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." Key in on verse 16 this morning- "in addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.". Having all our needs met by God (Philippians 4:19) (see note), The "wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33) (see note). 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. He knows that future hope has the potential to motivate us to present obedience. How might the believer have certainty in the hope mentioned inEphesians 1:18? In other words, believers cannot do with this power what they choose, but its use must conform to the direction given by Christ, the head of the Church. (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. 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. First, he raised Christ from the dead (v.20). - Now, I want to ask you a question: Are you sitting in this auditorium, this morning, or are you sitting in heavenly places? 5:19 = making melody with your heart to the Lord; Eph. He argues (p. 391) that Pauls object in this section is to give the saints assurance and certainty in their faith. (See note Ephesians 2:10). Fourth is ischus (might), which carries the idea of endowed power or ability. energy) of the might (kratous, power that overcomes resistance, as in Christs miracles; this word is used only of God, never of believers) of Gods inherent strength (ischyos) which He provides (cf. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. When our hearts are set to obey the Lord, He confirms His call in a variety of ways: godly counsel, natural gifting, fruitful results, Scripture, and a sense of rightness that does not conflict with any of the other confirmations. To the extent that you understand these vast spiritual resources, you will enjoy God and glorify Him forever. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. 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. Kardia in Ephesians - Eph. Mark 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. Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). Not a stain on its pure robes; not a freckle on its leaves; not a taint of miasma on its atmosphere. Throughout the Old Testament, the verb know and the noun knowledge refer to intimacy and relationship, not simply a cognitive understanding of the facts. Even though He has given humankind the freedom to make choices, His choices have already been made (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:1018). You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in. The Greek text may be interpreted in either of two ways. we must have the power of God. They sigh at the foot of cliffs they cannot scale. Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. 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. Lehman Strauss-Paul requests for the saints the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ that they might know three things:(1) The hope of His calling. God has called us, but to what purpose? Calmen had expected her former teacher to say, "I knew you could do that.". (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! Rather, it is constantly to be praying as you study the Word, Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know, love, and obey You better!. Zephaniah However, this is not a new sentence in Greek. Just before His ascension Jesus assured the disciples, You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you (Acts 1:8), an enduement every believer receives at the time he is saved. Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? Both views are theologically sound, but the second seems more consistent with Pauls emphasis in Eph 1:11 and Eph 1:14. (THE MEASURE OF IMMEASURABLE POWER). Scripture speaks of two kinds of callings: the gospel or general call, and the effectual or specific call. Strengthened with might in the inner man (Eph3:16): with all might (Col. 1:11). Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. (John 8:55). Setup Size: 8.9 GB. Precious things of the sun and of the moon, for God is light; of the ancient mountains of his faithfulness, and the everlasting hills of his truth; of the fountains and brooks of his love, that gush spontaneously forth to satisfy and enrich. This was even Paul's desire expressed so powerfully in Philippians writing that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death (Php 3:10+). (Jon Courson's Application Commentary). God gives usspiritual giftsto aid us in our call to service. The uses of eido will not be listed because of the large number (656 hits in 619 verses searching on Strong's Number in the NT - if you want to see these usesCLICK HERE and go down to the "Frequency Lists" and you can study the uses in different translations book by book). 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. The Son has accomplished redemption through His death (Ephesians 1:7) and provided the necessary provisions for an inheritance for the believer (verse 11). Psalm 13:3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. This is obvious when the writer of Genesis says that Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived (Gen. 4:1 ESV, emphasis added). The knowledge that Paul is praying for includes an intellectual grasp of the truth, but it also grips our emotions and brings our will into greater submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Eph 3:16+is another "powerful" (power full - also using dunamis) passage indicating that the Holly Spirit is the Source of this incredible supernatural power (cf Lk 4:14+ = Jesus' pattern for our lives today [1Co 11:1+]!, Acts 1:8+, Ro 15:19+, 1Co 2:4+, 1Th 1:5, Micah 3:8)! 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. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles one word upon another in this incredible description. We are His own possession. 5:2; 12:21, 25, 28, 30; 16:27f; 29:11f; 2 Chr. Listen to his arguments here. Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. 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. Ephesians 1:19 is a power packed passage with 4 Greek synonyms for power that give a great glimpse of the God's manifold power, especially His resurrection power (cf Ro 1:4+). Colossians (play "The Solid Rock"), Latter in Ephesians, Paul reminded the Gentile believers that in Christ they "were called in one hope of your calling (Eph 4:4+). 15.110; Sib. Cf. Not with corruptible things, as with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1Pe 1:18-19), the Lord's portion has been fully redeemed. It sounds like religious hype. There must be no reserve put on any part of our being. It is said that for many years, he lived on crackers and milk because of stomach troubles caused by worrying about his wealth. As priests, these sons certainly understood the facts about God, but they did not have a relationship with him. (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. Observe, Those who have their eyes opened, and have some understanding in the things of God, have need to be more and more enlightened, and to . Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. For example, a young man may begin to have a burden for a particular foreign nation and its people. Dunamis - 119x in 115v - Here are Paul's uses of dunamis in Ephesians Eph 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Those for whom Paul is praying were once "spiritually blind" darkened in their understanding, (Eph 4:18) walking around in "spiritual darkness" as he reminded them of later writing that "you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Eph 5:8-note). God's people do not fight for victory but from victory! This certainty is provided in Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Wuest renders it "and what is the superabounding greatness of His inherent power to us who are believing ones as measured by the operative energy of the manifested strength of His might." It is utterly impossible to put the fullness of divine reality in human language, to compress the infinite into what is finite. So the kindred adjective . 7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message By Carey Nieuwhof on March 1, 2023 ", Philippians 1:6 says, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. The city of Ephesus is, by Pliny {a}, called the other light of Asia; Miletus was one, and Ephesus the other: it was the metropolis of the lesser Asia, and one of the twelve cities of Ionia, and the first and chief of them: it is said to be built by the Amazons {b}: it was famous for the magnificent temple of Diana; and the inhabitants of it were very much given to superstition and idolatry, and even to devilish arts, Ac 19:19. (Believer's Bible Commentary). But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural. In all those ways the Holy Spirit empowers Gods children. THOUGHT - As an aside, remember to pause, ponder and practice interrogating each term of purpose like so that asking questions such as "What is Paul explaining? Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the Spirits transforming work within you. The occasion of it was the foresight the apostle had of false teachers that would spring up in this church, after his death, and spread their pernicious doctrines, and draw away disciples after them, and do great mischief in the church; wherefore the design of this epistle is to establish the saints in the doctrines of the Gospel, that so they might not be carried away with the errors of the wicked: the subject matter of it is most excellent; it treats of the most sublime doctrines of grace, of divine predestination, and eternal election, of redemption by Christ, and of peace and pardon by his blood, of conversion by the power of efficacious grace, and of salvation by the free grace of God, in opposition to works: it also very largely treats of the nature and usefulness of the Gospel ministry, and of gifts qualifying for it, and of the several duties of religion incumbent on Christians; and the method which is used is exceeding apt and beautiful, for the apostle first begins with the doctrines of the Gospel, which he distinctly handles and explains, and then proceeds to enforce the duties belonging to men, both as men and Christians. 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. 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. This power is one of three aspects of the mighty salvation God won for believers in Christ: 1. the hope to which God has called them, 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. Peering around, he studied Rader. ), How is this resurrection power demonstrated even in this letter? It is one of ourselves who has strength enough to bear the burden of the glory, one of ourselves who can stand within the blaze of encircling and indwelling Divinity and be unconsumed. The American Standard Version reads: the eyes of your heart, not mind. Living in the light of Your goodness With His unlimited power, He also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Deuteronomy I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to his people. (Ibid), Life Application Study Bible- The world still marvels at the power of the atom, yet we belong to the God Who created atoms and the entire universe. The power of God we experience in our lives is the same power by which God raised Jesus Christ from death. Nick should look at his evil father and sister. Start for FREE. 5:13): shall not be able (Lk13:24): I can do all things (Phil4:13): availeth much (Jas. 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. Habakkuk us with every (how many?) synkleronomos is a fellow heir, and kleronomeo means be an heir, inherit. Finally, the context both here and throughout Ephesians seems to emphasize the motif of light as a property belonging to believers. Joshua God is far more involved with His universe than some would like to think. It is exclusively a Pauline word used only to describe superhuman or supernatural power, whether of God or of the devil. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. Also of the angelic powers (Eph1:21; Ro8:38; 1 Pet3:22). Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. To be called by God is to be chosen by God for certain purposes. Jesus was not teaching us that a little faith could accomplish great things. When we know them in the head and not the heart, we are simply "smarter sinners" but when we know them in our heart, we will become more like our Savior. The Word of God is scarcely preached while rock music and religious performers entertain worldly pagans. The Christian needs supernatural power, and God would have us see how great is His power to accomplish His purposes in us. It is Gods power that accomplishes the many miracles ofredemptionmentioned inEphesians 1. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament), Glenn Spencer on believe - This is a condition for the victorious life. For years, Ive been hearing Jesus could come at any time. 21:23; Rev. Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. What a transformation took place in Peters life between the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. Leviticus And then look at our Lord now at the right hand of the Father on high. But I do more than thank. That fadeth not away! We have been called by grace, to glory. There are at least six ways that God wants us as believers to know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us: Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Gods Ultimate Purpose [Baker], pp. Jesus, You have given us freedom Eph. There is no way for sinful men and women to find their way into Gods presence unless He reveals Himself and appears to us. (Ibid). He makes supplication for the continued growth of the Ephesians in knowledge (Ephesians 1:1719a) and explains truth regarding the power and position of Christ, including the subjection of all things to Christ (verses 19b23). That's the reason Paul said, "I am praying that your eyes will be opened, that you will be enlightened, that you will understand this" (Ephesians 1:18). 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. Power for You-Today! The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. Now I have resurrection power living on the inside The Christian Church is precious to God. . You have given us freedom, hallelujah. Even more, we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and redeemed us with His blood. What made the difference? The new has come, Now I have resurrection power living on the inside Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? We might expect Paul to pray for enlightened minds rather than hearts, but thats because we associate the word heart with emotions rather than with thought. Although Paul wrote his letter in Greek, he was steeped in the Hebrew Biblethat is, the Old Testament. (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! 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. Proverbs Thus chosen, purchased, and subdued, the rights of our divine possessor are inalienable: we rejoice that we never can be our own; and we desire, day by day, to do his will, and to show forth his glory. When you begin to understand what is the hope of His calling in your life, the assurance and certainty associated with that calling and when you begin to realize that now we only have the earnest of that calling, but that one day well have the full payment, then whatever comes your way you can stand fast on the truth of what God has accomplished for you in Christ in the past, present and future. Jeremiah 28:19; Acts 17:3031). Here it is the other way around. They are the real eyes for discerning the nature of issues important to God. They remain in bondage, depressed, and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. 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. 9:15; 1 Pet. The man was powerfully built, and Fuller visualized how he must have looked in the ring. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. What an objective in prayer! The possessive pronoun shows that it is Gods inheritance.Because of His choosing, redeeming, adopting, and sealing us, we are his possession. Thats why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Fathers hand (John 10:29). When we were children, the map of Africa gave us a few scattered names around the coast line; but the great interior was blank. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. God's power is sufficient for our every need. How does the Spirit enlighten you? "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. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. 20:27) (Deut. Zina21 March 3, 2023, 9:29pm 10. We need not pray for power to endure suffering. Paul is praying for a deeper spiritual understanding, that "Aha" reaction we have when we begin to really understand something and exclaim "I see it! I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. 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.
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