Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. When He placed his cross against the wall, and scaled our ramparts, planting on our strongholds the blood-red flag of his omnipotent mercy? How can we begin to fathom a prayer like that? - Now, I want to ask you a question: Are you sitting in this auditorium, this morning, or are you sitting in heavenly places? 1 Samuel . If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. (Brown, Colin, Editor. 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. 10:13; Eph. 8:30), And these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. That sequence is certain! The Greek tense is aorist imperative which speaks in context of a request in the form of a command and speaks of urgency and need) my eyes, that I may behold (careful, sustained, and favorable contemplation - LXX translates with katanoeo from kata = down + noeo is literally to the the mind down on and speaks of giving very careful consideration to some matter, think about very carefully, consider closely. (THE MEASURE OF IMMEASURABLE POWER). Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23. Reprinted by permission. In Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary, the Jewish and Roman leaders successfully killed Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 19:30). I have total trust in You. we must have the power of God. There is the danger of stopping at knowing doctrine, rather than allowing the doctrines to give you greater personal knowledge of the God of whom the doctrines speak. 3:21; Col. 2:12; 2 Thess. (Eph 1:3). The hope of his calling.--(See Ephesians 4:4.) He purchased it and paid for it with the blood of His Son. The gospel is dynamic, Gods dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. Thus we know that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence. The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 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 Christians, Finally, the context both here and throughout Ephesians seems to emphasize the motif of light as a property belonging to believers. If you identify with these sentiments, you are not alone. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. 4:15). The analogy that we have quoted, however, fails us utterly in its final working out. They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." And not just for the time being, but forever. It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought (such is the literal rendering of the word, employed here). That never can. The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. Start for FREE. To which is added another, and that is redemption; the author of which is Christ; the price, or procuring and meritorious cause of it is his blood; a branch of which is forgiveness of sins; and the whole is according to the plenteous and free grace of God, Eph 1:7, the entire plan and scheme of which is the produce of abundant wisdom and prudence, Eph 1:8, and is no other than the mystery of the will of God revealed in the Gospel, according to his sovereign will and purpose, Eph 1:9, which lay hid within himself until the fulness of times, or the Gospel dispensation, in which Christ being sent, has gathered all together in himself, Eph 1:10, through whom the saints enjoy the inheritance they are adopted to in predestination, which is the effect of an unfrustrable purpose, and a wise counsel and will, Eph 1:11. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 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). The church, like Samson in the lap of a harlot, has divulged the secret of strength and is shorn of power. "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. " So that (1519) (eis) conveys the primary idea of motion into any place or thing figuratively as here speaks of the purpose for the Ephesian saints having been enlightened. The answer is yes, yes, yes. Eido/oida is not so much that which is known by experience as an intuitive insight that is drilled into one's heart. 7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message By Carey Nieuwhof on March 1, 2023 Try to grasp the scope of that thought, dearly beloved of God! 3:24; 4:37; 8:17f; 9:26, 29; 26:8; 32:13; 33:11, 25, 27; Jos. Luke used ophthalmos figuratively in recording Christ's charge to Paul that He was sending him to the Gentiles to open (anoigo) their eyes so that they may turn (epistrepho) from darkness (cf "prince of the power of the air" in Eph 2:2+) to light (cf Col 1:13, 14+) and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness (sending away) of sins and an inheritance (for which they were predestined before the foundation of the world, Ep 1:5+) among those who have been sanctified (set apart - here referring to the initial act of belief although more commonly in NT referring to the ongoing day to day salvation of the believer = sanctification, which is also by faith) by faith in Me. 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. WithoutGodspower, these things would not be possible (seeLuke 18:2627). A muscular mans big muscles display his might, even if he doesnt use them. | GotQuestions.org, How can we rely on the power of God? On the other hand if I give you a million dollars, I have given to you "according to" or more in proportion to my riches. 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. 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. 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. COMMENT - This context refers to the spiritual powers of the heavenly beings. 4:13), I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. He meant that he was able to face and accomplish whatever God called him to do (see also, Eph. Each soul has the whole of God. The world can't understand it, but we can.
Lesson 10: What God Wants You to Know (Ephesians 1:18-19) 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. (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online). As He bought, so let Him possess, everything. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary)(Bolding added), Lehman Strauss-The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Here Paul prays that we might have a full appreciation of our worth to God. It always refers to supernatural power: once of satanic power (2 Thess 2:9), while the others allude to Gods power directly (Eph 1:19; 3:7; Phil 3:21; Col 1:29; 2:12; 2 Thess 2:11) or indirectly (Eph 4:16). But what a high and lofty ideal the apostle sets forth. Living in the light of Your goodness But by Gods grace the word of God may change your mind and your heart. And what is he attempting to describe? I finally see what youre telling me, Lord!" One might think of ischus as God's latent power. 11:2; John 14:2526; 16:1214). his incomparably great power for us who believe. The same power that brought Christ from the dead, and set him on high, works in the salvation of every believer. 15:13). Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). The eyes of our hearts refers to our total inner person, which includes the intellect, the emotions, and the will. In addition the view that the saints are Gods inheritance has precedence in the Old Testament, Moses recording that Israel was God's possession For the LORD'S portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. How can we fail with Him as our Head and with such power at our disposal? 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. It is from from which we get theocracy, the rule of God; autocracy, absolute rule; democracy, the rule of the people; and plutocracy, the rule of the wealthy. The power which raised Christ from the grave, lifted Him to heaven, put all things under His feet and made Him the Head over all to the Church, is to us-ward who believe. Youll not be happy until you 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. After Jonah was back on dry land, the word of the Lord came to him again with the same call, giving him another chance to obey. (Bible Knowledge Commentary), In another note Hoehner writes that "The word kleronomia occurred in Eph 1:14 and basically means property, possession, or inheritance. Is not this the secret of any grace or wealth there is in Christian lives? 11:22]). No longer bound by sin and darkness Calmen had expected her former teacher to say, "I knew you could do that.". Warren Wiersbe (Be Rich [Victor Books], pp. Jesus answered and said to him (to Peter who was a bit "put off" that Jesus was preparing to wash his dirty feet! -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. He cannot give more; He will not give less than Himself. 1986. Many Christians have a stick your head in the sand attitude when it comes to grappling with the difficult doctrines of the Bible. 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. His power is to us-ward who believe (Eph. Here are the other two uses in Ephesians. Our salvation from start to finish is due to the surpassing greatness of His power! Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. So the dynamo of Christian living is within the believer because God is within the believer. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the security of your salvation. 31:3; Ezek. Thats 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. We have been called by grace, to glory. For example, Deuteronomy 32:9 says, For the Lords portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. Psalm 33:12 proclaims, Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. (See, also, Deut. We live in a day when denominations, Churches, and religious organizations are running on man-made programs, social agendas, and orders handed down from denominational headquarters. Freedom, You have given us freedom Illustration - In 218 b.c. 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. 5:2; 12:21, 25, 28, 30; 16:27f; 29:11f; 2 Chr. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:18 titled "The Hope of His Calling," Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds this great prayer of Paul and carefully navigates between the general call of God in the gospel for all and the effectual call of the Holy Spirit for believers. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. | GotQuestions.org, The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power Toward Us, Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers, having been called "with a holy" (2 Timothy 1:9, out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles (Romans 9:24, through the "gospel" that we "may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Th 2:14, and be brought "into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1Cor 1:9, and return in triumph "with Him" at the end of this age (Revelation 17:14. This seems to be a confirmation, but she continues to ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5). The man was powerfully built, and Fuller visualized how he must have looked in the ring. 1:19, p. 214): Pauls object, therefore, was not only to impress the Ephesians with a deep sense of the value of Divine grace, but also to give them exalted views of the glory of Christs kingdom. 1 Thessalonians Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! 17 But I do more than thank. Fourth is ischus (might), which carries the idea of endowed power or ability. Deuteronomy (ED: AKA AS NOT "ABIDING IN CHRIST!" So he should not be judging Adam who shows concern for his unborn child. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. 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? It sounds idealistic. Jdg. 15:56). Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). Therefore, not only do we have an inheritance (Eph 1:14) but He also has an inheritance (Eph 1:18). This magnificent accumulation of words for power underscores the magnitude of Gods great power available to Christians. Jesus was buried and remained in the tomb for three days (John 19:42). Calling here refers to Gods effectual callingthe calling that redeems the soul. 2:9; 2 Thess. 4:18 = hardness of heart; Eph. Also of the angelic powers (Eph1:21; Ro8:38; 1 Pet3:22). God demands that we obstinately oppose Satan, as those Romans untiringly harried Hannibal. The Father has chosen (verse 4) and predestined (verse 5) believers to adoption in Jesus Christ. The gold and the silver and all the universes are His. This power was irresistible. May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. Year after year the process is repeated, until, perhaps when twenty years have come and gone, the fences are needed no longer, because the extent of occupation is commensurate with the extent of the original purchase. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. 7:35; 2 Ki. One argument against taking it this way is that it becomes almost a repetition of the first part of the prayer, to know the hope of His calling. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study The church cannot arise and go out as at other times, and this the Philistines well know." Scripture speaks of two kinds of callings: the gospel or general call, and the effectual or specific call. The eyes of your heart will be enlightened! These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. 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. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. It is great power: nothing less would suffice. In all those ways the Holy Spirit empowers Gods children. 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. He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. (Mark 12.30+). His power provides the way of escape from every temptation that we face (1 Cor. For less than $5/mo. It is a source of strength and stability amid the trials of life (1 Peter 3:1415). Prior to start Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download, ensure the availability of the below listed system specifications. Jesus healed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38); cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:28); was resurrected from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:11+); and was seated at God's right hand in the heavenly places through the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:19, 20+). John Calvin helpfully explained why Paul throws in just about every word that he can to describe Gods power towards us who believe. It is a great truth that God does choose the inheritance for his people. The American Standard Version reads: "the eyes of your heart," not mind. Calling (2821) (klesis) (Click for more in depth discussion of calling; see related word kletos, and discussion of who are "the called") refers to an invitation as to a banquet, a summons to court, and was a call for attention in Greek. The hand that bled to make it mine, Hoehner introduces the last section of chapter 1 -Paul prayed that they might know God more intimately in order to comprehend three things. 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. A little spark of accomplishment There are too many Christians trying to do the work of God without first being filled with God. Thus as 1 John 3:2-3 puts it, Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. 8:3839). ESV and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. ', Mark 12:33+ and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. It was Paul who rejoiced in the confident hope that we have in Christ Jesus and he longed that others too would come to a real understanding of the incomparable riches of His grace which is expressed in his kindness towards us in Christ Jesus, and so Paul prays that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which God has called us - the riches of His glorious inheritance in US - His holy, called-out people.