For fifteen years the Romans defended their homeland against the brilliant Carthaginianand could never drive him out. (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. In sum, for believerseido/oida suggests Spirit given fullness of knowledge, absolute knowledge (that which is without a doubt), rather than a progress in knowledge (cp ginosko) a distinction illustrated in the following passages. 1:19). 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!. He said that we never form adequate conceptions of the treasure of the gospel, or if we do, we cant persuade ourselves that these things pertain to us, because they are so far from what we experience. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; Your prayer will likely be a welcome reminder to others. But there's no hidden message in the National Research Council's verdict on such techniques. Love will only give itself to love. The gospel is dynamic, Gods dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, Psalms 121:3, Philippians 4:19, James 1:17, Ephesians 1:3, Revelation 21:9, Romans 8:21-26, . 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). Try to grasp the scope of that thought, dearly beloved of God! The literal rendering is "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened." Our faith in Christ did not originate with our feeble will, but with the sovereign, eternal will of God. Hoeher comments that "Having mentioned the surpassing greatness of Gods power, Paul is now going to show that it is literally according to the power of the power of his power. Paul lists a series of three words for power used to describe the standard of the surpassing greatness of Gods power." (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. 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. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. All Christians have the same hope. Live today in anticipation of Christs imminent return. (Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers). For less than $5/mo. This is the miraculous power each believer has experienced at the moment of salvation and surely there is no greater manifestation of God's power than this. Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. To run an organization needs no God. So of moral vigor. 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. Sunday I went up to Los Angeles and heard Paul Rader preach. 1:1819). The Kleronomos is one who has been given a kleros, the inheritor. Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. And not just barely free, either. Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. (Daily Bible Study). Paul piles on words for power to make his point. 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. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. 1:18) (ED: I WOULD SAY THIS IS ALSO THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT). In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. They will give us the strength to persevere in godliness. I cannot understand how this can be, but I know that God has an inheritance even in me. Paul is praying for the Ephesians understanding of Gods work on their behalf. It is simply providing hope and certainty for the believer, who has assurance because of the power that raised Jesus from the dead. 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. 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. Maybe we need to go back and read the manual! Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. Ephesians 1:18 I. (2) The other view is that the inheritance means all that we will inherit in Christ. Col 1:28) also I labor, striving according to His power (dunamis), which mightily works (energeo- present tense - continually works) within me. Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe - Supernatural power for believers to enable them to live in triumph. When we were children, the map of Africa gave us a few scattered names around the coast line; but the great interior was blank. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. We, who are God's tillage, must make no bargain with his ploughshare, and withhold no acre from the operations of his Spirit. All believers have been called by grace, out of darkness into His glorious light. Numbers Jude Kleronomia compounded from kleros and nemo, allot, is first the activity of dividing by lot, then the portion so divided, the inheritance. 5:19 = making melody with your heart to the Lord; Eph. I am in total agreement with you. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). Thus, His possession is located in the saints. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. They dont know the reality of heaven. All rights reserved. (1Cor 6:19, 20+). (John 13:7). 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. Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 18, 2019 (message contributor) . Oswald Chambers -The habit of rising to the occasion. 4:18; 2Co 2:14), and touch (Acts 17:27). 10:10): a strong consolation (Heb6:18): a mighty angel (Rev18:21). He gives the worldling husks; but he stops to find out the sweet fruits for his people. Not even Satan has the power to do that. There's good news and bad news if wealth is what you want. God's people do not fight for victory but from victory! COMMENT - Note how Paul associates our New Creation in Christ (2Co 5:17+) with the creation of the heavens and the earth. No amount of worldly noise or manmade programming will make up for the sad lack of the Holy Spirit's presence. So here he takes view #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! John Piper does one of his "labs" on the question of inheritance and ends by saying possibly both aspects are true. God gives usspiritual giftsto aid us in our call to service. It is a very high honor conferred upon God's servants, that it is said of them, "He shall choose their inheritance." The "heart" in Scripture speaks of the very center and core of one's life, the seat of thoughts and moral judgments. Jesus was buried and remained in the tomb for three days (John 19:42). What a disappointment to someone who helped contribute to that $50 million figure! Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. Compare Peter's opening blessing for his readers in his second epistle Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge (epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge (epignosis) of Him Who called us by His own glory and excellence. With all these avenues confirming her decision, she feels confident moving forward into the call of God for her life. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? 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.". Paul would say "STOP IT!" In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. Ive been talking to You. If the Christian message is true, the world is on the way not to dissolution but to consummation. That we might know God better (Ep 1:17). No. To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). Eph. Thank You, Father, in Jesus' name, AMEN. Proverbs that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. We have it all now, and we will have it throughout eternity." . 5:1; 15:20; 17:36; 19:3; 23:25; 24:14; 1 Chr. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. He cannot give more; He will not give less than Himself. Listen to his arguments here. It is truth too magnificent for words to describe which is why even Gods own revelation requires illumination of His Spirit in order for believers to begin to understand the magnitude of the blessings of salvation that exist for saints. Christ has already won the victory over sin, death, the world, and Satan. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). Paul says this enlightenment is abiding and permanent state (See previous noteon what this means regarding the translation). Ephesians 1:18. The power which is really at work in Christian men today is in its nature I agree that this is Pauls main aim. Joshua Rely on His grace and strength in doing so. The analogy that we have quoted, however, fails us utterly in its final working out. It shows that the believers are valuable to God because he purchased them in order to inherit them. And may I know the riches of my glorious inheritance that is awaiting me and all who trust in Jesus as Saviour. In, on, among. 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. In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). It is but a step from the bosom of the Father to His right hand. God's power is made available to us by His indwelling presence. 2:9f; 28:20, 22; 30:4; 2 Sam. The NTs concept of hope is built on the OT and has the elements of expectation, a trust in God, and the patient waiting for Gods outworking of his plan. (Ibid). Job But a treasure far greater is mine; After addressing the role and example of Gods power inEphesians 1:114, Paul then informs the Ephesians that he gives thanks for them and their faith (verses 1516). Such a glorious hope inspires to holy living and to a hatred of all that is of this world. But I do more than thank. Do you hunger and thirst for God as a deer does for the water brooks? The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." (Ro 11:2+), Jesus is speaking to unbelieving Jews about His Father in Jn 8:54, and declares to these Jews that) "you have not come to know (ginosko) Him (GOD THE FATHER), but I know (eido- BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT) Him; and if I say that I do not know (eido) Him, I shall be a liar like you, but I do know (eido) Him, and keep His word. Pray Ephesians 1:17-19 (and other Pauline prayers). The fault is with themselves. 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 considers each us to be His precious portion. I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. Lord, where are You? you cry. Ischus is used as an attribute of God in the Revelation saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power (dunamis) and riches and wisdom and might (ischus) and honor and glory and blessing." 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that . 13-14) writes, When she was young, Victoria was shielded from the fact that she would be the next ruling monarch of England lest this knowledge spoil her. The saints knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. He finally disembarked his troops from a lack of support at home. 15:56). The church is Christs body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. THE POWER OF GOD IN THE ASCENSION LIFE. 1:11; 3:4; Zech. The better we truly know the "hope of His calling", Now my whole lifes aims and ambitions are changed. Colossians 1:29+ For this purpose (WHAT PURPOSE? | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? 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). free! In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. | GotQuestions.org, How can we rely on the power of God? Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. If anyone should instill hope and bring out the best in others, it should be the Christian. ", Ischus - 251 uses in the Septuagint (LXX) - Ge4:12; 31:6; 49:3; Ex.9:16; 15:6, 13; 32:11, 18; Lev. One demon says to the other, "Demon, if those liberal theologians ever really let Jesus Christ out of that tomb, and those so-called Baptist preachers begin to preach itwhew! Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. All other ground is sinking sand. Spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through self-effort or introspective meditation but through Gods Holy Spirit. The gospel itself is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. Our society has been enamored with the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, especially since the influx of Eastern thought into the West during the 1960s. Paul asks that the blessing imparted by God the Father ( Eph 1:3 ) to the Ephesians will be strengthened in them through the message of the gospel ( Eph 1:13 , 17 - 19 ). Ephesians 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 (energeia) of His power (dunamis) . 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. A second way to interpret it is that it refers to the inheritance that God has in His people. 14:13, 17; 24:18; Deut. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). Further, perfectadverbial participles are usually causal in NT Greek. Why is it important to know what is the hope of His calling? The deadline for submitting an application for a higher pension has been extended to May 3 from March 3.. Employees who were in service prior to September 1, 2014, and continued to be in service . 1:18; Eph. The inability to see and understand spiritual things is not the fault of the intelligence but of the heart. We are dearer to Him than all the worlds He has ever made; more precious than all His other creation. - Now, I want to ask you a question: Are you sitting in this auditorium, this morning, or are you sitting in heavenly places? 4:1; Song 2:7; 3:5; 5:8; 8:4; Is. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). Living on the inside (You set us free) In hours of weakness they drew on God's power; in those of suffering, on his patience; in those of misunderstanding and hatred, on his vindication; in those of apparent defeat and despair, on the promises that gleam over the smoke of the battle, as the Cross before the gaze of Constantine; in death itself, on the life and immortality which find their home in the being of Jehovah. Hope gives us the assurance that we are going toward something better than this present life. F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! To find assurance, one must look to the covenant-keeping God and Scripture. (Eph 4:1+). Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Spiritual Life, Character of God, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. 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. Read the Bible, discover plans, and seek God every day. 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. Its certainly not because of the power of the believer, but the power of God. Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness 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. Here is how this applies: As a believer, you are always in need of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your heart to the great truths of the Bible. But what a high and lofty ideal the apostle sets forth. If we do walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 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. 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. We fence off a part of ourselves for God, excluding Him from all the rest. But it is mind-boggling when he prays that we will know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints! The KJV has a unique and memorable way of translating this verse And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power", Paxson - God would then tell us that in this wonder-working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance and consummation of our salvation: that it is all-sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthily of his high calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers. He reminded us of the motivation behind prayercommunicating with the One who is in control of all things.
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