Thus, it seems that the author is saying, "I know that you are saved, that you have had the blinders of the devil removed; because of this, I can now pray that you will fully understand and see the light of God's glorious revelation." 8:28)! (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). Thats why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Fathers hand (John 10:29). (1Cor 6:19, 20+). The hand that bled to make it mine, 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. This is the power of God that is available to believers. 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. This expression was often used metaphorically for faith (Pss. We are dearer to Him than all the worlds He has ever made; more precious than all His other creation. And many a life that might grow rich in its heritage of God is dwindled and marred, because it sets a limitation on God's heritage of itself. In Ephesians 1:1820, the apostle Pauls prayer reveals that growing in the knowledge of God means growing in the knowledge of Gods mighty power. On the other hand, in the OT the hope of the righteous is directed toward the eternal God who will protect and ultimately deliver if not now, certainly in the future. Ephesians 6:10 (note) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. O child of God, thy estate has been procured at the cost of blood and tears; but thou didst not buy it! He chose them, and set his love upon them. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 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. Has God given this power to the believer according toEphesians 1:1920? 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 . Generally, then, it may be said that while both words include the idea of manifestation or of power in action, ischus emphasizes the outward, physical manifestations, and dunamis the inward, spiritual or moral virtue. 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. 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. . It is not as under the laws of primogeniture, that one child takes all, while the younger children are dismissed with meagre allowances. of each person. Read Joshua 1:19 and then answer these questions: What were the circumstances of Joshuas call (vv. The Greek text may be interpreted in either of two ways. 2:4): strength of sin (1 Cor. get to know the Bible better! 1:4; 2:37; 3:4, 20; 4:1, 13f, 21ff, 30f; 5:7; 7:7; 8:6f, 22, 24; 10:8, 16f; 11:1, 6f, 10, 15, 17, 19, 25, 34; Hos. The heart is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, mans inward being. On the way home, the father asked the boy why he didn't reach his own hand into the jar. Paul wrote, I am compelled to preach. Only here in the NT (hapax legomenon)BDAG -1. quality of exceeding a standard involving physical magnitude (size),2. quality of exceeding a standard of excellence, greatness.". 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. 5:19 = making melody with your heart to the Lord; Eph. This sense comes out clearly in the New Testament in the use of the word and of its cognates. It shows that the believers are valuable to God because he purchased them in order to inherit them. Remember that the first three chapters are doctrine but the last three are "duty," calling for a walk "in step" with the doctrinal truths. 3:7; Eph. Hes the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about his title there can be no dispute. Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 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. 3:20). Even though He has given humankind the freedom to make choices, His choices have already been made (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:1018). Do we not remember that glorious hour when He carried our hearts by storm? Theyre depressed and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. . All of which is a parable. It would have been a tall prayer if Paul had prayed that we would know Gods inheritance in the saints. 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!. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. We want to get out of the trial, solve the problem, move on. 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). Leviticus Dunamis is rather ability, faculty: not necessarily manifest, as ischus: power residing in one by nature. 6:16; Heb. They became thine in the Council chamber of eternity, when the Father gave Himself to thee in Jesus. COMMENT - Note how Paul associates our New Creation in Christ (2Co 5:17+) with the creation of the heavens and the earth. What a transformation took place in Peters life between the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! He purchased it and paid for it with the blood of His Son. She begins to pray for direction. It is your hope of final glorification and of sharing Gods glory when Christ returns (Col. 3:4). If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. Paul says this enlightenment is abiding and permanent state (See previous noteon what this means regarding the translation). Not a portion of but proportionate to! We are saved by grace, through faith (Eph. In Ephesians 1:314 Paul proclaims the blessings of our salvation. 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 using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy. They are the real eyes for discerning the nature of issues important to God. 1:19). Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Eyes (3788) (ophthalmos) is literally the organ of vision but in Paul's use is obviously figurative. 3:20). Arriving at the church the next day, he found a seat behind a large pillar. Click for additional discussion on some of the aspects of the hope of this calling. 1 Peter 1:5 says that we are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Jude 24-25 proclaims, Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. 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." (Mark 12.30+). Throughout the Old Testament, the verb know and the noun knowledge refer to intimacy and relationship, not simply a cognitive understanding of the facts. To summarize, Paul prayed that we would come to know God more intimatelyin order that we might know the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints. 6:9; 7:9; 8:7; Joel 2:22; Amos 2:14; 3:11; 5:9; 6:13; Mic. The first dealt with the past, where the hope was produced by the calling of his people to himself. But because Israel rejected that call and followed idols, they never flourished in the way God wanted to prosper them. In our struggle with everything that sets itself against the knowledge of God, we have some incredible resources. Paul previously prays that the Ephesians would understand the hope, or certainty, of their calling and future inheritance (Ephesians 1:18). Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! Sublimal Messages Don't Work - Americans spend $50 million a year on subliminal message tapes designed to help them do everything from improve their self-image to stop smoking. He wanted them to rise above self-serving behavior and develop the character and likeness of Christ. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Knowing that, we should live as His special people. 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. Jdg. Think about it: When the church holds a Bible study, concert, or picnic, many people show up. 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. As He bought, so let Him possess, everything. Proverbs The knowledge that Paul is praying for includes an intellectual grasp of the truth, but it also grips our emotions and brings our will into greater submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. When we make use of these resources, we will experience the mighty power with which God raised Christ from death! Is keeping it for 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. The eye on yours is dusty. He cleaned it and the problems disappeared. That view stresses the value God places on us as believers, as demonstrated in Christs death, the forgiveness of our sins, and the abundant grace that He lavishes on us (Eph 1: 78). Faith must be exercised in all areas of Christian growth. An almost identical prayer is recorded by Clement of Rome(written between 75-110 AD, cf to Ephesians 60-62 AD) asking God to open the eyes of our heart to know you. (Also a good prayer!). 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. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. This deep, interior "cardiac" enlightenment is clearly the result of the work of the Holy Spirit Who leads the believer to know (eido) intuitively all that God has made available to him in Christ (cf Jesus' promise to the disciples - Jn 16:13, cp 1Jn 2:20, 28+, 1Cor 2:10-13, 15-16+), and in essence to come to understand what it means to be "in Christ" or "in Him". Vincent has a discussion of two related words ischus and dunamis (in his note on 2 Peter 2:11) -. When He ascended, we ascended. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. After salvation, we are further called to grow in Christian virtue and serve God by good works; in fact, it is this maturation process that confirms our calling by God (2 Peter 1:510). 10:13; Eph. God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. Thats why Paul prayed that God Himself would enlighten the hearts of the Ephesian believers (Eph. If we do walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 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. Eido/oida is distinguished from ginosko(epiginosko, epignosis - the other major NT word group for knowing) because ginosko generally refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge". Rather, as Paul will go on to say, we were dead in our sins, but God raised us up. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of being His child. Believers already have that power. Hes not interested in the world. Huperballo is used only 5x in the NT but 3 are in Ephesians. They don't deliver the life-transforming power they promise. One day our Lord will come again, and we shall all be changed to see Him as He is and to be like Him. 46) he admonished them to employ that power in faithful living for their Lord. They are actually conflicts with evil spiritual forces (6:12). Not only that, but it is all the power we are ever offered or could ever have. His death had our name on it. (Brown, Colin, Editor. But if we want our church to truly be the church, the things Paul prayed for here are vastly more important. That call became his motivating force. This same power resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us. We have been called by grace, to glory. Even the best Christians need to be prayed for: and while we hear of the welfare of Christian friends, we should pray for them. Megethos in the Septuagint -Ex. He thinks of us as His inheritance. We must live as saints, Gods holy ones, separate from this evil world. It would seemingly be enough to mention the power of God, who is omnipotent. I knew his hand was bigger than mine." On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; And so the ESV Study Bible comments that "The inheritance here is not the Christians inheritance but his (Gods). Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23. Ephesians 3:20+ Now to Him Who is able (dunamai) to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power (dunamis) that works (energeo- present tense - continually working) within us. The invitation goes out to everyone: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. But many ignore the invitation or make up excuses for why they cannot respond. I askask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of gloryto make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 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, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust himendless energy, boundless strength! We do not ask for it we were born into its blessed privilege. (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! Esther And as you pause to ponder, you are in effect beginning to practice the blessed discipline of Biblical Meditation. So he should not be judging Adam who shows concern for his unborn child. Its certainly not because of the power of the believer, but the power of God. THOUGHT - Is my life a living epistle, a vibrant testimony to God's supernatural power? Because He wants to hang out on the Columbia River? The inner man, the heart, has spiritual faculties that parallel the physical senses. Ephesians 1 1-2 I, Paul, am under God's plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. Ezekiel To give light to, to illuminate. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). | GotQuestions.org, Is there power in the name of Jesus? The power mentioned inEphesians 1:1920is continually attributed to God, not us. Take every opportunity in this long, long day youre in to thank the Father for the opportunity to store up treasure which will make you rich for eternity. Ephesians 1:1820. Why is it important to know what is the hope of His calling? God exercised this power in two ways. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. It grows even taller when he prays that we would know the glory of Gods inheritance in the saints. Illustration - In 218 b.c. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. 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. Throughout Scripture, the word hope always refers to that which is coming, to that which is ahead. Revival and blessing come to the church when we stop looking at a picture of God and look at God Himself! But wholly lean on Jesus name. 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). 1317). Having all our needs met by God (Philippians 4:19) (see note), The "wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33) (see note). Deuteronomy 9:29+ Yet they are Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm.. But it is a compact that will not hold. But here, Paul is writing to believers (saints, us who believe, 1:18, 19). To say it another way, Paul prayed that believers would know the hope, inheritance and power not in their head but in their hearts, the very essence of their being. The prophet Jeremiah proclaims that knowledge of God is more valuable than anything else. The power which is really at work in Christian men to-day is in its nature properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. (Ephesians Through Revelation). Don't you think it's time that the people of God begin to understand and to exercise Kingdom Authority? The God of Glory 3-6 How blessed is God! And not just for the time being, but. 2 John The devil hopes you don't understand this. It speaks of a clarity of mind or understanding by which one is able to see things intelligibly and clearly and proceed accordingly. 1112)? Strengthened with might in the inner man (Eph3:16): with all might (Col. 1:11). He makes supplication for the continued growth of the Ephesians in knowledge (Ephesians 1:1719a) and explains truth regarding the power and position of Christ, including the subjection of all things to Christ (verses 19b23). 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. (Daily Bible Study). When a person is aware of that call and surrenders to it, he or she starts living out Gods purpose for him or her (seeJeremiah 1:45;Isaiah 49:1;Galatians 1:15). There is no mortgage on his estate; no suits can be raised by opposing claimants, the price was paid in open court (1Co 6:20, Rev 5:9), and the Church is the Lord's freehold for ever. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. The object of his prayers is described as the God of Christ, and Father of glory; the petitions to him are for an increase of knowledge of Christ from the Spirit, as a spirit of wisdom and revelation, Eph 1:17, and that they might have a clearer view of the nature of that glory they were called unto, and were hoping for, Eph 1:18, and observe the wonderful display of the power of God in their conversion and faith; which is illustrated by comparing it with that power which was shown in raising Christ from the dead, Eph 1:20, which leads the apostle to take notice of the exaltation of Christ at the right hand of God in heaven, consequent on his resurrection; where he is advanced above angels and men, and has all things in subjection to him for the good of his church, of which he is the head, and which is his body and fulness, Eph 1:21-23. There are seminary professors who can exegete the Greek text here, but these glorious truths do not thrill their hearts. Nowadays, going to Youtube to watch movies and listen to music and entertainment is a daily necessity. Because he wants the field? 1:1819). 2 Timothy His power provides the way of escape from every temptation that we face (1 Cor. 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. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Right here is where the average Christian fails. Once on the mission field, he is willing to suffer hardships and separation from family and friends because the call of God is his greatest motivation. Pray Ephesians 1:17-19 (and other Pauline prayers). Or. Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). 4:20; 7:6; 9:26, 29; 1 Kings 8:51, 53 Ps. I'm taking this message from this phrase in Ephesians 1:19: "the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe." . The second dealt with the future when God will gain his inheritance at the coming of Christ. To shine or to brighten up. Do we really believe this is true? This may be the reason Paul spends more time on this area. Zondervan). Hell help us, all Heaven will break loose." God gives Himself to each. Play Chris Tomlin's Resurrection Power. Ep). We may not be able to conquer Satan all at once, but he cannot conquer us at all. For fifteen years the Romans defended their homeland against the brilliant Carthaginianand could never drive him out. 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. James It is the reserve of strength. What kinds of trials did Paul face? Rab. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (NASB: Lockman), Greek: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA) kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou. Nahum Note that all three clauses (hope, inheritance, power) are linked to the verb "will know". 1:911; Col. 1:912), we discover the blessings he wanted his converts to enjoy. 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. But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. Josephus, Antiquities 11.3.4). 1986. Reaffirm your love for Him, and express your willingness to be changed by His Spirit in any way He sees fit. (Believer's Bible Commentary). God's incomparably great power helps us grow, change, love others. Miss K had always taught her students to have confidence in their abilities. It is possible to excel in mechanics and fail in dynamic. The passive voice indicates that this action is performed on the subject by an outside source, clearly implying the work of the Holy Spirit (aka divine passive). Leon Tucker wrote the following words back in 1917: "Power is the one thing the church of God needs most and has least. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Or if you are so afraid of robbers that you cannot really enjoy it? Ischus therefore conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). 18:1; 22:15; 29:4, 11; 31:10; 33:16; 38:10; 39:10; 61:2; 65:6; 71:9; 78:61; 102:23; 103:20; 111:6; 118:14; 147:5; Prov. Into the city enters nothing that defiles, or works abomination, or makes a lie. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. He gives them to us by the handfuls. 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). 4:1; Song 2:7; 3:5; 5:8; 8:4; Is. The possibilities of human nature are manifest there. Having prayed then that God would enlighten the eyes of our hearts, Paul specifies three things that God wants you to know: Paul later (4:4) will talk about the hope of your calling, but here he refers to the hope of His calling. Why does he do that? This is also apparent when 1Samuel 2:12 says that Elis sons were wicked men who did not know Yahweh. (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource), ESV Study Bible Power over supernatural forces through magic and the occult was a great concern in ancient Ephesus (Acts 19:19), but the power of the living God in Christ trumps all competing authorities (Acts 19:20). It gives off light, but it doesnt strike anything in particular. 1986. 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. Kardia in Ephesians - Eph. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner.