31:5; Ezek. (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). The riches of His glory refers to the abundant, preeminent glory of God as displayed in His saints. Riches (4149) (ploutos) refers to the abundance of earthly goods, but here refers to spiritual abundance. (Eph 4:1+). You have given us freedom (You set us free), I have resurrection power living on the inside (You set us free) Can you conceive this? So what does he do? Saints (40) (hagios) describes men and women who have been set apart from the world by the sanctifying work of the Spirit for a specific purpose determined by God before the foundation of the world (see notes Ephesians 2:10). We must live as saints, Gods holy ones, separate from this evil world. Lehman Strauss - The prayer continues: " The eyes of your understanding being enlightened " (1:18). All rights reserved. Sunday I went up to Los Angeles and heard Paul Rader preach. That never can. To run an organization needs no God. (Joshua 1:3+) In short, we need to lay hold of the power that resides within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. 6:23; 1 Ki. He gathers out the fruits from among the leaves, that his people might have the best food, and enjoy the richest pleasures. A muscular mans big muscles display his might, even if he doesnt use them. Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. Do we really believe this is true? (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). 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. The surpassing-all-limit power of God can be limited in its working only by the believer's failure to believe. In Ephesians 1:19 and Ephesians 6:10, ischus describes the strength of God bestowed upon believers. When He ascended, we ascended. 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. Thats amazing. The same continuous current of His mighty power stands available to the faithful, to all who will believe. Plato (Protagoras, 350) draws the distinction thus: I should not have admitted that the able (dunatous) are strong (ischurous), though I have admitted that the strong are able. of ESV having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. In the Mississippi River, right? Saving faith is sufficient for trusting Christ and being saved, but such must grow into Sanctifying faith, Serving faith, Standing faith, and Suffering faith. 3 John Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? 3:20). Constable strings these words together writing that "Power (Gr. The Word of God is scarcely preached while rock music and religious performers entertain worldly pagans. THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Languagecopyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. 4:20; 7:6; 9:26, 29; 1 Kings 8:51, 53 Ps. Hell help us, all Heaven will break loose." 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. 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. ), Paul wants us to get a glimpse of our glorious future so that we will live in light of it right now. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. 1:18). 1:11; 3:4; Zech. The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. Read Joshua 1:19 and then answer these questions: What were the circumstances of Joshuas call (vv. Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. Still, with the stillness of death. In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). This was true for the Ephesians, and it is true for us today. Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. It is a very high honor conferred upon God's servants, that it is said of them, "He shall choose their inheritance." 1:3-4). 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. SO THAT YOU WILL KNOW WHAT IS THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING: to eidenai (RAN) humas tis estin (PAI) e elpis tes kleseos autou: Romans 5:4-5 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. The hope of our calling is the absolute certainty of our heavenly destiny and includes all that awaits the saints at the return of the Lord Jesus and is what Paul referred to by the phrase the "Blessed hope" writing in Titus that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking (not just any kind of looking but looking anxiously, eagerly, earnestly, expectantly) for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. It goes out to all sinners, but not all who hear it respond in faith. Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. We live in a day when denominations, Churches, and religious organizations are running on man-made programs, social agendas, and orders handed down from denominational headquarters. If Gods power toward us is so great, why do so many Christians fall into serious sin. Eph 3:16+is another "powerful" (power full - also using dunamis) passage indicating that the Holly Spirit is the Source of this incredible supernatural power (cf Lk 4:14+ = Jesus' pattern for our lives today [1Co 11:1+]!, Acts 1:8+, Ro 15:19+, 1Co 2:4+, 1Th 1:5, Micah 3:8)! But glance first at Ephesians 1:17-18. Jeremiah No longer bound by sin and darkness And this is God's message to thee, O Christian soul! May His Spirit enable us to worship Him Monday - Saturday (not just on Sunday) in spirit and in truth. Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. He also gives us the powerthe enablementto practice the truth (Eph. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the security of your salvation. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Dunamis is, however, mostly power in action, as in the frequent use of dunamis for miracles, mighty works, they being exhibitions of divine virtue. (See Ro 5:1, 2+). It is active energy as opposed to potential energy..In the NT it occurs eight times and is used only by Paul, three times in Ephesians (1:19; 3:7; 4:16). Here in verse 18 he wrote about Gods inheritance, the saints themselves! 18:1; Rev. I cant. 2 Peter Note that Paul writes to living saints (not dead ones), people who have put faith in Christ. What is the difference between kleros and kleronomia (in the context of the uses in the Septuagint)? In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul asked God to enlighten their eyes so they could better understand the message encoded in His Word. But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. They sigh at the foot of cliffs they cannot scale. Galatians Rader said that without Christ people are in a moral and spiritual cave, blinded, darkened, and unaware of the glories God has in store for them. In all those ways the Holy Spirit empowers Gods children. He has called us to a completed righteousness and to the completed redemption of our bodies. I think the needle is broken, I told him. Amen! (see Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary), Old fashioned Holy Ghost power is the need of the day. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Finally, the context both here and throughout Ephesians seems to emphasize the motif of light as a property belonging to believers. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:18 titled "The Hope of His Calling," Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds this great prayer of Paul and carefully navigates between the general call of God in the gospel for all and the effectual call of the Holy Spirit for believers. What was Davids response to Gods power (v. 13)? It is power which is able to overcome resistance. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. He was sometimes called the New Elijah. In 1916, while pastoring Moody Memorial Church of Chicago, Rader, 30, was asked to preach at Los Angeles Church of the Open Door. In them we see the possibilities of humanity, the ideal for man which God had when He created and breathed His blessing .upon him. 1:9), God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. Knowing that you are saved because in eternity God purposed to save you and that His purpose is certain, will give you assurance you when youre struggling with doubt or failure. (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission), It is difficult to give a clear distinction between the 3 Greek words that expand on the meaning of "the surpassing greatness of His power (dunamis)", but in simple terms it pictures the piling up of similar terms in an attempt to convey the magnitude and capability of God's incomprehensible, infinite power. 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). By Gods great mercy we have been begotten again (1Pet 1:3-note). 1317). Listen to his arguments here. Though lifting our troubles and needs to God is both acceptable and important, we should never forget to express our thankfulness, jubilance, and praise to Him in prayer. She asks her Bible study group to pray with her about the matter. It cannot come if, instead of hearing His voice, we are content with only an echo! 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". The same divine power that created, sustains, and controls the universe secures your salvation. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The wealthy devoted their treasure to the cause, and all classes sacrificed everyday amenities for troops in the field. So even in the most difficult trials, we can be filled with hope (see Rom. 2:1416). The fact that God exerted such mighty power to save us implies that His same mighty power will keep us. Love will only give itself to love. God is the Master Engineer, He allows the difficulties to come in order to see if you can vault over them properlyBy my God have I leaped over a wall. God will never shield you from any of the requirements of a son or daughter of His. We as His followers, can best imitate our Lord by learning to relinquish self reliance and instead relying on God's power which is manifest and effective through His Spirit in us, as we seek to continually be filled with Him (Eph 5:18+) and to walk by Him (Gal 5:16+). Paul is "struggling" to say what cannot be said. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened- Physical eyes (or ears) cannot see (hear) these deeper truths. It is available. We need to go back and read the manual carefully, asking God to give us His wisdom and understanding. "and to earnestly desire to walk worthy of the calling to which they have been called, motivated by the "hope of His calling". Surely not. Those for whom Paul is praying were once "spiritually blind" darkened in their understanding, (Eph 4:18) walking around in "spiritual darkness" as he reminded them of later writing that "you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Eph 5:8-note). Mark 12:30+ and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Col 1:28) also I labor, striving according to His power (dunamis), which mightily works (energeo- present tense - continually works) within me. God is far more involved with His universe than some would like to think. 12)? Paul would have us appreciate our dignity. Victory is ours! Thats why Paul prayed that God Himself would enlighten the hearts of the Ephesian believers (Eph. You called me from the grave by name Savor each moment. Rab. 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. 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 ). (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. In time, Fuller himself became a powerful evangelist, helping usher radio evangelism to the forefront with weekly broadcasts from Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, heard nationwide. 26:20; Num. This marvelous faculty of spiritual sight is lacking in the unregenerated man. So here he takes view #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! Second, this enlightenment comes to the heart of the believer (Eph. Will you, starting today, begin to know by experience GodGods callingGods richesand Gods power?" From kleronomos; heirship, i.e. You. (cf 2Co 6:11-13+)(Ephesians Commentary). (Phillips: Touchstone), Wuest: 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, (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission). There is no power shortage, just a shortage of our understanding of what we possess in Christ. With all these avenues confirming her decision, she feels confident moving forward into the call of God for her life. Here it is the other way around. Jesus answered and said to him (to Peter who was a bit "put off" that Jesus was preparing to wash his dirty feet! God's power is sufficient for our every need. 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". Be diligent to pray and spend time in the Word so that your spiritual progress will be evident to all (1 Tim. All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, Start for FREE. The answer is yes, yes, yes. 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. In summary, Paul is praying for one of the things these believers need to fully understand and to deeply realize -- the hope of God's calling. Throughout the Old Testament, the verb know and the noun knowledge refer to intimacy and relationship, not simply a cognitive understanding of the facts. Strength (2904) (kratos) refers to manifested power or power that is put forth in action. Ephesians 1:18-19 In-Context 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? | GotQuestions.org, Is there power in the name of Jesus? (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! Luke 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. God gives Himself to each. Nu. In 1:18-19, he elaborates on what that means, namely, that God wants us to know three essentials about our salvation that will give us assurance about our high calling as God's people. The prayer moves from God and Christ (Eph 1:17, 20-21) to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17-19) and the church (Eph 1:22-23). She discusses her burden with her pastor and her spiritual mentor. 4:13). The devil can distract you, and he can even cause you to stumble, but he cannot steal the promises of God unless you let him. The gnawing tooth of decay cannot injure it. Numbers Incorruptible! Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? 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! I'm taking this message from this phrase in Ephesians 1:19: "the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe." . The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. Nothing can separate you from His love (Rom. Fourth is ischus (might), which carries the idea of endowed power or ability. The idea is that it is the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in God, His indwelling strength. She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. In Ephesians 1:314 Paul proclaims the blessings of our salvation. ", Ischus - 251 uses in the Septuagint (LXX) - Ge4:12; 31:6; 49:3; Ex.9:16; 15:6, 13; 32:11, 18; Lev. Reprinted by permission. The same limitless power that created, sustains, and controls the universe saved you and keeps you saved. 19:8; 2 Ki. 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. As Fuller listened, he suddenly recognized his own spiritual blindness. 28:9; 33:12; 78:62, 71; 106:5, 40; Isa. They remain in bondage, depressed, and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. Only when we know who we really are can we live like who we are. (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. He is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Isa. Note: This discussion of kleronomia is the same explanatory note that is found in Ephesians 1:14-note (if you have already read that one). That's what Paul is praying for here. Encourages my soul. Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). Cold, with the coldness of death. | 8,801 views. Jonah It can be used of any kind of extraordinary power. Proud member 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! Lots were drawn to discover the will of the gods. Isaiah Hither the Apostle Paul first went after he had been at Corinth, though he then made but a short stay; when he came thither again, he found twelve disciples, and was the instrument of making a great many more: here he continued two or three years and formed a Gospel church, very large and flourishing, to whom he writes this epistle; and which was written by him when he was a prisoner at Rome, as appears by several passages in it, \Eph 3:1 4:1 6:20\, and seems to have been written much about the same time as were the epistles to the Philippians, and to the Colossians, and to Philemon. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary). If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. 3. the mighty power by which he energizes them.[71]. I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. For Further Study: Read 2 Corinthians 1112. Paul accomplished his work for the Lord through the strength the Lord supplied, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me (Col. 1:29). The power of Christ applied in the believers behalf can't be defeated because the Creator's power exceeds that of the evil created beings, Satan and his minions. Understanding that you have already received grace upon grace (John 1:16), abundant life (John 10:10), and everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) gives you confidence that Gods future grace and resources will be more than sufficient (2 Cor. 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.
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