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. Spirit, soul, and body must be freely yielded to the great Husbandman. Key in on verse 16 this morning- "in addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.". 8:3839). Are you praying the promises of God for yourself and your family and the body of Christ? The Old Testament priests were called by God to their special work (Hebrews 5:4; cf. Now the eyes of the believers heart must be continually taken up with his Lord in order that his knowledge of spiritual truth might increase. I was just waiting on him. Amen. As Paul shows (Rom. You have given us freedom, That I'm dressed in Your royalty (Ephesians Through Revelation). Paul is praying for a deeper spiritual understanding, that "Aha" reaction we have when we begin to really understand something and exclaim "I see it! Zina21 March 3, 2023, 9:29pm 10. Savor each moment. The surpassing greatness of Gods power is given to every believer, not just to those who believe and then have a mystical experience, second blessing, or some other supposed additional work of grace. 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. Malachi He gives them to us by the handfuls. 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? 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. Ruth Kneeling in the back seat, Fuller gave his life to Christ in prayer. Hebrews 3:20). The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. It is energetic power, energy put forth or energy put in operation. To each the conception of looking onward is attached; to the "calling" "hope," to the "inheritance" "glory," to the "power" the exaltation of Christ (and of us with Him; see Ephesians 2:6) to the right hand of God. This certainty is provided in Jesus Christ. 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 ). How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. There are a good number of folks who have believed and been saved who's faith hasn't grown. What kinds of trials did Paul face? In 2Co 3:10 = "surpassing glory" and 2Co 9:14 = "surpassing grace." Acts 1:1819). 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. We will enjoy perfect happiness in a perfect environment where nothing will be spoiled by sin. We may not be able to conquer Satan all at once, but he cannot conquer us at all. Some commentators see His inheritance as a reference to believers, who are Gods inheritance or special possession (Eph 1:14). . All rights reserved. This is the same mighty power (NLT - Tyndale House), Phillips: and how tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God. Adrian Rogers on Heaven Will Break Loose! The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Reprinted by permission. Comment: In light of this incredible truth, walk in a manner worthy of your high calling (Eph 4:1), in a manner that gives [glory or] a proper opinion to others of your Owner! 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." 15:13). I dare not trust the sweetest frame, It goes out to all sinners, but not all who hear it respond in faith. But here, Paul is writing to believers (saints, us who believe, 1:18, 19). Jonah was called by God but refused to surrender to that call; instead, he ran the other way (Jonah 1:13). They became thine in the Council chamber of eternity, when the Father gave Himself to thee in Jesus. In that case, it was used of the believers inheritance which is their share in heaven. O child of God, thy estate has been procured at the cost of blood and tears; but thou didst not buy it! Mighty strength in our inner being, "through His Spirit" (Ephesians 3:16-note). What promises did God make to him (vv. In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Php 3:14+) and a heavenly calling (Heb 3:1+). What does this "working of the strength of His might" look like? But you cant understand this manual by mere human insight or wisdom. Might (2479) (ischus) (see note by Wayne Barber ischus) refers to power as an enduement. Ischus is the inherent ability which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment. I knew his hand was bigger than mine." Here is the inexhaustible strength of God in taking His crucified Son who was dead and buried, and raising Him from among the dead to His present majestic position in heaven. Dr. Hammond thinks it was written about the year 58, and Dr. Lightfoot places it in 59, and the fifth year of Nero. Thats the confidence you should have as you live each day. That power works in every one of us, as I stand before you. Encourages my soul. Lord, help me to influence prayer time at my church so that it is a healthy representation of the full Christian life, from supplication to praise. ", 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. (Galatians 5:16-note) Obeying that command would settle the matter of walking in the flesh verses walking in the Spirit. Dunamis is the root from which we derive the English word dynamic, (synonyms = energetic, functioning, live, operative, working) which describes that which is marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change. Having been enlightened rests on the observation that you cant see in the dark and implies that the addressees used to live in mental darkness but that at conversion they were transferred into the realm of mental light, so that now they can see what the Spirit reveals to them (Eph 4:1718; Eph 5:8; Colossians 1:13). "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." 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). 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. 6:23; 1 Ki. Such is the case in Matthew 13. Reprinted by permission. This indicates how precious his people are to God. get to know the Bible better! Amen. Revival comes when, no longer satisfied to know about a God in history, we meet the conditions of finding Him in living, personal experience. Thats too tedious, and besides, we think that were smart enough to figure this out without reading the directions. He argues (p. 391) that Pauls object in this section is to give the saints assurance and certainty in their faith. (Eph 4:1+). The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! From this Verse - Robert Morgan -The Boxer and the Businessman (From This Verse). Eph 4:4). 1:3; 2:1; 3:9; Hab. In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul is praying that God would give the saints a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the true knowledge of Him. Will Pauls prayer be answered in your life? Paul is praying for the Ephesians to be able to supernaturally grasp the truths in Ephesians 1:3-14 where we see that saints are (1) chosen (Eph 1:4+), (2) predestined (Eph 1:5+,, Eph 1:11+), (3) adopted as sons (Eph 1:5+), (4) accepted in the Beloved (Eph 1:6+- see article Accepted in the Beloved), (5) redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7+), (6) forgiven (Eph 1:7+), (7) sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ep 1:13+) and (8) given the earnest of our inheritance (Ep 1:14+). Wiersbe - In the prison prayers of Paul (Eph. Exodus 9:23; 10:12; 15:10, 13; 16:19; 20:5; 23:10; 27:5; 32:17; 49:16; 51:15, 53; Lam. That is, probably, "the thing hoped for," because promised, at our calling (as in Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:5; Titus 2:3; Hebrews 6:18; and perhaps 1Timothy 1:1), for the other objects of knowledge with which it is here joined are certainly objective or external to ourselves. Such activity is a far cry from what God intended and expects the local Church to be. The Christian needs supernatural power, and God would have us see how great is His power to accomplish His purposes in us. . 26:64), and so in classical Greek used to denote the magistrates or authorities. 12:29): a mighty famine (Lk15:14): his letters are powerful (2 Cor. Warren Wiersbe (Be Rich [Victor Books], pp. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. (Daily Bible Study). The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! Paul was called by God: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1; cf. It was everlasting power. We belong to Somebody. 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 . Too many people are trusting Christ for the power to save their souls and not trusting Him for the power to live day by day. 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. Song of Solomon 6:16; Heb. They don't deliver the life-transforming power they promise. 4:7). The uses of eido will not be listed because of the large number (656 hits in 619 verses searching on Strong's Number in the NT - if you want to see these usesCLICK HERE and go down to the "Frequency Lists" and you can study the uses in different translations book by book). What a tragedy when believers do the same thing with the riches they possess in Christ, failing to really possess their possessions! I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:12). This expression was often used metaphorically for faith (Pss. (Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings). The psalmist understood that the supernatural Word of God was unlike any writing of man and thus pleaded with God to Open (Hebrew galah = Piel stem always denotes "to uncover" something which otherwise is normally concealed. All who receive it respond in faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. KJV And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. So even in the most difficult trials, we can be filled with hope (see Rom. Is keeping it for me. Literally this verse reads, The eyes of your heart being enlightened. We think of the heart as the emotional part of man, but in the Bible, the heart means the inner man, and includes the emotions, the mind, and the will. 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." 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. But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. Oh, how we need to grow in our experience of it, because the struggles we face in life are not merely human conflicts. . The verb belonging to this is kleroo, to draw lots, apportion by lot (only in Eph 1:11-note, Heb 1:4-note). For less than $5/mo. Hes the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. 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. Here is how this applies: As a believer, you are always in need of the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your heart to the great truths of the Bible. We need not pray for power to evangelize, to witness the gospel to others. It is said that for many years, he lived on crackers and milk because of stomach troubles caused by worrying about his wealth. On the other hand Alexander Maclaren asks Is that heaping together of synonyms or all but synonyms, mere tautology? 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. Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. Compare Peter's opening blessing for his readers in his second epistle Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge (epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge (epignosis) of Him Who called us by His own glory and excellence. Perhaps he perceived a power shortage in the Ephesians saints! Click for additional discussion on some of the aspects of the hope of this calling. 7:7; Ezek. In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. For Further Study: Read 2 Corinthians 1112. 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. B. God never has museums. God demands that we obstinately oppose Satan, as those Romans untiringly harried Hannibal. 1:18) (ED: I WOULD SAY THIS IS ALSO THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT). NET NOTE has an interesting comment that a paraphrase reads "Since you are enlightened by Gods Spirit, I pray that you may comprehend the hope to which he has called you, the spiritual riches that await the saints in glory, and the spiritual power that is available to the saints now. Thus, the prayer focuses on all three temporal aspects of our salvation as these are embedded in the genitivesthe past (calling), the future (inheritance), and the present (power toward us who believe). The hand that bled to make it mine, Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. (Ro 11:2+), Jesus is speaking to unbelieving Jews about His Father in Jn 8:54, and declares to these Jews that) "you have not come to know (ginosko) Him (GOD THE FATHER), but I know (eido- BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT) Him; and if I say that I do not know (eido) Him, I shall be a liar like you, but I do know (eido) Him, and keep His word. 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! Believers already have that power. This inheritance will be fully realized in the future. --M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The surpassing-all-limit power of God can be limited in its working only by the believer's failure to believe. How blessed is God! (seeEphesians Through Revelation), Complete Biblical Library - This power always operates "in Christ." Bible Gateway passage: Ephesians 1:18-23 - The Message After the supplies had been purchased and were being loaded in the wagon, the owner of the store said to the boy, "Son, you have been such a good boy, I'm going to let you put your hand in the candy jar and get all the candy you can grab." Knowing God has given you His very best in Christ (Rom. So strong is the gravitation that holds us to earth, so dissipating our cares, so fickle our resolution, that nought but the Divine power and grace can lift us to the level of the Divine life. 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. 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. So the dynamo of Christian living is within the believer because God is within the believer. When we know them in the head and not the heart, we are simply "smarter sinners" but when we know them in our heart, we will become more like our Savior. They dont know the reality of heaven. Jesus used the word in this sense when He said, Many are called, but few are chosen (Matt. May His Spirit enable us to worship Him Monday - Saturday (not just on Sunday) in spirit and in truth. THOUGHT - Why do we doubt God's power to deliver us out of our "little Red Sea" experiences? 19:25; 47:6; 63:17; Jer. 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. 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. 1920).[72]. Thus we know that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. Titus "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." 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. Such a glorious hope inspires to holy living and to a hatred of all that is of this world. In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul let his "students" know that he prayed for them constantly. The child that lies in yonder cradle, over which the coronet is emblazoned, may claim his broad ancestral estates simply by right of birth: and it is on that tenure that the saints hold heaven. Amen. 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. How wonderful to know that each moment of the day God is working within you in such a way. 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. it is the satisfaction of God's people to believe in this exalting truth that he chooses their inheritance for them. Although dynamite is derived from this word, there is no suggestion here or anywhere in the Bible that Gods power is instantaneous or explosive. Hope gives us the assurance that we are going toward something better than this present life. 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. Paul usessaints nine times - Ep 1:1+, Eph 1:15+, Eph 1:18+; Eph 2:19+;; Eph 3:8+, Eph 3:18+; Eph 4:12+; Eph 5:3+; Eph 6:18+. Ephesians 1:18. John Piper - Resurrection Power Now - So my message for believers in Jesus is this: The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and what became of him after his resurrection, shows the greatness of Gods power toward us now in this life. Give all thou hast to God. Fourth is ischus (might), which carries the idea of endowed power or ability. 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. They worship a lie (as do all cults who have exchanged the truth of God for the lie of Satan - cf Ro 1:25+). Notice here-. But their willingness to persevere assured victory, for Hannibal could never conquer them. It is your hope of final glorification and of sharing Gods glory when Christ returns (Col. 3:4). Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." In sum, for believerseido/oida suggests Spirit given fullness of knowledge, absolute knowledge (that which is without a doubt), rather than a progress in knowledge (cp ginosko) a distinction illustrated in the following passages. That's a good description of the way God gives His riches to us. Certainly, there is always the danger of spiritual pride that comes from thinking that you know more than others know. 34:8; 1Pe 2:3), smell (Phil. Ephesians 1:17-18 17 But I do more than thank. We are the Lords Portion, the Lords Inheritance. But it is mind-boggling when he prays that we will know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints! (Meyer, F B: Our Daily Homily). Can you conceive this? The heart the seat of the mind and will, and the heart could be taught what the brain could never know (or sadly the converse to know something intellectually but not in one's heart!) (Ephesians Commentary). And so he prays that these saints might be able to grasp the breadth and length and height and depth (Eph 3:18) of the great truths in chapter one, so that they might be enabled by the indwelling Spirit and the riches of God's grace (DOCTRINAL TRUTH IN CHAPTERS 1-3) to order their steps so that they "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called."
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ephesians 1:18 the message