ephesians 1:18 the message ephesians 1:18 the message

So if youre having problems in your Christian life, if things dont seem to be working as they should, maybe its time to go back and read the owners manual! of Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. Amen. From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. The devil hopes you don't understand this. Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. COMMENT - This context refers to the spiritual powers of the heavenly beings. 119:18) or other spiritual realities (2 Kings 6:17). At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. Knowing that, we should live as His special people. They are the real eyes for discerning the nature of issues important to God. ", Ephesians 1:19 (note) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. 4:1; Song 2:7; 3:5; 5:8; 8:4; Is. The Christian Church is precious to God. Paul was called by God: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1; cf. Blessing upon blessings! Jesus, You have given us freedom 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. 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? The power that EVERY believer in Christ has access to every day of their life until they see Jesus face to face! 19:23; Cant. Song of Solomon 14:13, 17; 24:18; Deut. If that has happened to you, confess it immediately and turn from it. You have given us freedom, hallelujah Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Ephesians 6:10 (note) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. But even though he has reached it, several years must pass before he can understand its value, or compel it to minister, with all its products, to his need. 19:25; 47:6; 63:17; Jer. Now Paul deals with the third area, that is, the greatness of his power which God directs toward believers (for a structural layout of the prayer, see 1:16b). What a tragedy when believers do the same thing with the riches they possess in Christ, failing to really possess their possessions! 12:2) by filling you with the knowledge of [Gods] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9). It can be used of any kind of extraordinary power. Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Herein lies the means of victory! If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. Even though God has opened our eyes to see and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we still must seek Him to enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we will come to a deeper understanding of these crucial truths. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study If we are to ever see revival (ED: PERSONAL OR CORPORATE!) 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. Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. I just love Jesus. Some even think that studying theology is spiritually dangerous. The verb form, , makes the power obvious, for it means primarily to grasp, seize, or capture (Matt 9:25 = Mark 5:41; Matt 14:3 = Mark 6:17; Matt 26:48, 50, 55 = Mark 14:44, 46, 49; Rev 20:2). To give light to, to illuminate. 1 Peter 2:9+ But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR Gods OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 2 Kings 6:17 Then Elisha prayed and said, O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see. And the LORD opened the servants eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 15:56). (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission), It is difficult to give a clear distinction between the 3 Greek words that expand on the meaning of "the surpassing greatness of His power (dunamis)", but in simple terms it pictures the piling up of similar terms in an attempt to convey the magnitude and capability of God's incomprehensible, infinite power. that money cannot buy. The surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. What was Davids response to Gods power (v. 13)? Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? 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+). Still, with the stillness of death. You have given us freedom, Freedom, You have given us freedom The Son has accomplished redemption through His death (Ephesians 1:7) and provided the necessary provisions for an inheritance for the believer (verse 11). 3:1. This is also apparent when 1Samuel 2:12 says that Elis sons were wicked men who did not know Yahweh. Psalms Long before he laid down earths foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. It is said that for many years, he lived on crackers and milk because of stomach troubles caused by worrying about his wealth. Gods power is awesome! And God's surpassing power is available to believers because we are in Christ and He is in us, these "positions" picturing an immutable union, a oneness, a solemn and binding covenant relationship. Paul is praying "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes . Our faith in Christ did not originate with our feeble will, but with the sovereign, eternal will of God. 9:15; 1 Pet. The saints knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. We have it all now, and we will have it throughout eternity." Here are the other two uses in Ephesians. But there are many good reasons to interpret the text this way. And they became thine in fact, when thou wast born at the foot of the cross. In my opinion, you cant separate the two, because when your eyes are enlightened to know objectively all that God has promised to give you in Christ, it fills you with hope subjectively in your heart. It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought (such is the literal rendering of the word, employed here). I think the needle is broken, I told him. The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. This power was irresistible. Let that motivate you to praise your rich and glorious God for His rich and glorious inheritance! Ephesians 2:7+so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. It shows that the believers are valuable to God because he purchased them in order to inherit them. On the other hand, eido/oida often refers more to an intuitive knowledge, although this distinction is not always clear cut. It is grace that supplies the wealth, but it is faith that lays hold of the wealth (cp 2Cor 5:7-note). Are you praying the promises of God for yourself and your family and the body of Christ? Ephesians 1:18 - MSG Bible - your eyes focused and clear, so that you (See The Oneness of Covenant), Harold Hoehner -Paul then used three additional words to describe Gods power. 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. These refer to various kinds of ability ranging from physical/ mental expenditure (Genesis 31:6), sexual potency (Genesis 49:3), or Gods power (Exodus 9:16; 15:6). Bible Gateway passage: Ephesians 1:18-23 - The Message Meditate on the truths in Ephesians Chapter One. How might the believer have certainty in the hope mentioned inEphesians 1:18? No, not at all. If we do walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. his incomparably great power for us who believe. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the security of your salvation. What a disappointment to someone who helped contribute to that $50 million figure! View (1) is probably the more valid interpretation although both views are taught in Scripture and the Greek text does allow for both interpretations. He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Why? (seeEphesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) (Bolding added). he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ. Is not this the secret of any grace or wealth there is in Christian lives? One day a man is walking through a field. In later Christianity this enlightening was equated with baptism (cf. They will give us the hope and eternal perspective that we need to endure trials. What (5101) (tis) is singular in contrast to the next clause regarding "riches" which is introduced with "what are" which is plural. The giant trees are cut down; and their roots burnt out, or extracted by a team of horses. (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+). How blessed is God! Victory is ours! That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. Numbers He argues (p. 391) that Pauls object in this section is to give the saints assurance and certainty in their faith. I see the old has passed away It takes far more faith to encounter and endure the battles of the Christian life than it did to trust Christ and be born again. The hope of your calling is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments. you may know . God is far more involved with His universe than some would like to think. get to know the Bible better! I do not mean that God is trying to appear to our physical eyesight. (ED: AKA AS NOT "ABIDING IN CHRIST!" That is, probably, "the thing hoped for," because promised, at our calling (as in Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:5; Titus 2:3; Hebrews 6:18; and perhaps 1Timothy 1:1), for the other objects of knowledge with which it is here joined are certainly objective or external to ourselves. Jesus answered and said to him (to Peter who was a bit "put off" that Jesus was preparing to wash his dirty feet! He bought the world to get you. It is an amazing thought (which calls for an appropriate response) that as believers in Christ we are no longer our own but that we belong to God. "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." Esther 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!. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power (dunamis) will be of God and not from ourselves; 2 Corinthians 12:9+ And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power (dunamai) is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power (dunamai) of Christ may dwell in me. Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. 3:7; 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. He was sometimes called the New Elijah. In 1916, while pastoring Moody Memorial Church of Chicago, Rader, 30, was asked to preach at Los Angeles Church of the Open Door. 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? May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. He does not call a believer to hope for the forgiveness of his sins: they are gone. In Ephesians6, Paul uses a memory devicethe armor of a Roman soldierto help the Ephesian believers remember the resources he has already discussed in his letter (vv. 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. 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. All rights reserved, Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation, Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company, Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament. I agree that this is Pauls main aim. From hagos; sacred. 4 Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. True enlightenment continues to elude many because they have denied its source and have turned to gurus and teachers who have no light to give. Nick "watch out for Adam" - The Young and the Restless - Soaps.com's I knew his hand was bigger than mine." Throughout the Old Testament, the verb know and the noun knowledge refer to intimacy and relationship, not simply a cognitive understanding of the facts. 29:1113). 5:13. In short, Paul prays for our position in Christ to become our practice in Christ. 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. Paul presents a fourfold demonstration of the very same power which God makes available to believers - God raised Him from the dead (Ep 1:20 -note), seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:20), subjected all things under His feet (Ep 1:22-note), and gave Him as head over the church (Ephesians 1:22). In the four Gospels, we see Gods power at work in the ministry of Jesus Christ, but in the Book of Acts, we see that same power at work in ordinary men and women, members of the body of Christ. Why? The succession of ideas follows the order of conversion--first, "calling;" then acceptance to "inheritance;" lastly, "inward working of divine power" in the accepted. KJV The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. By his own sovereign choice. After all, what good is it to have wealth if you are too weak to use it? Ephesians 1:18-19 Commentary | Precept Austin The emphasis is not on that which is little, but rather that which starts out small and grows into something bigger and stronger. Kleronomia has the richer associations in the context of salvation history. John Piper - Resurrection Power Now - So my message for believers in Jesus is this: The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and what became of him after his resurrection, shows the greatness of Gods power toward us now in this life. He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. Know (1492) (eido, oida - eido is used only in the perfect tense = oida) means in general to know by perception. 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). How you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live. God has given us His Word as the manual for our salvation. First, he raised Christ from the dead (v.20). Than Jesus blood and righteousness; 28:19; Acts 17:3031). It will fill you with thanksgiving, joy, and hope. 2:14+). Nothing can separate you from His love (Rom. 4:13). (Revelation 5:12+), Vincent - The radical idea of ischus, might, is that of indwelling strength, especially as embodied: might which inheres in physical powers organized and working under individual direction, as an army: which appears in the resistance of physical organisms, as the earth, against which one dashes himself in vain: which dwells in persons or things, and gives them influence or value: which resides in laws or punishments to make them irresistible. In summary, because we are in Christ and He is in us, believers possess resurrection (and ascension) power, and Paul's prayer is for the Spirit to shine the light on this incredible, difficult to comprehend truth that we might know it beyond a "shadow of a doubt" and live in the light of this truth. 12:9). He wanted them to rise above self-serving behavior and develop the character and likeness of Christ. -- Maclaren, Alexander Maclaren - It is 'exceeding.' Samuel Chadwick writes: "The Church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure. The power of God in our lives is the result of being Spirit filled and we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit. Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? Romans 8:24-25 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? Maybe we need to go back and read the manual! Even more, we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and redeemed us with His blood. Wiersbe draws a fitting application of Paul's great prayer for our great need - "The greatest power shortage today is not in our generators or our gas tanks. Seated with Him. Now my whole lifes aims and ambitions are changed. 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. Ephesians 1:18 I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, > Ephesians > Chapter 1 > Verse 18 Ephesians 1:18 Context Crossref Comment Greek Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), John MacArthur- UNDERSTANDING YOUR CALLING. The little boy just stood there and made no move for the candy. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Setup File Name: Adobe_Premiere_Pro_v23.2..69.rar. Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. Ecclesiastes He told them they could do anything God wanted them to do through Christ who would strengthen them (Phil. To find assurance, one must look to the covenant-keeping God and Scripture. Verse of the Day , Ephesians 1:18 Treasury of Scripture Knowing, God, My Praise (Study In God - All I Need-19). ", Toward (1519) (eis) motion toward = marking that which any person or thing inclines toward (in this case genuine belief). Ephesians 1:18 The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, Read more Share Copy Show footnotes Ephesians 1:18 The New International Version (NIV) Virtually all the authorities agree that "heart" is the correct translation. ", etc (See 5W/H questions). As an introduction to mentioning the many afflictions he had endured for the Lord, Paul commented, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves (2 Cor. In time, Fuller himself became a powerful evangelist, helping usher radio evangelism to the forefront with weekly broadcasts from Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, heard nationwide. 36)? Many Old Testament texts speak of Israel as Gods chosen portion or inheritance. But, as weve seen (1:13), believers have been sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. Since Gods promises are as certain as He is faithful, the hope of our calling is not some vague, wishful thinking that everything will work out for our good. Ephesians 1:18 M:BCL - your eyes focused and | Biblia How does the Spirit enlighten you? He called you to Himself and will hold you there, no matter what circumstances you face. His inheritance is in His saints. Kleronomia is the portion or heritage which one receives by virtue of birth or by special gift from someone who has died (Lk 12:13). In none of these prayers does Paul request material things. 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. (1Cor 6:19, 20+). 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. He has called us to a completed righteousness and to the completed redemption of our bodies. The heart is the seat of emotions in some cultures, but in the Greek culture it was not. She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. 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. Because of this event, the believer can have assurance that the same powerthe immeasurable power of Godis working on his behalf today and will continue to provide what he needs until he arrives in heaven. In conclusion, is supernatural power that is in actual operation. He will put into thee the grace that thou shalt give back to Him in fruit. It is a very high honor conferred upon God's servants, that it is said of them, "He shall choose their inheritance." He, she, it, they, them, same. And all the crops of golden grain, all the fruits of Christian grace, are Thine from us, because Thou hast by thy blood and tears, by the sunshine of thy love, and the rain of thy grace, enriched natures which in themselves were arid as the desert and barren as the sand. We discover our call to a specific area of service by walking closely with the Lord, practicing obedience, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:12;Colossians 1:10). The orphans are helped, and God is glorified. The average ministry is fueled by the flesh. You have given us freedom, my chains are gone Encourages my soul. God never has museums. In Ephesians 1:314 Paul proclaims the blessings of our salvation. Eyes (3788) (ophthalmos) is literally the organ of vision but in Paul's use is obviously figurative. Amen. As Paul shows (Rom. John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? But prayer meetings often slip to the bottom of attendance records. Also, the parallel passage (Col. 1:12) refers to our sharing in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Other Scriptures also refer to the inheritance that is stored up for those who are Gods children through faith in Christ (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Heb. Thus, His possession is located in the saints. Consequently, they are constantly striving for material things and are continually chasing carnal pursuits. That they might not be cast down by a view of their own unworthiness, he exhorts them to consider the power of God; as if he had said, that their regeneration was no ordinary work of God, but was an astonishing exhibition of his power. Prayer meetings that support only one aspect of prayer are imbalanced and can quickly be awash in negativity. But they are being intellectually lazy and exposing themselves to spiritual danger! 2 Kings All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). 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. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; NIDNTT says that in classical Greek the root word "kleros is derived from klao, break. The "bad" news is that it doesn't have anything to do with money. That yet I must not see; The field is the world. 1:19; Eph. THESE ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORKING OF THE STRENGTH OF HIS MIGHT: kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou: INDESCRIBABLY TRANSCENDENT (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), Kenneth Wuest says that dunamis "power in the sense of that which overcomes resistance or effects a change" (In Mark 5:30 literal Greek = Jesus, perceiving in Himself the out from Him power going out) It was some of (Jesus') supernatural power which He felt leaving Him in the accomplishing of the miraculous cure". Calmen had expected her former teacher to say, "I knew you could do that.". we must have the power of God. Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious. 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. The next time you participate in a group prayer session, speak up with a bold heart and give honor to the almighty God. The power of Christ applied in the believers behalf can't be defeated because the Creator's power exceeds that of the evil created beings, Satan and his minions. Paul writes (Rom. He also gives us the powerthe enablementto practice the truth (Eph. Zephaniah 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. The world gets in the way, sin does its dirty deed, and carnality and strife and bitterness can rule. This power is only for Christians, for those who believe. With His unlimited power, He also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. 4:15). When He ascended, we ascended. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. 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. I finally see what youre telling me, Lord!" Used from Homer on it meant originally the fragment of stone or piece of wood which was used as a lot. Exodus Lamentations (Psalm 119:18-see commentaryor related commentary).