He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. There is no way for sinful men and women to find their way into Gods presence unless He reveals Himself and appears to us. 4:18 = hardness of heart; Eph. Maybe youre saying, Is that ever true! Numbers This power was irresistible. Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. 9:23; 10:12; 15:10, 13; 16:19; 20:5; 23:10; 27:5; 32:17; 49:16; 51:15, 53; Lam. 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?") money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. Jesus was not teaching us that a little faith could accomplish great things. We are mean enough to wish to make all we can of God, and to give Him as little as possible of ourselves. From hagos; sacred. This is what Jesus meant when He said of the people: They seeing see not, and hearing they hear not (Mt 13:13). Aristotle (Rhet., i., 5) says strength (ischus)is the power of moving another as one wills; and that other is to be moved either by drawing or pushing or carrying or pressing or compressing; so that the strong (ho ischuros) is strong for all or for some of these things.. 36.2; 59.3). Lord, where are You? you cry. 25:15): virtue (Mk 5:30): power (Lk24:29; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. Take every opportunity in this long, long day youre in to thank the Father for the opportunity to store up treasure which will make you rich for eternity. He will win for Himself a great name, as He turns thy desert places into gardens, and makes thy wildernesses blossom as the rose. The surpassing greatness of Gods power is given to every believer, not just to those who believe and then have a mystical experience, second blessing, or some other supposed additional work of grace. Cf. God is the Master Engineer, He allows the difficulties to come in order to see if you can vault over them properlyBy my God have I leaped over a wall. God will never shield you from any of the requirements of a son or daughter of His. Mighty strength in our inner being, "through His Spirit" (Ephesians 3:16-note). Don't you think it's time all Heaven broke loose? Its certainly not because of the power of the believer, but the power of God. How much divine energy is at my disposal? (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. Such activity is a far cry from what God intended and expects the local Church to be. - 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. We have been called, chosen, justified, and glorified for we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and are become his chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. It is simply providing hope and certainty for the believer, who has assurance because of the power that raised Jesus from the dead. You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in. We need to go back and read the manual carefully, asking God to give us His wisdom and understanding. The "heart" in Scripture speaks of the very center and core of one's life, the seat of thoughts and moral judgments. It can be used of the power of growth, of the powers of nature, of the power of a drug, of the power of a mans genius. 1:10; Heb. 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. Col 1:28) also I labor, striving according to His power (dunamis), which mightily works (energeo- present tense - continually works) within me. What an objective in prayer! 1 Corinthians 28:9; 33:12; 78:62, 71; 106:5, 40; Isa. The fault is with themselves. that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application. 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. He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Romans 5:4,5 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: . He has just prayed that God would give to them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. The eyes of the heart must be opened by the Spirit of God. 1. Jesus, You have given us freedom In the Mississippi River, right? . How blessed is God! (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). Exodus 2 Thessalonians 1:9 And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. It does not correspond to experience, and so you instinctively feel like this sermon is going to be like a piece of fiction. And what a blessing he is! 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. David wrote, Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. Paul would have us appreciate our dignity. The other day, when travelling in Scotland, I was introduced to some farmers whose soil was naturally of the poorest description; and yet, in answer to my inquiries, I found that they were able to raise crops of considerable weight and value. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. Now back to Paul's prayer, the point is that when the Holy Spirit opens the spiritual eyes of the heart of Paul's readers, they will be able to perceive and to know these great truths intuitively with a positive knowledge beyond a chance of a doubt. Jude The Lord, however, says, Not so fast. 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). The power of God that was wrought, by God in Christ works in me. (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. 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. dunamis) refers to a spiritually dynamic living force. When He died, we died. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. For Further Study: Read Genesis 2733, noting how God used the events of Jacobs life to transform his weak spiritual commitment to one that was strong and unconditional (see especially Gen. 28:2022; 32:912). The little boy just stood there and made no move for the candy. 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. In verse 18 he prays that we will comprehend those great truths, which he summarizes in the phrase, the hope of His calling.. 15:10-note). Is not this the secret of any grace or wealth there is in Christian lives? 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. 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. Enlightened (5461) (photizo from phos = light) means to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it. Salem Media Group. So the kindred adjective . This magnificent accumulation of words for power underscores the magnitude of Gods great power available to Christians. (Eph 2:12+). (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. 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. 20:27) (Deut. Ye may know what is the hope of his calling. (The Reciprocal Inheritance). The Kleronomos is one who has been given a kleros, the inheritor. Proud member Let this incomparable truth stir within your heart a passionate desire that He may be glorified in you more fully each day until that great day dawns for which both He and we look with such fervent expectation. POWER FOR EVERY SAINT. There are a good number of folks who have believed and been saved who's faith hasn't grown. 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. Notice that pisteuo is in the present tense which describes those who are continuously believing as for example would be demonstrated by their lifestyle, which is generally (not perfectly) directed God-ward and Heaven-ward (homeward). 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. All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, 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. God gives usspiritual giftsto aid us in our call to service. 1QS 11:36). From her own people Rome raised an army, animated it with patriotism, and ordered it to fight. (The 365 Day Devotional Commentary). 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." Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. Gods gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). No longer bound by sin and darkness What promises did God make to him (vv. Love will only give itself to love. Why is it important to know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints? It abounded with orators and philosophers, and men of great wisdom and learning {c}; and was formerly a very rich, trading, flourishing city, but now a village, and a poor desolate place; it retains the name of Efeso, though the Turks call it Aia Salik. 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. Hes not interested in the world. his incomparably great power for us who believe. I see the old has passed away The world can't understand it, but we can. 14:13, 17; 24:18; Deut. The average ministry is fueled by the flesh. As you pray and study Gods Word, He transforms and renews your mind (Rom. 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. Eido/oida is a perception, a being aware of, an understanding, an intuitive knowledge which in the case of believers can only be given by the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, eido/oida often refers more to an intuitive knowledge, although this distinction is not always clear cut. No one can do the work of God successfully without being filled with the Holy Spirit. None of us has to live a defeated life. (See Ro 5:1, 2+). I pray that you may know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. 3:20). Thus, it seems that the author is saying, "I know that you are saved, that you have had the blinders of the devil removed; because of this, I can now pray that you will fully understand and see the light of God's glorious revelation." synkleronomos is a fellow heir, and kleronomeo means be an heir, inherit. Man can supply the energy, enterprise and enthusiasm for things human. Second, this enlightenment comes to the heart of the believer (Eph. 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. (Ephesians Through Revelation). Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: Ephesians 1:18 Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened (Ephes. He will occupy and keep thee. | GotQuestions.org, Is there any power in positive thinking? Here Paul in effect prays that they would come to a beyond the shadow of a doubt knowledge of the hope of their calling, God's inheritance in them and their power. 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. 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.". How could they have more than what they had? 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. Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. He wants them to fully grasp the nature of all three aspects of their salvation. Paul is "struggling" to say what cannot be said. When we really grasp this amazing truth, all we can do is worship and glorify our precious Saviour and occupy our time, redeeming the days as we wait expectantly for His blessed appearing. Although the participle follows the hinaof Eph 1:17, it is awkward grammatically in the clause. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). This power is active, dynamic, and compellingand it is mightily at work on your behalf. Here is the reason why God is so little to us. 10:13; Eph. What are the practical applications of this truth? To give light to, to illuminate. (Titus 2:11-14-See notes Titus 2:11; 2:12; 2:13; 2:14). By his own sovereign choice. 2:4): strength of sin (1 Cor. 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. Perhaps it is because many of us assume in advance how the meeting will go. How much spiritual strength is available for me in my daily life? This is obvious when the writer of Genesis says that Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived (Gen. 4:1 ESV, emphasis added). For there is a difference between ability (dunamin) and strength (ischuo). It is Christs coming to take His own to be with Himself. 2 Kings Yes, God's Word promises us great richestreasures that we cannot even attempt to purchase with any amount of money. I, Paul, am under Gods plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. 4:1; Song 2:7; 3:5; 5:8; 8:4; Is. For Further Study: Joshuas call to lead Israel was not a call to salvation, but it illustrates some important principles for spiritual leadership. The passive voice indicates that this action is performed on the subject by an outside source, clearly implying the work of the Holy Spirit (aka divine passive). You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. All rights reserved. The Son has accomplished redemption through His death (Ephesians 1:7) and provided the necessary provisions for an inheritance for the believer (verse 11). He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. It is said that for many years, he lived on crackers and milk because of stomach troubles caused by worrying about his wealth. It is God who is at work in you, Paul assures us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. (Psalm 119:18-see commentaryor related commentary). But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. (Ephesians- Life In The Heights), THOUGHT - Remember that believers are called to be imitators of Jesus (1Cor 11:1+, cf 1Jn 2:6+, 1Pe 2:21+) and in that light we need to recall that during Jesus' earthly ministry, He lived out His life in the power of the Holy Spirit. by Theodore Epp - Ephesians 1: 19-23 The Scriptures frequently refer to God's power as it relates to the believer. Sometimes the passing enticements of this world seek to blind our eyes to the riches of the glorious inheritance that we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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). The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. THOUGHT - God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory! There is a superabundance of machinery; what is wanting is power. Ephesians 6:10 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. 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. 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. And then look at our Lord now at the right hand of the Father on high. Ruth The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. 4:18), being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart. In other words, sin blinds the minds of unbelievers and renders them incapable of understanding the truth of the gospel, unless God opens their blind eyes (2 Cor.