"Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," which comes from God's grace (Ephesians 1:7-note). For example, a young nursery worker may read about babies languishing in Romanian orphanages. This time, Jonah did. QUESTION -What does it mean to be called by God? Do you hunger and thirst for God as a deer does for the water brooks? 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. The inability to see and understand spiritual things is not the fault of the intelligence but of the heart. He trips over something, brushes the dirt from it, and discovers its a treasure. This expectation of seeing Jesus, our "Blessed Hope" [see below] and being like Him is entertained equally by both Jewish and Gentile believers. Proverbs And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? Ischus is used of angelic power in 2 Peter whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. 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+). To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). But they are being intellectually lazy and exposing themselves to spiritual danger! It will fill you with thanksgiving, joy, and hope. His emphasis is on spiritual perception and real Christian character. 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. 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. 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. Ezekiel (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! What we can get from God rather than what we can be to God is our continued concern. 1:18; Eph. Look at our Lords body in the tomb. He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about his title there can be no dispute. 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. I finally see what youre telling me, Lord!" observe fully, consider attentively denotes action of mind apprehending certain facts about a thing) wonderful (amazing, astounding, marvelous, extraordinary or even difficult - things beyond human capability) things from Thy law. 119:18) or other spiritual realities (2 Kings 6:17). Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural. ), "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. 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In Ephesians 1:18, Paul wrote, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling (NASB). None of us has to live a defeated life. When He placed his cross against the wall, and scaled our ramparts, planting on our strongholds the blood-red flag of his omnipotent mercy? Although Paul wrote his letter in Greek, he was steeped in the Hebrew Biblethat is, the Old Testament. It is possible to excel in mechanics and fail in dynamic. I cannot understand how this can be, but I know that God has an inheritance even in me. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 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. Undefiled! In other words, Paul had prayed (Eph 1:17) that they might have true spiritual insight into God, and then he included the phrase, having the eyes of your heart enlightened (RSV). All rights reserved), The treasures of earth are not mine, 28:19; Acts 17:3031). (See note Ephesians 2:10). 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+)." The heart is the seat of emotions in some cultures, but in the Greek culture it was not. All rights reserved. It will be too depressing, we say to ourselves. In that verse protected means to keep or guard and reflects Peters confidence that salvation is inviolable. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy. Zechariah The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. But you cant understand this manual by mere human insight or wisdom. Call or calling is used with reference to salvation in two senses. Though lifting our troubles and needs to God is both acceptable and important, we should never forget to express our thankfulness, jubilance, and praise to Him in prayer. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. For example, Jesus said that evil thoughts come out of the heart (Matt. But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. 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. Either way you interpret this phrase, whether we are heirs to a vast fortune in heaven or whether we are Gods special inheritance (both are true), the application is the same. The same power that brought Christ from the dead, and set him on high, works in the salvation of every believer. We need not pray for power to endure suffering. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. All rights reserved. When an emigrant first receives the title-deeds of the broad lands made over to him in the far West, he has no conception, as he descends the steps of the Government office and passes into the crowd, of all that has been conveyed to him in the schedule of parchment. . All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. How you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live. Energeia isused only of supernatural power in the NT. As we step into the lifts which are attached to so many factories and offices, and expect them to bear us upward, never doubting for a moment that they will do it if only we keep in the line of their ascent; so, if we would keep in abiding fellowship with the Holy Spirit--i.e., if we would not wilfully step out of the range of his blessed help--we should find ourselves mounting with wings as eagles, and going from strength to strength. God demands that we obstinately oppose Satan, as those Romans untiringly harried Hannibal. Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. We want to get out of the trial, solve the problem, move on. Hosea (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). Paul does not pray, Lord, give them power. He prays, Lord, help their spiritual eyes see, and appropriate the power they already have resident within. The incomprehensible, dynamic power of the resurrected Christ is already in us. Constable strings these words together writing that "Power (Gr. Isnt that magnificent? Thats why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Fathers hand (John 10:29). Ephesians 1:18. The surpassing-all-limit power of God can be limited in its working only by the believer's failure to believe. Here it is the other way around. | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? Augustine therefore said truly, "Give what Thou commandest, and then command what Thou wilt.". 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. In the parallel prayer in Colossians 1:11-12, Paul prays that we would be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. In other words, Gods glorious, mighty power enables us to endure trials steadfastly, patiently, and joyously, with a thankful heart to the Father. 3. the mighty power by which he energizes them.[71]. Throughout Ephesians 1 Paul is clearly struck with the magnificence of our inheritance in Christ. Second is energeia (working), the energizing force of the Spirit that empowers believers to live for the Lord. It is in our personal lives. Joshua This earnest prayer reveals the infinite importance of knowledge as a foundation for walking worthy in this Christian life. 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. Maybe we need to go back and read the manual! Although the participle follows the hinaof Eph 1:17, it is awkward grammatically in the clause. His call now is to all those redeemed by the blood of Jesus to showcase to our world Gods mercy, grace, and salvation (Hebrews 12:14;Matthew 5:16). It is interesting to note that photizo (enlightened) was used by the pagan Mystery religions as a technical term for the rite of initiation into their inner secrets! 7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message By Carey Nieuwhof on March 1, 2023 This down payment from God is the first installment on whats coming, a reminder that well get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). There's more than enough power to break the hold of all sinful habits; more than enough to give deliverance from temptation; more than enough to enable the believer to live above circumstances. You have given us freedom, That I'm dressed in Your royalty Exodus 28:1). Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. But in order that you may know (eido) that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-- He said to the paralytic--I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. There are enemies who want to rob us of our wealth (Eph 1:21; 6:11; 6:12 see notes Ep 1:21; 6:11; 6:12). - 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. 4:16; Phil. But wholly lean on Jesus name. How might the believer have certainty in the hope mentioned inEphesians 1:18? From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence. He gives the worldling husks; but he stops to find out the sweet fruits for his people. This sense comes out clearly in the New Testament in the use of the word and of its cognates. Throughout the Old Testament, the verb know and the noun knowledge refer to intimacy and relationship, not simply a cognitive understanding of the facts. Philippians But while countless people place, or rather misplace, their faith in the transforming power of subliminal messages, living faith in Jesus Christ cannot fail to do its transforming work. 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"). Rather, He is trying to appear to the eye of our soul through an inner consciousness. Because My coming is near, and your heavenly account is pretty small, Im giving you an opportunity to make some huge investments in the few days that remain before you go to heaven., You for whom this day has seemed as a thousand yearsrejoice. No longer bound by sin and darkness It is exclusively a Pauline word used only to describe superhuman or supernatural power, whether of God or of the devil. 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. Its broad acres have been made over to thee by deed of gift. Plato (Protagoras, 350) draws the distinction thus: I should not have admitted that the able (dunatous) are strong (ischurous), though I have admitted that the strong are able. Practice these truths enabled by the Holy Spirit. (cf 2Co 6:11-13+)(Ephesians Commentary). To shine or to brighten up. 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. (seeEphesians Through Revelation), Complete Biblical Library - This power always operates "in Christ." Here is the inexhaustible strength of God in taking His crucified Son who was dead and buried, and raising Him from among the dead to His present majestic position in heaven. The church, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, is similarly called: You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10). In them we see the possibilities of humanity, the ideal for man which God had when He created and breathed His blessing .upon him. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. The average ministry is fueled by the flesh. I am in total agreement with you. but we barred our gates, and fenced our walls against him. ", It is power. With his natural mind, man cannot understand the things of God. When we make use of these resources, we will experience the mighty power with which God raised Christ from death! (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. His power provides the way of escape from every temptation that we face (1 Cor. We shall never know the far-away springs of the Niles and Congo's of his nature; we shall never unravel the innermost secret of his being. We do not ask for it we were born into its blessed privilege. Song of Solomon Thats why there is rape and famine, pollution, corruption, and death on our planet. We so selfishly begin in our thinking with ourselves. 11:36; Jn. I suppose its all right to pray for that addition to a new Sunday School wing. Its in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home freesigned, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. By Gods great mercy we have been begotten again (1Pet 1:3-note). Do believers really have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:1920)? There must be no reserve put on any part of our being. 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. He has just prayed that God would give to them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians Through Revelation). It is power which is able to overcome resistance. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles on the words in an attempt to describe the indescribably surpassing great power that is now available to every saint. It refers to a degree which exceeds extraordinary and thus excels. Eph 3:7+ of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of Gods grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. The ultimate hope for Christians is to be with their Lord (Rom 5:45; 8:20, 2425; 12:12; 15:13; Gal 5:5; Col 1:5; Titus 1:2) and they eagerly wait for his coming, unlike the heathen who have no hope (Eph 2:12; 1 Thess 4:1318; 5:8; Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:3). By his own sovereign choice. His death had our name on it. (Eph 1:3). (Click to read more about your inheritance in Spurgeon's Sermon A Wise Desire based on Ps 47:4). The gold and the silver and all the universes are His. What kind of riches are you looking for? Jonah was called by God but refused to surrender to that call; instead, he ran the other way (Jonah 1:13). And not just for the time being, but. There's good news and bad news if wealth is what you want. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in his Son the Lord Jesus; but requires us to draw them out and fetch them in by prayer. But God waits to realize in us all that He has prepared for us; and the third item in the apostle's prayer for his converts is that they might know "the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe. 4:13). Jesus, You have given us freedom We have the case of Elisha when the Syrian army was sent to Dothan to take him captive. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). 12)? First, he raised Christ from the dead (v.20). Kneeling in the back seat, Fuller gave his life to Christ in prayer. He considers each us to be His precious portion. Riches (4149) (ploutos) refers to the abundance of earthly goods, but here refers to spiritual abundance. 19:23; Cant. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. We may not be able to conquer Satan all at once, but he cannot conquer us at all. Nevertheless, in this verse Paul is referring to the subjective hope. 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. -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. by Theodore Epp - Ephesians 1: 19-23 The Scriptures frequently refer to God's power as it relates to the believer. Then he adds (Calvins Commentaries [Baker reprint], on Eph. Comment: In light of this incredible truth, walk in a manner worthy of your high calling (Eph 4:1), in a manner that gives [glory or] a proper opinion to others of your Owner! The fault is with themselves. F B Meyer commenting on inheritance in 1Peter 1:4-notesees it asview #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! Already we have noted that God made us His heritage that we should be to the praise of His glory (1:11-12). A blessing found at Qumran reads, May He illuminate your heart with the discernment of life and grace you with eternal knowledge (1QS 2:3; cf. But their willingness to persevere assured victory, for Hannibal could never conquer them. "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." 2:14; 1 Pet. Ecclesiastes Energeia describes Gods power in raising Christ, Paul instructing the Colossian saints that they have "been buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the (supernatural) working (energeia) of God, Who raised Him from the dead (Note well - Paul says the Holy Spirit is God and He was the the One Who "raised Jesus from the dead" - Ro 8:11+) " (Col 2:12+). . Dunamis does not refer to explosive power, as if the gospel will blow men to bits but as discussed above, it refers to intrinsic power. Paul saw fit to teach simple believers, many of whom were slaves, the great doctrines of Romans and Ephesians and his other letters. The little boy just stood there and made no move for the candy. So what does he do? The church cannot arise and go out as at other times, and this the Philistines well know." that money cannot buy. synkleronomos is a fellow heir, and kleronomeo means be an heir, inherit. Peter expresses the same thought in 1 Peter 1:5, where he says you are protected by the power of God through faith in Christ. 2123). Psalm 13:3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. Then again, Nick has become his father, killing a man with no consequences, no guilty conscience either. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. Might (2479) (ischus) (see note by Wayne Barber ischus) refers to power as an enduement. Ischus is the inherent ability which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment. Many believers were more interested in doing what felt right than in doing what God declared to be right.Instead of their emotions being controlled by Gods truth, their emotions distorted their understanding of His truth. In referring to those who believe Paul goes beyond the initial act of faith in God for salvation and speaks of a continuing and growing faith. See the blood-mark upon all the chosen, invisible to human eye, but known to Christ, for "the Lord knoweth them that are his"; (2Ti 2:19) he forgetteth none of those whom he has redeemed from among men; he counts the sheep for whom he laid down his life (Jn 10:14-15), and remembers well the Church for which he gave himself. We shall conquer him eventually, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us. (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). 1:19; Eph. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. What did God require of him (vv. Pray Ephesians 1:17-19 (and other Pauline prayers). Eph 6:10; 1 Peter 4:11). Micah So the kindred adjective . Let every reader mark this, that supposing two men obtained a grant of an equal number of acres, if other things were equal, their wealth would be in exact proportion to the amount of use which each had made of his special acres. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the security of your salvation. The Father has chosen (verse 4) and predestined (verse 5) believers to adoption in Jesus Christ. We are mean enough to wish to make all we can of God, and to give Him as little as possible of ourselves. Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. But there is also the effectual call that always accomplishes Gods purpose of saving His chosen people. WE DON'T JUST NEED A LITTLE HELP, A LITTLE "PUSH" SO TO SPEAK, BUT WE NEED HIS SUPERNATURAL POWER - cf Php 2:13NLT+) overcome our difficulties each day. 1 Clem. Look from the place where thou art, northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward; for all this land is given to thee! THOUGHT - Is my life a living epistle, a vibrant testimony to God's supernatural power? God called the entire nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). And not just barely free, either. All who receive it respond in faith.
ephesians 1:18 the message