(Dt 32:9+). At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. It is God who is at work in you, Paul assures us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. NET since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints. KJV The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. We have an inheritance in him, and he has an inheritance in us. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. Thus ability (Mt. The resurrection power that raised up the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is the power that works in every single believer. And not just for the time being, but forever. Our salvation from start to finish is due to the surpassing greatness of His power! 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. THOUGHT -Is your heart tender to the Word 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.. The world gets in the way, sin does its dirty deed, and carnality and strife and bitterness can rule. Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. No spendthrift hand can scatter or over-spend its treasures. 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. The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. 1 Corinthians 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. 10:10): a strong consolation (Heb6:18): a mighty angel (Rev18:21). We have been called by grace, to glory. Kratos means strength or might, the power to rule or control or exert dominion (power to rule, supreme authority, sovereignty, the right to govern or rule or determine). 2 Peter 2:11 (note) whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. 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. 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. But, as we do with so many owners manuals, we read it superficially or hardly at all and then wonder why the Christian life isnt working the way its supposed to! Physically, we are here; but, in Christ, we have been raised. The devil hopes you don't understand this. Jonah was called by God but refused to surrender to that call; instead, he ran the other way (Jonah 1:13). Here it is the other way around. We were designed before the foundation of the world to be His workmanship, glorifying Him as we bring forth the fruit He desires (Ephesians 1:45;2:10). My hope is built on nothing less Paul would have us appreciate our dignity. For long days he travels, towards his inheritance and presently pitches his flimsy shanty upon its borders. Mark 12:30+ and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. How does this apply? (Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation). 8:28)! And not just barely free, either. 29:1113). BGT . 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. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. Used by permission of NavPress. 2:9; 2 Thess. The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. POWER FOR EVERY SAINT. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. Sunday I went up to Los Angeles and heard Paul Rader preach. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. But a treasure far greater is mine; Jdg. It seems to be parenthetical, as in the KJV, ASV, and RSV (ED: NRSV = "so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened"). -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. He bought the world to get you. No, not at all. He also gives us the powerthe enablementto practice the truth (Eph. 3:24; 4:37; 8:17f; 9:26, 29; 26:8; 32:13; 33:11, 25, 27; Jos. The better we truly know the "hope of His calling", Practice these truths enabled by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. As priests, these sons certainly understood the facts about God, but they did not have a relationship with him. What did God require of him (vv. Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. 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"). On the Saturday before, California businessman Charles Fuller read about Raders visit in the newspaper. If anyone should instill hope and bring out the best in others, it should be the Christian. Jesus, You have given us freedom You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. But where are You?. When he prayed that believers would know Gods incomparably great power, his idea of knowing came right from the Old Testament. 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. Ischus therefore conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. Camp out here in a letter that begins with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly in Christ." 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. In summary, because we are in Christ and He is in us, believers possess resurrection (and ascension) power, and Paul's prayer is for the Spirit to shine the light on this incredible, difficult to comprehend truth that we might know it beyond a "shadow of a doubt" and live in the light of this truth. Or if you are so afraid of robbers that you cannot really enjoy it? (Bible Knowledge Commentary), In another note Hoehner writes that "The word kleronomia occurred in Eph 1:14 and basically means property, possession, or inheritance. They are, so to speak, what he looks forward to enjoying forever. F B Meyer commenting on inheritance in 1Peter 1:4-notesees it asview #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! In the NT the idea of chance attaching to the lot is eliminated for all believers we inherit all spiritual blessings in Christ. Romans 8:24-25 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? THOUGHT - God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory! WALK IN THE SPIRIT. Start for FREE. Paul presents a fourfold demonstration of the very same power which God makes available to believers - God raised Him from the dead (Ep 1:20 -note), seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:20), subjected all things under His feet (Ep 1:22-note), and gave Him as head over the church (Ephesians 1:22). (Meyer, F B: Our Daily Homily). 4:11; 1 Pet. How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? 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." Jesus used the word in this sense when He said, Many are called, but few are chosen (Matt. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural. Have you ever wondered why church prayer meetings tend to have low turnouts? In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul asked God to enlighten their eyes so they could better understand the message encoded in His Word. 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. Dunamis is, however, mostly power in action, as in the frequent use of dunamis for miracles, mighty works, they being exhibitions of divine virtue. This time, Jonah did. 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. From this Verse - Robert Morgan -The Boxer and the Businessman (From This Verse). Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 15:19). And so the ESV Study Bible comments that "The inheritance here is not the Christians inheritance but his (Gods). 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) NET NOTE has an interesting comment that a paraphrase reads "Since you are enlightened by Gods Spirit, I pray that you may comprehend the hope to which he has called you, the spiritual riches that await the saints in glory, and the spiritual power that is available to the saints now. Thus, the prayer focuses on all three temporal aspects of our salvation as these are embedded in the genitivesthe past (calling), the future (inheritance), and the present (power toward us who believe). But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Our dear Father "has blessed (past tense - it is a completed act!) . While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! free! You called me out of all my shame Hoehner introduces the last section of chapter 1 -Paul prayed that they might know God more intimately in order to comprehend three things. Ephesians 1:1820. The next time we feel weak, we need to recall this passage to our mind (a present imperative command in Php 4:8-note), not in the sense of "mind over matter" but in the sense that this is what is true about us, a truth that we need to walk in by faith (2Cor 5:7, Col 2:6), even (especially) during those times we feel weak (cp 2Cor 12:9-10-note) or inadequate (2Cor 3:5-6-note, 1Cor 15:10-note). Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? I cant handle hearing all of the heartbreaking prayer requests for sick children, terminally ill relatives, and church members in financial turmoil.. The eyes of your heart will be enlightened! 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. Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. 5:13. Colossians It is according to the working (energeian, energetic power, from which comes the Eng. 10:32; Rev. John Piper - Resurrection Power Now - So my message for believers in Jesus is this: The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and what became of him after his resurrection, shows the greatness of Gods power toward us now in this life. Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? Revival and blessing come to the church when we stop looking at a picture of God and look at God Himself! To ask God for more power is an affront to His gracious love which already has provided us everything. It is the power of God that made this possible. Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). 12:29): a mighty famine (Lk15:14): his letters are powerful (2 Cor. God's power goes far beyond all other power. Here is the reason why God is so little to us. Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). Glory (1391) (doxa) in this context seems to refer to the splendour, brightness or the brightness, shining or radiance. The power of God we experience in our lives is the same power by which God raised Jesus Christ from death. A strong man (Mt. Hoehner on kratos -In the NT it is used twelve times, four times by Paul, twice in Ephesians (1:19; 6:10) and it always has reference to supernatural power: once of the devil (Heb 2:14), and the other eleven times of God. Hoehner adds that "Paul is not saying that the power is available at moments of belief, but rather he is stating that the power is available to believers. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Wiersbe -The very power that raised Jesus from the dead is available for our daily lives! This expression was often used metaphorically for faith (Pss. John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. All Christians have the same hope. But I do more than thank. It means to make known in reference to the inner life or transcendent matters and thus shed light upon. 2:89), and we live by grace, through faith (1Cor. Don't you think it's time all Heaven broke loose? And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? In fact, the Greek word translated church in the New Testament means a called-out assembly. The call to salvation involves conforming us to the image of his Son. His election and call to salvation are part of an eternal plan for us that guarantees our inheritance in heaven: And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified (Romans 8:2930). 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. Amos Ephesians 1:7,11 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; , Ephesians 3:8,16 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; . (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. Ephesians 1:1920is not stating that believers have received the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. 2123). He does not tell us, but other words in this letter, in the other great prayer which it contains, may help us to supply the missing words. But their willingness to persevere assured victory, for Hannibal could never conquer them. 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. Third is kratos (strength), which may also be translated dominion (1 Ti 6:16) or power (Heb. 2 Timothy 6:23; 1 Ki. Hoehner adds this description on elpis -In Greek thought hope consists merely of a consoling dream of the imagination designed to forget the present troubles but yet leaving one with many uncertainties. (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. They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? No. She discusses her burden with her pastor and her spiritual mentor. The power of God that was wrought, by God in Christ works in me. Believe (4100) (pisteuo) refers not just to an intellectual assent to the truths of the gospel but to a saving belief that effects the heart, resulting in a transformed, supernaturally directed conduct based on the truth believed. The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power Toward Us God never gives niggardly to His children but according to the (infinite) riches of His grace! What a disappointment to someone who helped contribute to that $50 million figure! Our Lord never dictated to His Father, and we are not here to dictate to God; we are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. There are too many Christians trying to do the work of God without first being filled with God. This is a wonderful truth. Young's Literal: and what the exceeding greatness of His power to us who are believing, according to the working of the power of His might, AND WHAT IS THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA). A marvellous lift was there! NLT: I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. We discover our call to a specific area of service by walking closely with the Lord, practicing obedience, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:12;Colossians 1:10). Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Languagecopyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. 1:11; 3:4; Zech. Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. That yet I must not see; Such a glorious hope inspires to holy living and to a hatred of all that is of this world. He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. The Son has accomplished redemption through His death (Ephesians 1:7) and provided the necessary provisions for an inheritance for the believer (verse 11). It is these riches that we must seek, enjoy, and use to glorify their sourceour heavenly Father.Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. It is His capability to function effectively. 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. Genesis . Kleros may be used in the plural, but kleronomia is never so used. All rights reserved. That we might know God better (Ep 1:17). The field is the world. You have given us freedom, my chains are gone Just as the Jews were formerly Gods chosen inheritance, now His inheritance is in the saints, the church, made up of Jewish and Gentile believers on equal footing. God intends that His work be accomplished by His power. Kleronomia has the richer associations in the context of salvation history. 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 Holy Spirit reveals truth to us from the Word, and then gives us the wisdom to understand and apply it. All rights reserved), The treasures of earth are not mine, 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! His faith that God will strengthen me Hartzler. But prayer meetings often slip to the bottom of attendance records. The heart is the seat of emotions in some cultures, but in the Greek culture it was not. It means to attain a degree that extraordinarily exceeds a point on a scale of extent. Because of this event, the believer can have assurance that the same powerthe immeasurable power of Godis working on his behalf today and will continue to provide what he needs until he arrives in heaven. Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. Kleronomia is the portion or heritage which one receives by virtue of birth or by special gift from someone who has died (Lk 12:13). But with God this shall never be. John D. Rockefeller was the worlds first billionaire. 3:20). Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." May God not find the whine in us any more, but may He find us full of spiritual pluck and athleticism, ready to face anything He brings. God gives Himself to each. (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. 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. If we want to know what the Divine Power can make of us, let us turn to look with the eye of faith upon what it has made of Jesus Christ. 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. QUESTION -What does it mean to be called by God? Note: This discussion of kleronomia is the same explanatory note that is found in Ephesians 1:14-note (if you have already read that one). All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). How much spiritual strength is available for me in my daily life? Malachi Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. can ignite great endeavors. The eyes of the heart must be opened by the Spirit of God. 1:18). Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners upon earth, can stay the hand of God's grace when it intends to convert a man. Throughout Scripture, the word hope always refers to that which is coming, to that which is ahead. Paul is praying for the Ephesians to be able to supernaturally grasp the truths in Ephesians 1:3-14 where we see that saints are (1) chosen (Eph 1:4+), (2) predestined (Eph 1:5+,, Eph 1:11+), (3) adopted as sons (Eph 1:5+), (4) accepted in the Beloved (Eph 1:6+- see article Accepted in the Beloved), (5) redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7+), (6) forgiven (Eph 1:7+), (7) sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ep 1:13+) and (8) given the earnest of our inheritance (Ep 1:14+). Living in the light of Your goodness | GotQuestions.org, What does God mean when He says, Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)? (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. (1Cor 6:19, 20+). The devil can distract you, and he can even cause you to stumble, but he cannot steal the promises of God unless you let him. 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. 2:4): strength of sin (1 Cor. He chose them, and set his love upon them. Then he adds (Calvins Commentaries [Baker reprint], on Eph. Ephesians ANSWER -The Bible often mentions people being called by God for a specific ministry or service. Here in Ephesians Paul first prays for God to grant them a true experiential knowledge (epignosis) of God (Eph 1:17) and then in Ephesians 1:18 appeals to God to illuminate their tender hearts, the very core of their being, with an intuitive, beyond a chance of doubt knowledge (eido) on three specific issues - hope, riches of His inheritance and 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. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, Nahum These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. 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. Odes Sol. And so they liken them to fruit and branch and root; but we need simply say that the gathering together of words so nearly co-extensive in their meaning is witness to the effort to condense the infinite within the bounds of human tongue, to speak the unspeakable; and that these reiterated expressions, like the blows of the billows that succeed one another on the beach, are hints of the force of the infinite ocean that lies behind 'According to the working of the strength of the might which He wrought in Christ' - the Resurrection, the Ascension, the session at the right hand of God, the rule over all creatures, and the exaltation above all things on earth or in the heavens - these are the facts which the Apostle brings before us as the pattern-works, the chefs-d'oeuvre of the power that is operating in all Christians. 5:11; Jude 1:25; Rev. One demon says to the other, "Demon, if those liberal theologians ever really let Jesus Christ out of that tomb, and those so-called Baptist preachers begin to preach itwhew! (2Pe 2:11+). Setup Size: 8.9 GB. 3:8; 4:13; 5:4; 7:16; Nah. All members of the true church are called to the one destiny of being taken out of this world, being like Christ [1John 3:2], and sharing His glory forever. 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. 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. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. Dr. Hammond thinks it was written about the year 58, and Dr. Lightfoot places it in 59, and the fifth year of Nero. But what a high and lofty ideal the apostle sets forth. How can we begin to fathom a prayer like that?