Many Old Testament texts speak of Israel as Gods chosen portion or inheritance. What does this "working of the strength of His might" look like? In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul asked God to enlighten their eyes so they could better understand the message encoded in His Word. His inheritance is in His saints. 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. -- when His heart shall be fully satisfied in His inheritance, for His glory shall be perfectly manifested in the saints. 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! O child of God, thy estate has been procured at the cost of blood and tears; but thou didst not buy it! It is a mystery that God should find his inheritance and portion in the love of men and women like ourselves. As for the worldling, God gives him anything, but for the Christian, God selects the best portion, and chooses his inheritance for him. Rather, as Paul will go on to say, we were dead in our sins, but God raised us up. Inheritance (2817) (kleronomiafrom kleros = a lot + nemo = to distribute) (see study of related Kleronomos) (see second word study kleronomia) is originally a portion which one receives by lot in a general distribution. James And then look at our Lord now at the right hand of the Father on high. (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. Acts 16:14+ A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened (dianoigo) her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 5:16). ANSWER -Ephesians 1contains Pauls amazing prayer for the believers in Ephesus. The salutation is in Eph 1:2, which is common to all his epistles: and in Eph 1:3, is the thanksgiving to God, as the God and Father of Christ, for spiritual blessings in Christ in general; and then he proceeds to particulars, and begins with election, which is represented as an act of God the Father, as of particular persons, as done in Christ, and from the foundation of the world, the end of which is perfect holiness and love, Eph 1:4, and which is further illustrated under the name of predestination; the blessing which that is an appointment to, is the adoption of children; the moving cause of it, is the good pleasure of the divine will; the instrumental cause, or means, is Christ Jesus; the end with God is for himself, Eph 1:5, and which, in the next verse, is explained of the glory of his grace; to which grace, acceptance with him in Christ is owing; and which is another spiritual blessing, or a branch of election and predestination, Eph 1:6. Kleronomia is literally what is received as a gift from someone who has died, but figuratively as in this verse it refers in a religious sense to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits. How might the believer have certainty in the hope mentioned inEphesians 1:18? A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. Morning and Evening, Spurgeon - In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power. Philippians 34:8; 1Pe 2:3), smell (Phil. 3:20). Ezra 9:8 But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. 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. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! The proper exercise of this power requires continuous faith in Christ, just as we believed in Him at conversion. Rather, if we are the called according to Gods purpose, then we know that He is actively working all things together for our good, both in time and in eternity (Rom. 19:25; 47:6; 63:17; Jer. The child that lies in yonder cradle, over which the coronet is emblazoned, may claim his broad ancestral estates simply by right of birth: and it is on that tenure that the saints hold heaven. Exodus 28:1). I have a heritage of joy, For less than $5/mo. Yes, there are dark spiritual powers at work behind the problems Paul discusses in Ephesiansanger, stealing, bitterness, slander, sexual immorality, greed, deception, and so on. Eph. They sigh at the foot of cliffs they cannot scale. She begins to pray for direction. Already we have noted that God made us His heritage that we should be to the praise of His glory (1:11-12). While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. What is the difference between kleros and kleronomia (in the context of the uses in the Septuagint)? Paul wrote (Phil. 11:22]). In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul is praying that God would give the saints a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the true knowledge of Him. What a battle He had in us before we would be won! | GotQuestions.org, What is the power of the Holy Spirit? 4:18; 2Co 2:14), and touch (Acts 17:27). Thus, Love the Lord thy God with all thy strength (Mk 12:30): according to the working of his mighty power (Eph. The Lord, however, says, Not so fast. This expression was often used metaphorically for faith (Pss. Our dear Father "has blessed (past tense - it is a completed act!) (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). THOUGHT - God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory! God glories in his saints. Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 2:9f; 28:20, 22; 30:4; 2 Sam. 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. Philemon God had placed a call on Pauls life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:1516). 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. And may I know the riches of my glorious inheritance that is awaiting me and all who trust in Jesus as Saviour. The same continuous current of His mighty power stands available to the faithful, to all who will believe. 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. Samuel Chadwick writes: "The Church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure. A little spark of accomplishment Imagine a couple of demons speaking. 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. Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. The same power that brought Christ from the dead, and set him on high, works in the salvation of every believer. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. The devil hopes you don't understand this. 15:56). Exodus Riches (4149) (ploutos) refers to the abundance of earthly goods, but here refers to spiritual abundance. Later in the letter (chaps. Freedom, You have given us freedom dunamis) refers to a spiritually dynamic living force. ", Toward (1519) (eis) motion toward = marking that which any person or thing inclines toward (in this case genuine belief). Together we can help each other achieve great things for Him. Believers already have that power. God's power is made available to us by His indwelling presence. Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Glory (1391) (doxa) in this context seems to refer to the splendour, brightness or the brightness, shining or radiance. 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. (THE MEASURE OF IMMEASURABLE POWER). It is a free gift, and yet we have a right to it. It is but a step from the bosom of the Father to His right hand. Some have learnt the happy art of receiving and utilizing every square inch if we may use the expression of that knowledge of God which has been revealed to them. Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. The next time you participate in a group prayer session, speak up with a bold heart and give honor to the almighty God. There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. I finally see what youre telling me, Lord!" Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 18, 2019 (message contributor) . 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. These things are brought about by the power of God for the believer. He has just prayed that God would give to them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. How blessed is God! Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. He speaks of the 'love of Christ which passeth knowledge,' and of God being 'able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.' They remain in bondage, depressed, and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened- Physical eyes (or ears) cannot see (hear) these deeper truths. The Christian needs supernatural power, and God would have us see how great is His power to accomplish His purposes in us. After addressing the role and example of Gods power inEphesians 1:114, Paul then informs the Ephesians that he gives thanks for them and their faith (verses 1516). (Daily Bible Study). 1QS 11:36). God called the entire nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). The resurrection power that raised up the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is the power that works in every single believer. 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. Mighty strength in our inner being, "through His Spirit" (Ephesians 3:16-note). As stated above, because of Christ's work for us on the Cross means that in light of the truth that believers have"been justified (declared righteous or in right standing before God, acquitted of our sins) by faith, we have peace with God (cf peace "of" God in Php 4:6-7+where peace depends on how we respond to our circumstances, testings, etc, and if we do by walking in the Spirit as commanded in Gal 5:16+, He gives us peace of God, the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22+) through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand (perfect tense speaks of the permanence or abiding nature of this condition) and we exult (continually boast, rejoice) in hope of the glory of God ( = when we see Jesus face to face - 1Jn 3:2-3+)." By it He speaks to the soul, grants saving faith, and ushers elect sinners into salvation (John 6:3744, 65; Acts 2:39). . What did Paul ask? The first phrase of verse 18 is literally, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened. I understand it to be explaining in more specific detail Pauls words in verse 17, that God would give us a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the true knowledge of Him. To know these spiritual truths, God must open our eyes. Even the ancients considered the heart to be the very center of a person -- the center of knowledge, understanding, thinking, wisdom. (Ibid). 119:18; John 3:3), hear (Mt. This same power resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us. Also of the angelic powers (Eph1:21; Ro8:38; 1 Pet3:22). In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). Such activity is a far cry from what God intended and expects the local Church to be. Leon Tucker wrote the following words back in 1917: "Power is the one thing the church of God needs most and has least. God may. All rights reserved), The treasures of earth are not mine, As you pray and study Gods Word, He transforms and renews your mind (Rom. When we are faithful to the call to obedience, He can call us to more specific areas (seeLuke 16:10).GotQuestions.org. properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. He bought the world to get you. Cold, with the coldness of death. This power is only for Christians, for those who believe. What promises did God make to him (vv. How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? (Ref), Wiersbe - He is talking about divine dynamic, eternal energy, available to us! Compatibility Mechanical: 64 Bit (x64) 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. that it might be soon! The "bad" news is that it doesn't have anything to do with money. The first dealt with the past, where the hope was produced by the calling of his people to himself. 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). We need not pray for power to endure suffering. ), "What I do you do not realize (eido- know beyond a shadow of a doubt) now, but you shall understand (ginosko- understand by your experience) hereafter. Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (NASB: Lockman). Such a glorious hope inspires to holy living and to a hatred of all that is of this world. Because He wants to hang out on the Columbia River? This is simply remarkable! God the Father gave the world to Adam. 10:16; 51:19; etc.). Thus here Paul is emphasizing Gods power that already saved us rather than the power that He gives to sustain us. Also the verb ischuooIt is good for nothing (Mt. We want to get out of the trial, solve the problem, move on. In a figurative sense, kleronomia refers to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits as our inheritance (which is the use in Eph 5:5-note) and eternal possession for every believer. Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. It is a powerful work, past, present, and future: Gods power was evident in their conversion, Gods power is evident in their endurance, and Gods power will be evident in their resurrection. Although Paul wrote his letter in Greek, he was steeped in the Hebrew Biblethat is, the Old Testament. Its certainly not because of the power of the believer, but the power of God. He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Note that while most versions render this as a prayer for "enlightenment," the fact is that Paul uses the perfect tense for photizo which describes them as having been enlightened in the past with continuing effect. The NET Bible is similar translating it ""since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened". In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. The gospel is dynamic, Gods dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. 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). Esther It is Gods power that accomplishes the many miracles ofredemptionmentioned inEphesians 1. 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. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence. They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." 1:31; 2:10, 19, 21; 3:1; 10:13, 33; 11:2; 23:4, 11; 28:6; 29:2; 30:15; 33:11, 13; 37:3; 40:9f, 26, 29, 31; 41:1; 42:13; 44:12; 45:1; 47:5, 9; 49:4f, 26; 51:9; 52:1; 58:1; 61:6; 62:8; 63:1, 15; Jer. Although dynamite is derived from this word, there is no suggestion here or anywhere in the Bible that Gods power is instantaneous or explosive. He gives them to us by the handfuls. Rely on His grace and strength in doing so. All believers have been called by grace, out of darkness into His glorious light. It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application. I dont blame you for feeling that way. Do you think your faith will bring you riches? Open the compasses of your faith to measure this measureless abyss; and then marvel at the power which bore your Lord across it, and know that that same power is towards you, if you believe, waiting to do as much for you in your daily experience if you will but let it have its blessed way. And because the height of this mystery cannot be easily attained unto. What prerogatives did David attribute to God (vv. God's Word promises riches 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. What power! Ye may know what is the hope of his calling. 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. John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. They say, I dont bother with theology. What a transformation took place in Peters life between the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. For example, Jesus said that evil thoughts come out of the heart (Matt. Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35+); empowered by the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:16+, Lk 4:14+); filled with and led by the Holy Spirit (Mt 4:1+, Lk 4:1+). He also helped found Fuller Seminary in 1947 and worked ceaselessly for Christ until his death in 1968. 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. (Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings). We will enjoy perfect happiness in a perfect environment where nothing will be spoiled by sin. Gods mighty power has granted us all that we need for life and godliness, so that we can escape the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Pet. 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. That which is dynamic is characterized by energy or forces that produce motion, as opposed to that which is static. An almost identical prayer is recorded by Clement of Rome(written between 75-110 AD, cf to Ephesians 60-62 AD) asking God to open the eyes of our heart to know you. (Also a good prayer!). I cant handle hearing all of the heartbreaking prayer requests for sick children, terminally ill relatives, and church members in financial turmoil.. Psalms 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. All of which is a parable. He will put into thee the grace that thou shalt give back to Him in fruit. He is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Isa. He desires that they be aware of the spiritual dimension. Revival comes when, no longer satisfied to know about a God in history, we meet the conditions of finding Him in living, personal experience. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1Cor. Can you conceive this? Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened By the Spirit of God already, to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin; the insufficiency of their own righteousness; the beauty, glory, fulness, and suitableness of Christ, as a Saviour; the excellency, truth, and usefulness of the doctrines of the Gospel; in which their understandings were before dark, but now had light into them: wherefore these words are not to be considered as part of the apostle's petitions, but rather as what was taken for granted by him; and are to be put into a parenthesis, and the following words to be joined in connection with the preceding verse; unless it should be thought, that the apostle prays for greater illuminations, and for more spiritual light, and that the eyes of their understandings might be more and more enlightened; the phrase, (lkvh Nye) , (omma thv dianoiav) , "the eye of the understanding", is Rabbinical, and often to be met with in Jewish writings F6; the Alexandrian copy, and several others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "the eyes of your heart"; and to, (twbblh ynye) , "the eyes of the hearts, or minds", is a phrase used by the Jewish writers F7: that ye may know what is the hope of his calling; by which is meant, the effectual calling of the saints; which is not a call to an office, or a call merely by the external ministry of the word; but which is internal, special, powerful, high, and heavenly: and this is the calling of God, of which he is the author; who calls with an holy calling, unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus; and which is without repentance: and the hope of this calling, is either eternal happiness, which is the thing hoped for; or Christ, who is the ground and foundation of it; or the grace of hope, which is exercised on both; or all three: for hope of eternal glory, as it is founded on Christ, may be said to be the hope of the calling of God, because it is wrought in the soul at the time of the effectual calling, and what saints are then called to the exercise of; and calling grace, is an encouragement to hope for eternal life; since whom God calls, he justifies and glorifies: and now the apostle prays, that these saints who were called by the grace of God, might know more of Christ, the foundation of their hope; and what that is they are hoping for, and more and more what it is to hope for the same, upon the view of Christ's person, blood, and righteousness: and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; the saints themselves are the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance, in whom he is, and will be abundantly glorified; but here it rather seems to design the heavenly inheritance before spoken of, of which the Spirit is the earnest; and this is the Lord's, it is of his preparing, and it is his gift, and a very rich and glorious inheritance it is: hence it is not only signified by mansions, and everlasting habitations, by an house, and by a city, but by a kingdom; the riches of grace are preparatory to it, and the riches of glory are comprised in it; and this is in, or among the saints, who only have a right unto it, and a meetness for it; and what this inheritance is, with the riches and glory of it, will not be fully known in this life; and indeed but little of it is known; so that such a petition as this is always proper and pertinent.
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