Lots were drawn to discover the will of the gods. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. As saints, were Gods inheritance, His treasure, His prize. Eido/oida is a perception, a being aware of, an understanding, an intuitive knowledge which in the case of believers can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Colossians 1:29+ For this purpose (WHAT PURPOSE? 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. 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. The same limitless power that created, sustains, and controls the universe saved you and keeps you saved. One demon says to the other, "Demon, if those liberal theologians ever really let Jesus Christ out of that tomb, and those so-called Baptist preachers begin to preach itwhew! Psalms The deadline for submitting an application for a higher pension has been extended to May 3 from March 3.. Employees who were in service prior to September 1, 2014, and continued to be in service . With that thought in mind a more accurate rendering is that of Wuest who has "the eyes of your heart being in an enlightened state with a view to your knowing what is the hope of His calling." Ephesians 1 - MSG - Christianity It always has the meaning of an effective power which does things and which any man can recognize." The Hope of His Calling: A sermon on Ephesians 1:18 - MLJTrust.org Its broad acres have been made over to thee by deed of gift. To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:1820). 8:32) assures you that He wont withhold lesser things, and consequently youll not tend to worry about earthly needs. But it is mind-boggling when he prays that we will know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints! 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! ", 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. Moth and rust cannot consume, nor thieves break through to steal. 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. The end of which is, that those predestinated, redeemed, and adopted ones, should be to the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:12, and who are described as such, who first trusted in Christ upon hearing the Gospel; and after they had believed in him, were sealed by the Holy Spirit, said to be the Spirit of promise, Eph 1:13, and who is also spoken of as the earnest and pledge of the saints' inheritance, and who will continue so until all the people of God are redeemed from the grave in the resurrection morn, which will also issue in the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:14, and now on account of all these blessings of predestination, adoption, redemption, calling, and the sealing of the Spirit; as also, because of their faith in Christ, and love to the saints, these believers were possessed of, the apostle gave thanks, and continued to give thanks to God in his prayers to him, Eph 1:15,16. Youll not be happy until you know the hope of His calling. Be diligent to pray and spend time in the Word so that your spiritual progress will be evident to all (1 Tim. Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. Thus, it seems that the author is saying, "I know that you are saved, that you have had the blinders of the devil removed; because of this, I can now pray that you will fully understand and see the light of God's glorious revelation." Ephesians 1:18 M:BCL - your eyes focused and | Biblia When He was raised from the grave, we were raised from the grave. 1:18; Eph. 1:18; Eph. 12:29): a mighty famine (Lk15:14): his letters are powerful (2 Cor. Here we see a prayer Paul offered with the intention of strengthening Christs church. In verse 18 he prays that we will comprehend those great truths, which he summarizes in the phrase, the hope of His calling.. Thats amazing. 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) The Greek tense is aorist imperative which speaks in context of a request in the form of a command and speaks of urgency and need) my eyes, that I may behold (careful, sustained, and favorable contemplation - LXX translates with katanoeo from kata = down + noeo is literally to the the mind down on and speaks of giving very careful consideration to some matter, think about very carefully, consider closely. Warren Wiersbe (Be Rich [Victor Books], pp. Many believers were more interested in doing what felt right than in doing what God declared to be right.Instead of their emotions being controlled by Gods truth, their emotions distorted their understanding of His truth. 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. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. To shine or to brighten up. 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. The Greek text may be interpreted in either of two ways. I suppose its all right to pray for that addition to a new Sunday School wing. (SURPASSING) Exceeding what? He knows that future hope has the potential to motivate us to present obedience. He, she, it, they, them, same. We are not in heaven yet; but we are as safe as if we were. It would seemingly be enough to mention the power of God, who is omnipotent. ", Luke 10:27+ And he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). All of this is for Gods glory (Ephesians 1:6,12,14). We have it all now, and we will have it throughout eternity." 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. Illustration - Brian Harbour - Back many years ago, a young boy accompanied his father and mother as they took the wagon into town for supplies. In Ephesians 1:18 the Greek word forheart is singular so that Paul is praying for each individual person's heart! But they are being intellectually lazy and exposing themselves to spiritual danger! Consequently, they are constantly striving for material things and are continually chasing carnal pursuits. That we might know God better (Ep 1:17). We need to practice the Joshua rule "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you." Spurgeon compared the general call of the gospel to the sheet lightning that you see on a summer night. 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! 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. A. Such is the case in Matthew 13. (Bible Knowledge Background Commentary). Encourages my soul. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. The wealthy devoted their treasure to the cause, and all classes sacrificed everyday amenities for troops in the field. 79)? Then ask God to restore to you the joy of your salvation. I may have a call to go to the mission field in Africa. Strength (2904) (kratos) refers to manifested power or power that is put forth in action. How could they have more than what they had? Imagine a couple of demons speaking. Thus we know that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. 1:11; 3:4; Zech. (The 365 Day Devotional Commentary). 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). It sounds like religious hype. It conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. The hope of His calling points to the certain eternal destiny and future glory of the saints, and especially the fact that these mortal bodies will but on immortality and will forever be like Christ (cf 1Co 15:53+, Ro 8:29-30+ where "glorified" is past tense it is so certain!, Php 3:21+, 1Jn 3:2+). 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. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). 1:18). He wants them to fully grasp the nature of all three aspects of their salvation. It is utterly impossible to put the fullness of divine reality in human language, to compress the infinite into what is finite. We have been called, chosen, justified, and glorified for we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and are become his chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Also of the angelic powers (Eph1:21; Ro8:38; 1 Pet3:22). It will encourage you to go on. but we barred our gates, and fenced our walls against him. Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35+); empowered by the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:16+, Lk 4:14+); filled with and led by the Holy Spirit (Mt 4:1+, Lk 4:1+). In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. Even the ancients considered the heart to be the very center of a person -- the center of knowledge, understanding, thinking, wisdom. 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). 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). I hold fast to the opinion that our God is ever trying to reveal Himself to us. Nahum 5:2; 12:21, 25, 28, 30; 16:27f; 29:11f; 2 Chr. It is a beautiful picture, the heart being regarded as having eyes looking out toward God and all of the spiritual blessings that have their source and supply in God's Beloved Son. True enlightenment continues to elude many because they have denied its source and have turned to gurus and teachers who have no light to give. 1 Corinthians QUESTION -What does it mean to be called by God? So what does he do? You might not see yourself as a spiritual leader, but you are important to those who look to you as an example of Christian character. 4:11; 1 Pet. 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. For example, a young man may begin to have a burden for a particular foreign nation and its people. Amen, Paxson -How seldom we think of what we are to God! Ephesians 1:18-19 - MSG Bible - Bible Study Tools ", Toward (1519) (eis) motion toward = marking that which any person or thing inclines toward (in this case genuine belief). The text is clear! Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. Power for You-Today! They propagate self-effort and introspective meditation, but spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through such means. They have raised harvests of bread out of the Incarnation; and vintages of blood-red grape from the scenes of Gethsemane and Calvary; and pomegranates and all manner of fruit out of the mysteries of the Ascension and the gift of the Holy Ghost. F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! Thus, His possession is located in the saints. . Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural. (Commentary on the New Testament:), Warren Wiersbe - First, enlightenment comes from the Holy Spirit. It takes far more faith to encounter and endure the battles of the Christian life than it did to trust Christ and be born again. I want this day to be as a thousand years for you. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. John Calvin helpfully explained why Paul throws in just about every word that he can to describe Gods power towards us who believe. Bruce adds (p. 271), Paul prays here that his readers may appreciate the value which God places on them, his plan to accomplish his eternal purpose through them as the first fruits of the reconciled universe of the future, in order that their lives may be in keeping with this high calling and that they may accept in grateful humility the grace and glory thus lavished on them., Our future is that throughout eternity we will actually share in Christs glory! (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! Eph 3:20+ Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (speaking of the power of the Spirit that continually energizes us - see Php 2:13+, cp the prayer in Eph 3:16+!). 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. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, He will bring fruit out of thy rockiest nature, as the Norwegians raise crops on every scrap of soil on their mountain slopes. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. THOUGHT -Is your heart tender to the Word of God? We were designed before the foundation of the world to be His workmanship, glorifying Him as we bring forth the fruit He desires (Ephesians 1:45;2:10). Some have learnt the happy art of receiving and utilizing every square inch if we may use the expression of that knowledge of God which has been revealed to them. If one had learnt a swifter art of appropriating the wealth that lay open to his hand, he would be actually, though perhaps not potentially, richer than his neighbour. First, he raised Christ from the dead (v.20). 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? | GotQuestions.org, What does God mean when He says, Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)? Thats why he prayed for our enlightenment (Eph 1:18). The reason Yt5s.io is the best youtube downloader . (seeEphesians Through Revelation), Complete Biblical Library - This power always operates "in Christ." 4:18), being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart. In other words, sin blinds the minds of unbelievers and renders them incapable of understanding the truth of the gospel, unless God opens their blind eyes (2 Cor. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. Ephesians 1:7,11 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; , Ephesians 3:8,16 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; . They remain in bondage, depressed, and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. (NLT - Tyndale House), Phillips: that you may receive that inner illumination of the spirit which will make you realise how great is the hope to which He is calling you - the magnificence and splendour of the inheritance promised to Christians - (Phillips: Touchstone), Wuest: the eyes of your heart being in an enlightened state with a view to your knowing what is the hope of His calling, what is the wealth of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,(Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission), Young's Literal: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, for your knowing what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Hes the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. The new has come, Now I have resurrection power living on the inside (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary). Ephesians 1:18 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org THOUGHT - Believers in Christ are privileged to worship the Truth personified and consummated in Christ Jesus! 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. (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. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary)(Bolding added), Lehman Strauss-The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Here Paul prays that we might have a full appreciation of our worth to God. Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. (Bible Knowledge Commentary), In another note Hoehner writes that "The word kleronomia occurred in Eph 1:14 and basically means property, possession, or inheritance. 1:19, p. 214): Pauls object, therefore, was not only to impress the Ephesians with a deep sense of the value of Divine grace, but also to give them exalted views of the glory of Christs kingdom. 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. Pray Ephesians 1:17-19 (and other Pauline prayers). These refer to various kinds of ability ranging from physical/ mental expenditure (Genesis 31:6), sexual potency (Genesis 49:3), or Gods power (Exodus 9:16; 15:6).