Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the Spirits transforming work within you. (ED: AKA AS NOT "ABIDING IN CHRIST!" The verb form, , makes the power obvious, for it means primarily to grasp, seize, or capture (Matt 9:25 = Mark 5:41; Matt 14:3 = Mark 6:17; Matt 26:48, 50, 55 = Mark 14:44, 46, 49; Rev 20:2). 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). (Eph 1:18ESV) Notice how this rendering places the emphasis on God as the One Who "inherits"! Colossians It is truth too magnificent for words to describe which is why even Gods own revelation requires illumination of His Spirit in order for believers to begin to understand the magnitude of the blessings of salvation that exist for saints. These things are brought about by the power of God for the believer. Nehemiah (seeEphesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) (Bolding added). Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. Calling here refers to Gods effectual callingthe calling that redeems the soul. We need not pray for power to endure suffering. Dunamis is, however, mostly power in action, as in the frequent use of dunamis for miracles, mighty works, they being exhibitions of divine virtue. (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. Romans 8:24-25 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. . Reprinted by permission. . "Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," which comes from God's grace (Ephesians 1:7-note). 5:1; 15:20; 17:36; 19:3; 23:25; 24:14; 1 Chr. This certainty is provided in Jesus Christ. Yes, we are, indeed, the conquered captives of his omnipotent love. 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). | GotQuestions.org, What does God mean when He says, Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)? It means to make known in reference to the inner life or transcendent matters and thus shed light upon. First is dunamis (power), from which we get dynamite and dynamo. The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. 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. Encourages my soul. They are, so to speak, what he looks forward to enjoying forever. The emphasis is not on that which is little, but rather that which starts out small and grows into something bigger and stronger. ", Revelation 7:12 (note) saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), John MacArthur - MAINTAINING A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE. Second is energeia (working), the energizing force of the Spirit that empowers believers to live for the Lord. 2:13). But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. Paul would have us appreciate our dignity. There could be no more, and it is foolish and presumptuous to ask for more. In 2Co 3:10 = "surpassing glory" and 2Co 9:14 = "surpassing grace." 5:19 = making melody with your heart to the Lord; Eph. But let us not stop here - believers needed resurrection power to be saved the first time (justification) and are in continual need of this same power for "daily salvation" (progressive sanctification, "present tense" salvation) from the world, the flesh and the devil! 19:25; 47:6; 63:17; Jer. Power for You-Today! Im taking this message from this phrase in Ephesians 1:19: the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe. I know that the vast majority of you do not feel that power. Our salvation from start to finish is due to the surpassing greatness of His power! Wiersbe - In the prison prayers of Paul (Eph. 1 Chronicles God has an inheritance. Is not this the secret of any grace or wealth there is in Christian lives? GOD'S INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS. 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) John MacArthur makes the excellent, Biblically logical point that "Until we comprehend who we truly are in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to live an obedient and fulfilling life. In that verse protected means to keep or guard and reflects Peters confidence that salvation is inviolable. The same limitless power that created, sustains, and controls the universe saved you and keeps you saved. Nu. None of us has to live a defeated life. Maybe youre saying, Is that ever true! . 1317). In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. Eph 1:21+ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. In Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary, the Jewish and Roman leaders successfully killed Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 19:30). The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. The "heart" in Scripture speaks of the very center and core of one's life, the seat of thoughts and moral judgments. Although the participle follows the hinaof Eph 1:17, it is awkward grammatically in the clause. (Daily Bible Study). His inheritance is in His saints. View (1) is probably the more valid interpretation although both views are taught in Scripture and the Greek text does allow for both interpretations. 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. Thats why he prayed for our enlightenment (Eph 1:18). Spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through self-effort or introspective meditation but through Gods Holy Spirit. F B Meyer commenting on inheritance in 1Peter 1:4-notesees it asview #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! But in Hebrew and Greek thinking, the heart was considered the seat of knowledge, thinking, and understanding. his incomparably great power for us who believe. Note that all three clauses (hope, inheritance, power) are linked to the verb "will know". Literally eido/oida refers to perception by sight (perceive, see) as in Mt 2:2+"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? 1:3), you are less likely to succumb to temptation. Paul is "struggling" to say what cannot be said. 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. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have resurrection power! The hope of your calling is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments. He prayed that they might be enlightened so that experientially they might truly possess their possessions! J C Philpot -It is no great mystery that the Son of God should be exalted to the throne of power. 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. Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. 2 Timothy 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. But a day is coming -- oh! 8:28)! THOUGHT - Beloved, there is a powerful principle taught in this section. This power is active, dynamic, and compellingand it is mightily at work on your behalf. So the kindred adjective . (Ref), Wiersbe - He is talking about divine dynamic, eternal energy, available to us! Kleros may be used in the plural, but kleronomia is never so used. God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. Then a distant aunt, unsolicited, sends her a sum of money, which happens to be the exact amount needed for airfare. This is obvious when the writer of Genesis says that Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived (Gen. 4:1 ESV, emphasis added). Titus We will be with Him forever in heaven, where there will be no suffering or tears or death. Modern maps containing the results Of the explorations of Livingstone, Stanley, Burton, tell another story of river, Savannah, tableland, and of myriads of inhabitants. It abounded with orators and philosophers, and men of great wisdom and learning {c}; and was formerly a very rich, trading, flourishing city, but now a village, and a poor desolate place; it retains the name of Efeso, though the Turks call it Aia Salik. The former is given by knowledge as well as by madness or rage; but strength comes from nature and a healthy state of the body. And he did so with great expectations. Lots were drawn to discover the will of the gods. The next time you participate in a group prayer session, speak up with a bold heart and give honor to the almighty God. He thinks of us as His inheritance. 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. This is the same mighty power (NLT - Tyndale House), Phillips: and how tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. Let that motivate you to praise your rich and glorious God for His rich and glorious inheritance! ), "What I do you do not realize (eido- know beyond a shadow of a doubt) now, but you shall understand (ginosko- understand by your experience) hereafter. If I were to put you in a barrel and put that barrel in the Mississippi River, where would you be? First, he raised Christ from the dead (v.20). When He was raised from the grave, we were raised from the grave. Believe (4100) (pisteuo) refers not just to an intellectual assent to the truths of the gospel but to a saving belief that effects the heart, resulting in a transformed, supernaturally directed conduct based on the truth believed. Leviticus 1920).[72]. Wiersbe draws a fitting application of Paul's great prayer for our great need - "The greatest power shortage today is not in our generators or our gas tanks. He returned home and wrote his wife, who was away: There has come a complete change into my life. Lamentations He will put into thee the grace that thou shalt give back to Him in fruit. It is hope that Paul here links with Gods effectual call: Scholars are divided over whether hope refers to the subjective emotion or to the objective content of our promised blessings in Christ. Is it not in the resurrection of those who were dead in trespasses and sins from their spiritual stupor and separation from God, releasing them from the shackles of sin and subservience to Satan and setting them free in Christ? James John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. it is the satisfaction of God's people to believe in this exalting truth that he chooses their inheritance for them. Proverbs All rights reserved. The Message (MSG). Strengthened with might in the inner man (Eph3:16): with all might (Col. 1:11). Mark Christ has already won the victory over sin, death, the world, and Satan. (Believer's Bible Commentary). Ephesians 1:18. From the grave of mortality to the throne of the eternal God, who only has immortality; from the darkness of the tomb to the insufferable light; from this small world to the centre and metropolis of the universe. 25:15): virtue (Mk 5:30): power (Lk24:29; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). The gospel is dynamic, Gods dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. Thus, His possession is located in the saints. 1986. BGT [] , , Amplified: By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), (Amplified Bible - Lockman). 1:4). When we are faithful to the call to obedience, He can call us to more specific areas (seeLuke 16:10).GotQuestions.org. One day our Lord will come again, and we shall all be changed to see Him as He is and to be like Him. Can you conceive this? (Bible Knowledge Background Commentary). Inheritance (2817) (kleronomiafrom kleros = a lot + nemo = to distribute) (see study of related Kleronomos) (see second word study kleronomia) is originally a portion which one receives by lot in a general distribution. Col 1:28) also I labor, striving according to His power (dunamis), which mightily works (energeo- present tense - continually works) within me. Why is it important to know what is the hope of His calling? Ischus - 10 times in the NT translated: might, 5; power, 1; strength, 4. 5:16). 2:916). So we, being raised from the dead, go not back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but we live unto God. Ive been talking to You. 19:8; 2 Ki. It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. He bought the world to get you. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? 8:32) assures you that He wont withhold lesser things, and consequently youll not tend to worry about earthly needs. Note that while most versions render this as a prayer for "enlightenment," the fact is that Paul uses the perfect tense for photizo which describes them as having been enlightened in the past with continuing effect. But we must see to it that we keep nothing back. In Ephesians 1:14+ (cf Eph 1:11) Paul spoke of our inheritance, but here the request seems to speak of God's inheritance in believers. of It would seemingly be enough to mention the power of God, who is omnipotent. What a disappointment to someone who helped contribute to that $50 million figure! Cold, with the coldness of death. Young's Literal: and what the exceeding greatness of His power to us who are believing, according to the working of the power of His might, AND WHAT IS THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA). No longer bound by sin and darkness It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh. This indicates how precious his people are to God. Sometimes familiarly with the glorious superlatives of our heavenly calling, and the eternal hope of glory that is set before us, causes our eyes to become dimmed and our hearts to become complacent. 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. When this heaven and earth shall have passed away and a new heaven and earth shall have come, God's child, the redeemed sinner made a saint in Christ, shall abide forever. The devil hopes you don't understand this. 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. But glance first at Ephesians 1:17-18. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. 1:18). The living family of God want a living Saviour, one who can hear and answer prayer, deliver out of soul-trouble, speak a word with power to the heart when bowed down with grief and sorrow, sympathise with them under powerful temptations, support them under the trials and afflictions of the way, maintain under a thousand discouragements His own life in their soul, sustain under bereavements the mourning widow, and be a father to her fatherless children; appear again and again in providence as a friend that loveth at all times and a brother born for adversity, smile upon them in death, and comforting them with His rod and staff as they walk through the valley of its dark shadow, land them at last safely in a happy eternity. 15.110; Sib. The KJV has a unique and memorable way of translating this verse And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power", Paxson - God would then tell us that in this wonder-working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance and consummation of our salvation: that it is all-sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthily of his high calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers. Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." ESV and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). The average ministry is fueled by the flesh. Amos God intends that His work be accomplished by His power. We must live as saints, Gods holy ones, separate from this evil world. (Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation). a patrimony or a possession. Also, the parallel passage (Col. 1:12) refers to our sharing in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Other Scriptures also refer to the inheritance that is stored up for those who are Gods children through faith in Christ (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Heb. 13:3; Ezra 9:8; Barn. Even more, we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and redeemed us with His blood. ", Colossians 1:29 records Paul's testimony: "I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.". 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. (Mark 12.30+). 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. Do you hunger and thirst for God as a deer does for the water brooks? Emotions are important, but they must be guided and controlled by an enlightened mind. . The emigrant at last covers his estate, its mines become exhausted, its forests levelled, its soil impoverished; but when a million years have passed, the nature of God will lie before us as utterly unexplored and unexhausted, as when the first-born son of light commenced like a Columbus in the spiritual realm to explore the contents of the illimitable continent, God. COMMENT - This context refers to the spiritual powers of the heavenly beings. This is a wonderful truth. 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). Genesis Spurgeon compared the general call of the gospel to the sheet lightning that you see on a summer night. I am in total agreement with you. No. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of being His child. But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. We are dearer to Him than all the worlds He has ever made; more precious than all His other creation. Mighty strength in our inner being, "through His Spirit" (Ephesians 3:16-note). (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. 1112)? It is great power: nothing less would suffice. Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. See more belowon what it means to be called by God. Eyes (3788) (ophthalmos) is literally the organ of vision but in Paul's use is obviously figurative. Rather, as Paul will go on to say, we were dead in our sins, but God raised us up. The text is clear! (See Ro 5:1, 2+). THOUGHT There will never be a day when God's power is not sufficient to accomplish what God purposes in us and through us to the praise of His glory (what He does in and through us will be seen by others who give Him praise and glory because they realize that it is a supernatural not natural work!) 1:19). God's Word promises riches The faith that saves is not the faith whereby we live the victorious Christian life. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The occasion of it was the foresight the apostle had of false teachers that would spring up in this church, after his death, and spread their pernicious doctrines, and draw away disciples after them, and do great mischief in the church; wherefore the design of this epistle is to establish the saints in the doctrines of the Gospel, that so they might not be carried away with the errors of the wicked: the subject matter of it is most excellent; it treats of the most sublime doctrines of grace, of divine predestination, and eternal election, of redemption by Christ, and of peace and pardon by his blood, of conversion by the power of efficacious grace, and of salvation by the free grace of God, in opposition to works: it also very largely treats of the nature and usefulness of the Gospel ministry, and of gifts qualifying for it, and of the several duties of religion incumbent on Christians; and the method which is used is exceeding apt and beautiful, for the apostle first begins with the doctrines of the Gospel, which he distinctly handles and explains, and then proceeds to enforce the duties belonging to men, both as men and Christians. And so inspired by the Spirit, Paul emphasizes that God has even more blessings to bestow on His children, the blessing of "resurrection power" so that saved sinners so that we might be enabled to live a supernatural life! 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. Says a good divine, "It is one of the greatest glories of the Church of Christ, that our mighty Maker, and our Friend, always chooses our inheritance for us." These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles one word upon another in this incredible description. In short, Paul prays for our position in Christ to become our practice in Christ. Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Glorified in the life that is life indeed. (1Pe 1:5-note) The idea is that we are being brought through an enemys country under a strong escortas (escort = a person or group of persons accompanying another to give protection ) the women and children from Lucknow, between the double line of English soldiers, till they were safe from the onset of the Sepoys. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Exodus 28:1). Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Look at our Lords body in the tomb. Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! Paul said that God's power is "to us-ward who believe" (Eph. God's power goes far beyond all other power. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). To correct this problem, we must embrace all aspects of prayer. BGT . 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. So here he takes view #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! In none of these prayers does Paul request material things. Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. With his natural mind, man cannot understand the things of God. And the measure of the power that is to us what who believe is that mighty power which entered into Jesus Christ and resurrected him from the dead. The hand that bled to make it mine, In favor of this view is the context of Ephesians 1 (verses 3, 11, & 14). If youre not happy at this moment, neither will you be with a change of location, salary, or ministry. You have given us freedom, hallelujah. New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce writes (The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians [Eerdmans], p. 270), That God should set such high value on a community of sinners, rescued from perdition and still bearing too many traces of their former state, might well seem incredible were it not made clear that he sees them in Christ, as from the beginning he chose them in Christ., Why did God do this? Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. It is a powerful work, past, present, and future: Gods power was evident in their conversion, Gods power is evident in their endurance, and Gods power will be evident in their resurrection. Gods specific call to service usually begins with a burden for a particular need that relates to the kingdom of God. F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! 28:9; 33:12; 78:62, 71; 106:5, 40; Isa. 17:6; Ezek. KJV And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.