Psalm 13:3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. Mark 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! 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). Daniel He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about his title there can be no dispute. Nahum Wiersbe - In the prison prayers of Paul (Eph. The eye on yours is dusty. He cleaned it and the problems disappeared. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2007, All Rights Reserved. The text is clear! the more we will be motivated (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), Charles Stanley -LIFTING OUR LEVEL OF PRAYER, SCRIPTURE READING: EPHESIANS 1:1823 KEY VERSE: EPHESIANS 1:18. Freedom, You have given us freedom 1:1523; 3:1421; Phil. ), How is this resurrection power demonstrated even in this letter? Eph. God 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 believers. Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. Our society has been enamored with the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, especially since the influx of Eastern thought into the West during the 1960s. Ephesians 1:18. But here, Paul is writing to believers (saints, us who believe, 1:18, 19). For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. The gold and the silver and all the universes are His. It is the reserve of strength. The ESV also picks up the perfecttense rendering it "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened," which also describes a past completed action. This is also apparent when 1Samuel 2:12 says that Elis sons were wicked men who did not know Yahweh. A little spark of accomplishment Love will only give itself to love. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others. Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. How often he sent us terms of capitulation! What power! 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. It is your hope of final glorification and of sharing Gods glory when Christ returns (Col. 3:4). (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word), Jon Courson- And what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. We need to go back and read the manual carefully, asking God to give us His wisdom and understanding. Knowing that, we should live as His special people. Numbers Jdg. I think the needle is broken, I told him. Why? The context for this passage is important. But where is He?. (1Pe 1:3-5-See notes 1 Peter 1:3; 1:4; 1:5), Comment: Our "living hope" guarantees our inheritance, our protection until the revelation of our the final aspect of our salvation - glorification - when Christ returns "in the last time", Hoehner explains the relation of hope and calling -The genitive that follows (, calling) could be a genitive of source, hope has its origin in his call or more likely a subjective genitive hope produced by his calling (cf. A blessing found at Qumran reads, May He illuminate your heart with the discernment of life and grace you with eternal knowledge (1QS 2:3; cf. 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. (See the Three Tenses of Salvation), Lehman Strauss- And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe (1:19). We must live as saints, Gods holy ones, separate from this evil world. His power provides the way of escape from every temptation that we face (1 Cor. THOUGHT - Beloved, there is a powerful principle taught in this section. (Meyer, F B: Our Daily Homily). 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. 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. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to his people. Kardia in Ephesians - Eph. 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, Note the ESV rendering "what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints." (Dt 32:9+). 3:7; Eph. Suggestions for Prayer: Pray for greater spiritual enlightenment and a clearer understanding of your security in Christ. What did God require of him (vv. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Wuest renders it "and what is the superabounding greatness of His inherent power to us who are believing ones as measured by the operative energy of the manifested strength of His might." 46) he admonished them to employ that power in faithful living for their Lord. Do believers really have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:1920)? The "heart" in Scripture speaks of the very center and core of one's life, the seat of thoughts and moral judgments. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. If that has happened to you, confess it immediately and turn from it. On the Saturday before, California businessman Charles Fuller read about Raders visit in the newspaper. Together we can help each other achieve great things for Him. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. 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. You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in. That there are diversities of gift is manifest; and there always will be a vast difference between those who have five talents and those who have two, in the amount of work done for the kingdom of God. In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. 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. But while countless people place, or rather misplace, their faith in the transforming power of subliminal messages, living faith in Jesus Christ cannot fail to do its transforming work. Even though He has given humankind the freedom to make choices, His choices have already been made (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:1018). 1:1819). There stood that awful obstacleand it is still the great obstacle that stands between all men and Goddeath in sin and nothing but the power of God could deal with such a situation. Proper understanding of spiritual truth is not dependent on having a keen intellect but rather a tender heart! What kind of riches are you looking for? God called the entire nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). Psalms 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. 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". POWER FOR EVERY SAINT. 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. Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, were a free peoplefree of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. Yes, it is an inheritance. The power he prays we will know is literally according to the power of the strength of his might which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead (vv. Finally. But His riches are not in the universes that He possesses, nor in the substance of the earth that is His, but in the saints that He purchased at infinite cost, namely, the precious blood of His only begotten Son (I Pet. But I do more than thank. I want this day to be as a thousand years for you. Oswald Chambers -The habit of rising to the occasion. Dr. Hammond thinks it was written about the year 58, and Dr. Lightfoot places it in 59, and the fifth year of Nero. Pauls request for them to know God was within proper bounds because their hearts had been enlightened (the Greek perfect tense indicates past action with continuing results), as discussed in verses 314, especially Eph 1:79 (previous note from Hoehner's discussion in Bible Knowledge Commentary) (Ed Note: Hoehner goes into greater detail regarding six ways this passage could be taken in hisEphesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Lehman Strauss-The prayer continues: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened (1:18). (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). What we can get from God rather than what we can be to God is our continued concern. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers. We need to practice the Joshua rule "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you." The four words are dunamis, energeia, ischus and kratos. Hebrews 13:21 records the prayer, "Make you perfect [mature] in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight.". 20:27) (Deut. Ep). Freedom, You have given us freedom 31:14. When our hearts are set to obey the Lord, He confirms His call in a variety of ways: godly counsel, natural gifting, fruitful results, Scripture, and a sense of rightness that does not conflict with any of the other confirmations. 15:13). 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. Kleros may be used in the plural, but kleronomia is never so used. It is only as God's Spirit illuminates our mind that we actually can truly know the spiritual truth He wants us to know. This mighty power is at the Christian's disposal upon one condition only -- that of faith. Second is energeia (working), the energizing force of the Spirit that empowers believers to live for the Lord. But then we cant figure out why this stupid product doesnt work right! And may I know the riches of my glorious inheritance that is awaiting me and all who trust in Jesus as Saviour. See more belowon what it means to be called by God. (Eph 1:3). We are the Lords Portion, the Lords Inheritance. Rather, He is trying to appear to the eye of our soul through an inner consciousness. Exodus 28:1). Not "I hope so" but strong confidence that God is going to do good to us in future. 2:11. I have often felt that way myself. 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. Ephesians 6:10 (note) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. When her teacher finally did let her discover for herself that she would one day be Queen of England, Victorias response was, Then I will be good! Her life would be controlled by her position. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Jesus was not teaching us that a little faith could accomplish great things. You have given us freedom, my chains are gone Jesus answered and said to him (to Peter who was a bit "put off" that Jesus was preparing to wash his dirty feet! They don't deliver the life-transforming power they promise. If I am a billionaire and I give you ten dollars, I have given you out of my riches, a small portion of my wealth. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. 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+). But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. But, as we do with so many owners manuals, we read it superficially or hardly at all and then wonder why the Christian life isnt working the way its supposed to! 6:5; 22:18; 24:2, 4; 1 Ki. you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. . (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary). (Click to read more about your inheritance in Spurgeon's Sermon A Wise Desire based on Ps 47:4). Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. So of moral vigor. There are a good number of folks who have believed and been saved who's faith hasn't grown. 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) THOUGHT - God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory! 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. Hope for believers is not the worlds wishful thinking, but the absolute certainty that God will make true what he has promised. You have given us freedom, Freedom, You have given us freedom We shall conquer him eventually, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us. In this chapter are contained the inscription of the epistle, the salutation of the persons to whom it is written, the apostle's thanksgiving for blessings received by him, and them; in which the efficient, moving, procuring, and final causes of salvation are taken notice of, and the several parts and branches of it observed; and the whole is concluded with prayers for the Ephesians; in which mention is made of various things to the comfort of the saints, and to the glory of Christ. (See Ro 5:1, 2+). There's more than enough power to break the hold of all sinful habits; more than enough to give deliverance from temptation; more than enough to enable the believer to live above circumstances. Amen. A day is as a thousand years. Some take it to mean, the riches of the glory of the inheritance that comes from God and is enjoyed among the saints. In other words, they take it to be a prayer that we would come to know all of the spiritual blessings that God has given to us. 1 Peter 3:9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 2:916). 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). We will enjoy perfect happiness in a perfect environment where nothing will be spoiled by sin. Working, strength, and might or mighty further describe this power. NET since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Esther In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. The possessive pronoun shows that it is Gods inheritance.Because of His choosing, redeeming, adopting, and sealing us, we are his possession. We have to exercise ourselves in order that the Son of God may be manifested in our mortal flesh. He will fully gain His inheritance when the saints are removed from this earth and come into his presence. They remain in bondage, depressed, and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. What an objective in prayer! Memorize them which will facilitate "meditation on the fly" (when you don't have your Bible open, but you do have the text written on the "tablet" of your heart). He considers each us to be His precious portion. We have been called by grace, to glory. Don't you think it's time all Heaven broke loose? Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). And what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. Encourages my soul. It is interesting to note that photizo (enlightened) was used by the pagan Mystery religions as a technical term for the rite of initiation into their inner secrets! You. "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? Just as His calling (Eph 1:18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him. . The same limitless power that created, sustains, and controls the universe saved you and keeps you saved. 12:2) by filling you with the knowledge of [Gods] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9). Play Chris Tomlin's Resurrection Power. Fourth is ischus (might), which carries the idea of endowed power or ability. He prays that the eyes of their understanding may be enlightened, Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 1:18. If you are still the same miserable crosspatch, set on your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sanctified you. Not a portion of but proportionate to! The way to combat these forces is to stand in Gods mighty power (v.10)that is, resurrection power. The NET Bible is similar translating it ""since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened". At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 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. 1:6, 14; Ezek. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. I PRAY THAT THE EYES OF YOUR HEART MAY BE ENLIGHTENED: pephotismenous (RPPMPA) tous ophthalmous tes kardias [humon] : Psalms 119:18+ Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. That never can. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The next time we feel weak, we need to recall this passage to our mind (a present imperative command in Php 4:8-note), not in the sense of "mind over matter" but in the sense that this is what is true about us, a truth that we need to walk in by faith (2Cor 5:7, Col 2:6), even (especially) during those times we feel weak (cp 2Cor 12:9-10-note) or inadequate (2Cor 3:5-6-note, 1Cor 15:10-note). But a day is coming -- oh! Rather, if we are the called according to Gods purpose, then we know that He is actively working all things together for our good, both in time and in eternity (Rom. LXX translates with apokalupto from ap = from + kalpto = cover, conceal which means literally to uncover and so to remove the veil or covering exposing to open view what was before hidden. 22:14). It is a matter of constant complaint with Christian people that they fall so far below their aspirations and hopes. Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! The world can't understand it, but we can. 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. It is exceeding great power, beyond the furthest cast of thought (such is the literal rendering of the word, employed here). If the Christian message is true, the world is on the way not to dissolution but to consummation. (Bible Knowledge Commentary), In another note Hoehner writes that "The word kleronomia occurred in Eph 1:14 and basically means property, possession, or inheritance. This effect in context undoubtedly refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit Who illuminates spiritual truth to the hearts of believers (See Illumination of the Bible). 1:10). He wants them to fully grasp the nature of all three aspects of their salvation. | GotQuestions.org, Is there power in the name of Jesus? Habakkuk 1 Peter Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. 3:1421). 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. ANSWER -Ephesians 1contains Pauls amazing prayer for the believers in Ephesus. 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. ", Philippians 1:6 says, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. Revival and blessing come to the church when we stop looking at a picture of God and look at God Himself! Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. us with every (how many?) 7:24; 19:11f, 14; 24:21, 25; 26:11; 27:12; 30:6, 15, 18, 21; 31:18; 32:12, 16, 18, 20, 26, 29ff; 33:28; 34:27; Dan. 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. This day is as a thousand years because in your day of difficulty and dilemma, pressure and pain, sadness and sorrow, you have the unique opportunity to share the fellowship of the Lords suffering and to pray for others in a way you never would have been able to otherwise. 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. We need to step out in faith and this means faith that obeys (enabled by the Spirit). It is the active exercise of supernatural power." They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. There are seminary professors who can exegete the Greek text here, but these glorious truths do not thrill their hearts. It refers to the inherent strength which displays itself in the rule over others. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. 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! 3. the mighty power by which he energizes them.[71]. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament), Glenn Spencer on believe - This is a condition for the victorious life. Virtually all the authorities agree that "heart" is the correct translation. [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? (The Reciprocal Inheritance). They are also his by conquest. 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! Part of that prayer is, I pray that . 3:20). Revelation 5:12 (note) saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. Philemon Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. 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. A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. In Ephesians 1:19 and Ephesians 6:10, ischus describes the strength of God bestowed upon believers. 1:3; 2:1; 3:9; Hab. What a battle He had in us before we would be won! If we want to know what the Divine Power can make of us, let us turn to look with the eye of faith upon what it has made of Jesus Christ. To run an organization needs no God. 11:22]). Our Lord never dictated to His Father, and we are not here to dictate to God; we are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. Living in the light of Your goodness It is but a step from the bosom of the Father to His right hand. He sealed us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be kept until the day of redemption, absolutely, totally, eternally secure in our salvation. Ecclesiastes Throughout Ephesians 1 Paul is clearly struck with the magnificence of our inheritance in Christ. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles one word upon another in this incredible description. (Ephesians 5:18+) The filling of the Holy Spirit will result in power for service with souls being won to Christ and Christians growing in grace and knowledge. 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 a free gift, and yet we have a right to it. Click for multiple Scriptures dealing with the other view (#2) that the inheritance refers to what believers will inherit one day by virtue of their position in Christ. 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. (ESV Study Bible), Spurgeon - "See how high Christ is raised! 2:13). 2:1416). "and to earnestly desire to walk worthy of the calling to which they have been called, motivated by the "hope of His calling". On the other hand Alexander Maclaren asks Is that heaping together of synonyms or all but synonyms, mere tautology? God the Father gave the world to Adam. Glorified in the life that is life indeed. (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). When we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. Hosea The next time you participate in a group prayer session, speak up with a bold heart and give honor to the almighty God. God can. To correct this problem, we must embrace all aspects of prayer. Adrian Rogers on Heaven Will Break Loose!

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