Having prayed then that God would enlighten the eyes of our hearts, Paul specifies three things that God wants you to know: Paul later (4:4) will talk about the hope of your calling, but here he refers to the hope of His calling. Why does he do that? 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. He has riches untold. Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul reminded them, Our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction (1 Thess. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. (See The Oneness of Covenant), Harold Hoehner -Paul then used three additional words to describe Gods power. Paul is praying for the Ephesians understanding of Gods work on their behalf. 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). Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. No one can do the work of God successfully without being filled with the Holy Spirit. Its broad acres have been made over to thee by deed of gift. 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+). As priests, these sons certainly understood the facts about God, but they did not have a relationship with him. He trips over something, brushes the dirt from it, and discovers its a treasure. Now we are drowning in a sea of false religions and New Age philosophies. As stated above, because of Christ's work for us on the Cross means that in light of the truth that believers have"been justified (declared righteous or in right standing before God, acquitted of our sins) by faith, we have peace with God (cf peace "of" God in Php 4:6-7+where peace depends on how we respond to our circumstances, testings, etc, and if we do by walking in the Spirit as commanded in Gal 5:16+, He gives us peace of God, the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22+) through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand (perfect tense speaks of the permanence or abiding nature of this condition) and we exult (continually boast, rejoice) in hope of the glory of God ( = when we see Jesus face to face - 1Jn 3:2-3+)." But even though he has reached it, several years must pass before he can understand its value, or compel it to minister, with all its products, to his need. 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. 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. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. His power provides the way of escape from every temptation that we face (1 Cor. -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural. THAT THE EYES OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED. And he did so with great expectations. Aristotle (Rhet., i., 5) says strength (ischus)is the power of moving another as one wills; and that other is to be moved either by drawing or pushing or carrying or pressing or compressing; so that the strong (ho ischuros) is strong for all or for some of these things.. The eyes of your heart will be enlightened! 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. (Psalm 119:18-see commentaryor related commentary). Bible Gateway passage: Ephesians 1:18-19 - The Message The text doesnt indicate that we personally have the power to raise the dead or perform other miracles. (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). Hoehner adds this description on elpis -In Greek thought hope consists merely of a consoling dream of the imagination designed to forget the present troubles but yet leaving one with many uncertainties. of each person. A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. 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). 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). It is equivalent to "the energy of the strength of his might, which He energized in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at his own right hand in the heavenlies.". 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. Ephesians 1:16-18 by Wayne Barber | Precept Austin 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. 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. Just as His calling (Eph 1:18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him. 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. The shadows of secrecy or reserve on either side will blight a friendship in which all the conditions seem perfectly adjusted. 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. Although Paul wrote his letter in Greek, he was steeped in the Hebrew Biblethat is, the Old Testament. When you buy a new gadget, it comes with an owners manual that tells you how to operate it. He also gives us the powerthe enablementto practice the truth (Eph. Thats 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. Joshua Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. And not just for the time being, but forever. Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. If, for example, you realize you have every resource for godly living (Eph. In the Mississippi River, right? But it is mind-boggling when he prays that we will know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints! Since land was divided by lot, probably in the framework of common use of the fields, kleros came to mean a share, land received by lot, plot of land, and finally inheritance. As we develop sensitivity to His voice, we move forward with what we know. For fifteen years the Romans defended their homeland against the brilliant Carthaginianand could never drive him out. THOUGHT -Is your heart tender to the Word of God? There could be no more, and it is foolish and presumptuous to ask for more. Jdg. 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. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 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. Peering around, he studied Rader. Victory is ours! And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. 4:20; 7:6; 9:26, 29; 1 Kings 8:51, 53 Ps. 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". 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. That is why one cannot receive the full impact of the meaning of the Word of God except as the Holy Spirit illuminates his mind to understand it. I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:12). We belong to Somebody. Although the participle follows the hinaof Eph 1:17, it is awkward grammatically in the clause. "and to earnestly desire to walk worthy of the calling to which they have been called, motivated by the "hope of His calling". Ephesians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB Paul wants to encourage us as we realize that our salvation is evidence of Gods surpassingly great power at work in us. THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Languagecopyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. ", Toward (1519) (eis) motion toward = marking that which any person or thing inclines toward (in this case genuine belief). The Message Canvas Bible: Coloring and Journaling the Story of God, Spring Palette, The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, softcover, The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look, Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/tan, Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook, The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook. Just before His ascension Jesus assured the disciples, You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you (Acts 1:8), an enduement every believer receives at the time he is saved. Maybe youre saying, Is that ever true! This is simply remarkable! Generally, then, it may be said that while both words include the idea of manifestation or of power in action, ischus emphasizes the outward, physical manifestations, and dunamis the inward, spiritual or moral virtue. He will bring fruit out of thy rockiest nature, as the Norwegians raise crops on every scrap of soil on their mountain slopes. They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. 1:18). He does everything he can to buy the field in which the treasure is buried. Nothing can separate you from His love (Rom. 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.". 18:1; Rev. 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. Zondervan). These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. But prayer meetings often slip to the bottom of attendance records. Many Christians have a stick your head in the sand attitude when it comes to grappling with the difficult doctrines of the Bible. he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ. View (1) is probably the more valid interpretation although both views are taught in Scripture and the Greek text does allow for both interpretations. Thats the confidence you should have as you live each day. 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. 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. 1.12; Odes Sol. Therefore, whereas the hope that was produced by his calling looked back to the past, his inheritance in the saints will be fully realized in Christs coming to get his saints." we must have the power of God. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. We can read the promises of God and be certain of Gods ability to fulfill those promises, even those of redemption, resurrection, andglorification. There is the general call of the gospel that goes out to all people. Amen. As Paul shows (Rom. Rely on His grace and strength in doing so. 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). As you face this new day, do so with the confidence that you are one of Gods elect. It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of being His child. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study How can we fail with Him as our Head and with such power at our disposal? At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: Ephesians 1:18 Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened (Ephes. Probably, ere long the whole will have been opened up to European civilization and commerce. (see Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary), Old fashioned Holy Ghost power is the need of the day. 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 Gods people. The church is Christs body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. Right here is where the average Christian fails. you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. Proud member 2:4): strength of sin (1 Cor. Commentators tell us that they can distinguish differences of meaning between the words, in that the first of them is the more active and outward, and the last of them is the more inward. Vincent has a discussion of two related words ischus and dunamis (in his note on 2 Peter 2:11) -. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. (Eph 1:3). 3 John Paul knows that as a man thinks in his heart, his spiritual interior, will determine how he walks (cf Pr 23:7). (Ephesians Commentary). Esther - see related discussion - A Spirit Filled Church]The Church that multiplies committees and neglects prayer may be fussy, noisy, entertaining and enterprising, but it labours in vain and spends its strength for naught. I hold fast to the opinion that our God is ever trying to reveal Himself to us. Ephesians 1 - MSG - Christianity But this is as impossible to our unaided energy, as for the swallow to follow the majestic flight of the golden eagle, soaring sunward. God can. 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. Dunamis does not refer to explosive power, as if the gospel will blow men to bits but as discussed above, it refers to intrinsic power. Now my whole lifes aims and ambitions are changed. 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). We are called by God to salvation. Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. You. She pursues more information and educates herself as the burden grows stronger. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, The Holy Spirit reveals truth to us from the Word, and then gives us the wisdom to understand and apply it. Thus power unto salvation (Ro1:16): the kingdom coming in power (Mk 9:1): God himself called powerthe right hand of the power (Mt. 3. the mighty power by which he energizes them.[71]. It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. This seems to be a confirmation, but she continues to ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5). Ephesians 1:17-18 17 But I do more than thank. Because My coming is near, and your heavenly account is pretty small, Im giving you an opportunity to make some huge investments in the few days that remain before you go to heaven., You for whom this day has seemed as a thousand yearsrejoice. It refers to a degree which exceeds extraordinary and thus excels. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope (living because of the resurrection of Christ Who ultimately is our "Hope" as Paul states in 1Timothy 1:1 "Christ Jesus, our hope") through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 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. Ephesians 1:1820. The emphasis is not on that which is little, but rather that which starts out small and grows into something bigger and stronger.
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