, 2023, 9:29pm 10. Start for FREE. THAT THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED. As you pray and study Gods Word, He transforms and renews your mind (Rom. The same divine power that created, sustains, and controls the universe secures your salvation. Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. Obadiah According to Jeremiah 9:2324. I am in total agreement with you. 1:6, 14; Ezek. Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, Psalms 121:3, Philippians 4:19, James 1:17, Ephesians 1:3, Revelation 21:9, Romans 8:21-26, . We need to step out in faith and this means faith that obeys (enabled by the Spirit). I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, (Acts 26:18+), Robert Morgan illustrates the truth in this verse with the following story - Recently when my CD player died, I asked a friend to look at it. With that thought in mind a more accurate rendering is that of Wuest who has "the eyes of your heart being in an enlightened state with a view to your knowing what is the hope of His calling." And not just for the time being, but forever. Undefiled! The emphasis is not on that which is little, but rather that which starts out small and grows into something bigger and stronger. 119:18) or other spiritual realities (2 Kings 6:17). Reprinted by permission. "That you will know" Recall Paul's pronouncement of truth in Colossians 1:27 that believers (Jews and Gentiles) now have Christ in them and that this is their hope of glory. Paul does not want these believers to be like Chief Crowfoot. Together we can help each other achieve great things for Him. Revival and blessing come to the church when we stop looking at a picture of God and look at God Himself! What kind of riches are you looking for? 2:14+). 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. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary), John MacArthur has an excellent discussion of this verse - Paul uses four different Greek synonyms to emphasize the greatness of that power. it is the satisfaction of God's people to believe in this exalting truth that he chooses their inheritance for them. From this Verse - Robert Morgan -The Boxer and the Businessman (From This Verse). NIDNTT says that in classical Greek the root word "kleros is derived from klao, break. BGT [] , , Amplified: By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), (Amplified Bible - Lockman). The hope of His calling is to see Him and be one with Him. It cannot come if, instead of hearing His voice, we are content with only an echo! You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. 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. Thus, His possession is located in the saints. (Eph 1:18ESV) Notice how this rendering places the emphasis on God as the One Who "inherits"! James It is equivalent to "the energy of the strength of his might, which He energized in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at his own right hand in the heavenlies.". Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). Ischus therefore conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. Year after year the process is repeated, until, perhaps when twenty years have come and gone, the fences are needed no longer, because the extent of occupation is commensurate with the extent of the original purchase. Faith must be exercised in all areas of Christian growth. 2:9; 2 Thess. (2Pe 1:2-4-notes 2Peter 1:2; 1:3; 1:4). 2:13). Help me tounderstand the confident hope I have in Christ Jesus my Lord. How long he laid siege to our hearts! After the service, he drove to nearby Hollywood and stopped his car in the shade of a eucalyptus tree in Franklin Park. Such a glorious hope inspires to holy living and to a hatred of all that is of this world. They are, so to speak, what he looks forward to enjoying forever. I make the best my goal; Why? Jude Thus we are His portion or inheritance which He will finally and ultimately possess throughout eternity. Paul explained (Col. 1:29), For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Laboring in His power is the antidote to burnout. The practical application of this is that your salvation does not rest on your choosing Christ, but rather on His choosing you. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2007, All Rights Reserved. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). Paul usessaints nine times - Ep 1:1+, Eph 1:15+, Eph 1:18+; Eph 2:19+;; Eph 3:8+, Eph 3:18+; Eph 4:12+; Eph 5:3+; Eph 6:18+. It was Paul who rejoiced in the confident hope that we have in Christ Jesus and he longed that others too would come to a real understanding of the incomparable riches of His grace which is expressed in his kindness towards us in Christ Jesus, and so Paul prays that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which God has called us - the riches of His glorious inheritance in US - His holy, called-out people. I dont blame you for feeling that way. But there's no hidden message in the National Research Council's verdict on such techniques. The orphans are helped, and God is glorified. But I do more than thank. Our faith in Christ did not originate with our feeble will, but with the sovereign, eternal will of God. Daniel We have the case of Elisha when the Syrian army was sent to Dothan to take him captive. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that (purpose clause- ask "What purpose?") In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. Paul describes people who do not know Christ (Eph. In the first instance it means a lot. Throughout Ephesians 1 Paul is clearly struck with the magnificence of our inheritance in Christ. This hope is of the perfection of all, which we are called to enjoy really, but imperfectly, here. Do you hunger and thirst for God as a deer does for the water brooks? There is no mortgage on his estate; no suits can be raised by opposing claimants, the price was paid in open court (1Co 6:20, Rev 5:9), and the Church is the Lord's freehold for ever. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. As saints, were Gods inheritance, His treasure, His prize. 18:23, 24.; 32:18, 19.; Josh 17:4; cf. In His devotional on Dt 32:9 Spurgeon asks "How are they his? Paul was called by God: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1; cf. Knowing God has given you His very best in Christ (Rom. free! The power which is really at work in Christian men today is in its nature When He died, we died. Do believers really have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:1920)? Eido/oida is not so much that which is known by experience as an intuitive insight that is drilled into one's heart. All of this is for Gods glory (Ephesians 1:6,12,14). KJV And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. There is a superabundance of machinery; what is wanting is power. They propagate self-effort and introspective meditation, but spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through such means. 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. The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! Thus we know that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. Remember that the first three chapters are doctrine but the last three are "duty," calling for a walk "in step" with the doctrinal truths. We are His own possession. Paul previously prays that the Ephesians would understand the hope, or certainty, of their calling and future inheritance (Ephesians 1:18). Then he adds (Calvins Commentaries [Baker reprint], on Eph. Living in the light of Your goodness I have total trust in You. 1:9), God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. Knowing that you are saved because in eternity God purposed to save you and that His purpose is certain, will give you assurance you when youre struggling with doubt or failure. (NLT - Tyndale House), Phillips: that you may receive that inner illumination of the spirit which will make you realise how great is the hope to which He is calling you - the magnificence and splendour of the inheritance promised to Christians - (Phillips: Touchstone), Wuest: the eyes of your heart being in an enlightened state with a view to your knowing what is the hope of His calling, what is the wealth of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,(Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission), Young's Literal: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, for your knowing what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. The context for this passage is important. And yet what food for faith. The idea is to cause something to be fully known by revealing clearly and in some detail. The Kleronomos is one who has been given a kleros, the inheritor. So the kindred adjective . The better we truly know the "hope of His calling", That call became his motivating force. 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. He has just prayed that God would give to them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. LXX translates with apokalupto from ap = from + kalpto = cover, conceal which means literally to uncover and so to remove the veil or covering exposing to open view what was before hidden. This same truth is found in the first epistle of Peter where we read that believers are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1Pe 2:9+). 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. ESV having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. 1:11; 3:4; Zech. 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." Hosea What a battle He had in us before we would be won! From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation. Now the eyes of the believers heart must be continually taken up with his Lord in order that his knowledge of spiritual truth might increase. He bought the world to get the treasure. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), Mal Couch - While this is Pauls great desire, that believers truly have a deep spiritual understanding about their relationship with the Lord, this is rarely achieved by the average Christian. What are the practical applications of this truth? It was everlasting power. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. This is misapplication of this English derivative in an attempt to try to picture the life saving power of the gospel. And not just barely free, either. He has called us to a completed righteousness and to the completed redemption of our bodies. In Ephesians 1:314 Paul proclaims the blessings of our salvation. Paul wrote, I am compelled to preach. What does this "working of the strength of His might" look like? Thus here Paul is emphasizing Gods power that already saved us rather than the power that He gives to sustain us. 20:27) (Deut. Here are the other two uses in Ephesians. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. 1:4; 2:37; 3:4, 20; 4:1, 13f, 21ff, 30f; 5:7; 7:7; 8:6f, 22, 24; 10:8, 16f; 11:1, 6f, 10, 15, 17, 19, 25, 34; Hos. He knows that future hope has the potential to motivate us to present obedience. Did you see it? Working, strength, and might or mighty further describe this power. He will put into thee the grace that thou shalt give back to Him in fruit. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. 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. How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. I feel now that I want to serve God, if He can use me, instead of making the goal of my life the making of money. WithoutGodspower, these things would not be possible (seeLuke 18:2627). Having been enlightened rests on the observation that you cant see in the dark and implies that the addressees used to live in mental darkness but that at conversion they were transferred into the realm of mental light, so that now they can see what the Spirit reveals to them (Eph 4:1718; Eph 5:8; Colossians 1:13). How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. In the Mississippi River, right? (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). God never has museums. Salem Media Group. Yes, we are, indeed, the conquered captives of his omnipotent love. The power he prays we will know is literally according to the power of the strength of his might which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead (vv. TECHNICAL NOTE - There are 25 compounds with huper in the NT, and 16 are found only in the Pauline Epistles. 15.110; Sib. But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. by Theodore Epp - Ephesians 1: 19-23 The Scriptures frequently refer to God's power as it relates to the believer. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study 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. There is nothing too difficult for him. A day is as a thousand years. (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. His faith that God will strengthen me 8:29;I John 3:1-2). John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. The power of God that was wrought, by God in Christ works in me. Believers already have that power. Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. In this passage energeia describes the active, energetic, productive power of the Spirit of God at work. How much divine energy is at my disposal? Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Only here in the NT (hapax legomenon)BDAG -1. quality of exceeding a standard involving physical magnitude (size),2. quality of exceeding a standard of excellence, greatness.". He argues (p. 391) that Pauls object in this section is to give the saints assurance and certainty in their faith. 2:14). We have been called by grace, to glory. 29:1113). In this chapter are contained the inscription of the epistle, the salutation of the persons to whom it is written, the apostle's thanksgiving for blessings received by him, and them; in which the efficient, moving, procuring, and final causes of salvation are taken notice of, and the several parts and branches of it observed; and the whole is concluded with prayers for the Ephesians; in which mention is made of various things to the comfort of the saints, and to the glory of Christ. 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). Rab. Hoehner adds that "According to Aristotle is actual power whereas is potential power. can ignite great endeavors. Ephesians (Ephesians 1:19) We are bidden to follow our Master in his up ward track, and to sit with Him, in daily happy experience, where He is already seated at the right hand of God. Leon Tucker wrote the following words back in 1917: "Power is the one thing the church of God needs most and has least. (Brown, Colin, Editor. Having all our needs met by God (Philippians 4:19) (see note), The "wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33) (see note). THE POWER OF GOD IN THE ASCENSION LIFE. I pray that you may know what is the hope of [Gods] calling (Eph. In other words, if we now have come to believe in Christ, we can know that it took nothing less than Gods mighty power to bring us to that point. 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. We have an inheritance in him, and he has an inheritance in us. The succession of ideas follows the order of conversion--first, "calling;" then acceptance to "inheritance;" lastly, "inward working of divine power" in the accepted. (1Pe 1:3-5-See notes 1 Peter 1:3; 1:4; 1:5), Comment: Our "living hope" guarantees our inheritance, our protection until the revelation of our the final aspect of our salvation - glorification - when Christ returns "in the last time", Hoehner explains the relation of hope and calling -The genitive that follows (, calling) could be a genitive of source, hope has its origin in his call or more likely a subjective genitive hope produced by his calling (cf.