Illustration - In 218 b.c. Isaiah So that Paul portrays the heart as having eyes to see and by seeing to gain knowledge. The work of the Lord languishes for lack of power. She asks her Bible study group to pray with her about the matter. Sunday I went up to Los Angeles and heard Paul Rader preach. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. 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. Paul shows the proper relationship of faith and works in this letter, explaining that believers are God's, "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." 1:3-4). 2:4): strength of sin (1 Cor. When he began to share his wealth with others in great philanthropic endeavors, his health improved considerably and he lived to be an old man Gods power enables us to use Gods wealth. NLT (revised)I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. 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. For less than $5/mo. In that verse protected means to keep or guard and reflects Peters confidence that salvation is inviolable. Another English word dynamite, is derived from dunamis and since dunamis is used by Paul to describe the "power of God", some have suggested that the gospel is "Gods dynamite". Gods gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). One needs to realize that subjective hope is based on objective hope, a hope that looks back to Gods work of redemption in 1:314, especially in 1:910 where Paul relates that all things are going to be headed up in Christ. Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. 1 Chronicles WHAT ARE THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS: tis o ploutos tes doxes tes kleronomias autou en tois hagiois: There are two ways to interpret "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (1) The saints are His inheritance He considers a treasure of incomparable worth! Do believers really have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:1920)? After all, what good is it to have wealth if you are too weak to use it? Here he prays that we will know the riches of its glory. 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. 2:20). In other words, Paul had prayed (Eph 1:17) that they might have true spiritual insight into God, and then he included the phrase, having the eyes of your heart enlightened (RSV). Your prayer will likely be a welcome reminder to others. Exodus 28:1). Obadiah money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. 3:7; Eph. Acts 16:14+ A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened (dianoigo) her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. The power that EVERY believer in Christ has access to every day of their life until they see Jesus face to face! God can. Thank You, Father, in Jesus' name, AMEN. Perhaps you can remember three words to capture this message: resurrection power now. The uses of eido will not be listed because of the large number (656 hits in 619 verses searching on Strong's Number in the NT - if you want to see these usesCLICK HERE and go down to the "Frequency Lists" and you can study the uses in different translations book by book). Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 18, 2019 (message contributor) . Literally this verse reads, The eyes of your heart being enlightened. We think of the heart as the emotional part of man, but in the Bible, the heart means the inner man, and includes the emotions, the mind, and the will. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! This magnificent accumulation of words for power underscores the magnitude of Gods great power available to Christians. Kleros may be used in the plural, but kleronomia is never so used. His power delivered over 6 million people save through the Red Sea, while at the same time destroying the entire army of Egypt, the greatest army in the world at that time! Mark 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 gold and the silver and all the universes are His. ESV and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. Third is kratos (strength), which may also be translated dominion (1 Ti 6:16) or power (Heb. 1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in Eph 1:1-2 (ED: THOSE WHO BELIEVE). Notice here-. Kleronomia is literally what is received as a gift from someone who has died, but figuratively as in this verse it refers in a religious sense to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits. For Further Study: Read Genesis 2733, noting how God used the events of Jacobs life to transform his weak spiritual commitment to one that was strong and unconditional (see especially Gen. 28:2022; 32:912). But I do more than thank. Its certainly not because of the power of the believer, but the power of God. 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." As we experience God's power in our own lives, we can encourage others. Imagine a couple of demons speaking. No longer bound by sin and darkness This same truth is found in the first epistle of Peter where we read that believers are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1Pe 2:9+). It is but a step from the bosom of the Father to His right hand. For example, Jesus said that evil thoughts come out of the heart (Matt. Rather, He is trying to appear to the eye of our soul through an inner consciousness. He needs the Spirit to enlighten him (1 Cor. In Philippians 3:21 Paul states that the Lord Jesus Christ "will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the (supernatural) exertion (energeia) of the power that He has (KJV - according to the working whereby He is able = dunamai in present tense = continuously able) even to subject all things to Himself (Php 3:21+), The surpassing power which God's Spirit uses in continually energizing our supernatural life (Php 2:13-note), in ministering to our spiritual needs, is in accordance with, commensurate with His infinite, immeasurable divine energy. Now I have resurrection power living on the inside 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. Peering around, he studied Rader. Herein lies the means of victory! His call now is to all those redeemed by the blood of Jesus to showcase to our world Gods mercy, grace, and salvation (Hebrews 12:14;Matthew 5:16). Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? Jdg. Why is there so little power when God states that He has given us His Divine power? The power that God has made available to the believer is according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph 1:19-21). God exercised this power in two ways. That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. 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). But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. They worship a lie (as do all cults who have exchanged the truth of God for the lie of Satan - cf Ro 1:25+). It speaks of a clarity of mind or understanding by which one is able to see things intelligibly and clearly and proceed accordingly. Ezra 9:8 But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. He called you to Himself and will hold you there, no matter what circumstances you face. For Further Study: Joshuas call to lead Israel was not a call to salvation, but it illustrates some important principles for spiritual leadership. 3:17 = so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; Eph. The definite article in Greek ("the") precedes pisteuo, which means these are literally "the" believing ones (i.e., they are genuine believers). 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. Isnt that magnificent? It is utterly impossible to put the fullness of divine reality in human language, to compress the infinite into what is finite. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? (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. The power of God we experience in our lives is the same power by which God raised Jesus Christ from death. And so he prays that these saints might be able to grasp the breadth and length and height and depth (Eph 3:18) of the great truths in chapter one, so that they might be enabled by the indwelling Spirit and the riches of God's grace (DOCTRINAL TRUTH IN CHAPTERS 1-3) to order their steps so that they "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called." Why would he be praying for this "Aha" enlightenment? Ephesians 1:18. The, the definite article. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), John MacArthur - MAINTAINING A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE. It would have been a tall prayer if Paul had prayed that we would know Gods inheritance in the saints. In other words, believers cannot do with this power what they choose, but its use must conform to the direction given by Christ, the head of the Church. Glorified in the life that is life indeed. This is amazing grace indeed! Yes, we are, indeed, the conquered captives of his omnipotent love. Our faith must grow. 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. If that has happened to you, confess it immediately and turn from it. 1:18). 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. I have total trust in You. Thus power unto salvation (Ro1:16): the kingdom coming in power (Mk 9:1): God himself called powerthe right hand of the power (Mt. The Father has chosen (verse 4) and predestined (verse 5) believers to adoption in Jesus Christ. But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. Hell help us, all Heaven will break loose." Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Power for You-Today! Never apologize for your inner eyes! Having all our needs met by God (Philippians 4:19) (see note), The "wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33) (see note). TECHNICAL Note that it is somewhat difficult to give a crisp, succinct definition of eido, so keep that caveat in mind as you read these notes. Eido/oida is not so much that which is known by experience as an intuitive insight that is drilled into one's heart. Leviticus It comes only through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. He chose them, and set his love upon them. 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). Sometimes the passing enticements of this world seek to blind our eyes to the riches of the glorious inheritance that we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. You have given us freedom, That I'm dressed in Your royalty Will you, starting today, begin to know by experience GodGods callingGods richesand Gods power?" The fault is with themselves. He finally disembarked his troops from a lack of support at home. NIV and his incomparably great power for us who believe. . Paul would say "STOP IT!" Many believers were more interested in doing what felt right than in doing what God declared to be right.Instead of their emotions being controlled by Gods truth, their emotions distorted their understanding of His truth. Hope in the present context is not the objective hope, that hope which is laid up for the believer (Col 1:5; Rom 8:24) but the subjective hope of all believers. 6:4; Heb. Do we not remember that glorious hour when He carried our hearts by storm? That's what Paul is praying for here. To correct this problem, we must embrace all aspects of prayer. All who receive it respond in faith. When we really grasp this amazing truth, all we can do is worship and glorify our precious Saviour and occupy our time, redeeming the days as we wait expectantly for His blessed appearing. All Christians have the same hope. You. That call became his motivating force. We have the case of Elisha when the Syrian army was sent to Dothan to take him captive. So even though many of the translations are not perfectly accurate to the Gree, they all retain the essence of Paul's desire for the saints to "know" these three things beyond a shadow of a doubt. Thus chosen, purchased, and subdued, the rights of our divine possessor are inalienable: we rejoice that we never can be our own; and we desire, day by day, to do his will, and to show forth his glory. In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). There must be no reserve put on any part of our being. He wants you to know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power toward you. 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. Why is it important to know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints? In favor of this view is the context of Ephesians 1 (verses 3, 11, & 14). The discoveries youll make, the understanding you will glean, the gifts of praise, the expression of even frustrated prayer will affect you for the next zillion years. They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." Not a stain on its pure robes; not a freckle on its leaves; not a taint of miasma on its atmosphere. The American Standard Version reads: "the eyes of your heart," not mind. 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought (such is the literal rendering of the word, employed here). --M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Dunamis - 119x in 115v - Here are Paul's uses of dunamis in Ephesians Eph 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. 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. 2:1416). He gives them to us by the handfuls. Strength (2904) (kratos) refers to manifested power or power that is put forth in action. 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. And they became thine in fact, when thou wast born at the foot of the cross. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith.
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