8:32) assures you that He wont withhold lesser things, and consequently youll not tend to worry about earthly needs. 3 John She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. Read Joshua 1:19 and then answer these questions: What were the circumstances of Joshuas call (vv. The Hope of His Calling: A sermon on Ephesians 1:18 - MLJTrust.org Because of this event, the believer can have assurance that the same powerthe immeasurable power of Godis working on his behalf today and will continue to provide what he needs until he arrives in heaven. It tells us all we need to know to walk with God and live wisely in light of eternity. I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness The next time you participate in a group prayer session, speak up with a bold heart and give honor to the almighty God. We discover our call to a specific area of service by walking closely with the Lord, practicing obedience, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:12;Colossians 1:10). 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). All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, Together we can help each other achieve great things for Him. So we, being raised from the dead, go not back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but we live unto God. Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. The hope that your effectual calling instills is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments (1 Peter 1:3), and is characterized by confidently expecting and yet patiently waiting for those promises to be fulfilled. J C Philpot -It is no great mystery that the Son of God should be exalted to the throne of power. Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. Incorruptible! 12:29): a mighty famine (Lk15:14): his letters are powerful (2 Cor. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary). ", It is power. By it He speaks to the soul, grants saving faith, and ushers elect sinners into salvation (John 6:3744, 65; Acts 2:39). Have you ever wondered why church prayer meetings tend to have low turnouts? 18:23, 24.; 32:18, 19.; Josh 17:4; cf. That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. Thus power unto salvation (Ro1:16): the kingdom coming in power (Mk 9:1): God himself called powerthe right hand of the power (Mt. The difference that obtains between Christians is not one of grace, but of the use we make of grace. That ye may know what is the hope of His calling Eph. 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. From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. She asks her Bible study group to pray with her about the matter. Knowing these truths in a deeper, more intuitive way, you will be empowered by His Spirit to stand firm on Who He is and how faithful He will be to all of His promises towards you. But wholly lean on Jesus name. 6:5; 22:18; 24:2, 4; 1 Ki. ", Ephesians 1:19 (note) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Paul wants to encourage us as we realize that our salvation is evidence of Gods surpassingly great power at work in us. Reaffirm your love for Him, and express your willingness to be changed by His Spirit in any way He sees fit. He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Such activity is a far cry from what God intended and expects the local Church to be. There is no power shortage, just a shortage of our understanding of what we possess in Christ. Certainly, there is always the danger of spiritual pride that comes from thinking that you know more than others know. He finally disembarked his troops from a lack of support at home. And, though acres vast enough to make an English county are in his possession, rich and loamy soil, or stored with mines of ore, yet he is not sensibly the richer. Usually ischus denotes power, might, strength, ability. Ancient understanding is often linked to other kinds of power or authority (e.g., dunamis, exousia; cf. BGT . (Eph 1:3). The field is the world. But they are being intellectually lazy and exposing themselves to spiritual danger! Exodus 28:1). That burden was placed there by the Lord as part of His calling. Ephesians 1:18 (NASB) Verse Thoughts All believers have been called by grace, out of darkness into His glorious light. "Because he lives we live also." [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? This expectation of seeing Jesus, our "Blessed Hope" [see below] and being like Him is entertained equally by both Jewish and Gentile believers. -- when His heart shall be fully satisfied in His inheritance, for His glory shall be perfectly manifested in the saints. (Mark 12.30+). But there is a second reason why we need Gods power. It is a mystery that God should find his inheritance and portion in the love of men and women like ourselves. The Christian needs supernatural power, and God would have us see how great is His power to accomplish His purposes in us. As saints, were Gods inheritance, His treasure, His prize! We need not pray for power to endure suffering. 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. We could never defeat these spiritual foes in our own power, but we can through the Spirits power. It seems to be parenthetical, as in the KJV, ASV, and RSV (ED: NRSV = "so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened"). Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. The resurrection power that raised up the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is the power that works in every single believer. Help me tounderstand the confident hope I have in Christ Jesus my Lord. Glory (1391) (doxa) in this context seems to refer to the splendour, brightness or the brightness, shining or radiance. Theyre depressed and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. All members of the true church are called to the one destiny of being taken out of this world, being like Christ [1John 3:2], and sharing His glory forever. The Son has accomplished redemption through His death (Ephesians 1:7) and provided the necessary provisions for an inheritance for the believer (verse 11). 18:1; Rev. As the story goes Crowfoot, the chief of the Blackfoot nation in southern Alberta, gave the Canadian Pacific Railway permission to lay track from Medicine Hat to Calgary, he was given in exchange a lifetime railroad pass. COMMENT - This context refers to the spiritual powers of the heavenly beings. You called me out of all my shame you may know . (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), THOUGHT -May our great, grace filled Father grant each of us His grace to ponder this incredible truth so that it might motivate us, enabledby HisSpirit, to walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called in Christ. The grassland yields pasture to the cattle; and there is not a square inch of the enclosed territory that does not minister to the needs of the new proprietor. 12:2) by filling you with the knowledge of [Gods] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9). What a battle He had in us before we would be won! Once on the mission field, he is willing to suffer hardships and separation from family and friends because the call of God is his greatest motivation. But the antidote to these dangers is not to remain ignorant. Than Jesus blood and righteousness; So that Paul portrays the heart as having eyes to see and by seeing to gain knowledge. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. Amen. 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). Its broad acres have been made over to thee by deed of gift. It is grace that supplies the wealth, but it is faith that lays hold of the wealth (cp 2Cor 5:7-note). But a treasure far greater is mine; Paul describes unbelievers as (Eph. Its in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home freesigned, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. (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. (Bible Knowledge Background Commentary). 1:1819). The key to overcoming a troubled, perplexed, stressed heart is to focus on the hope of His calling, on whats ahead, on heaven. Virtually all the authorities agree that "heart" is the correct translation. This seemed to me very extraordinary. This he did altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which he foresaw in them. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Spiritual Life, Character of God, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. | GotQuestions.org, Is there power in the name of Jesus? When we really grasp this amazing truth, all we can do is worship and glorify our precious Saviour and occupy our time, redeeming the days as we wait expectantly for His blessed appearing. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study It sounds idealistic. Practice these truths enabled by the Holy Spirit. Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? The power of God we experience in our lives is the same power by which God raised Jesus Christ from death. So he should not be judging Adam who shows concern for his unborn child. This is the same mighty power, NLT: I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe Him. How much spiritual strength is available for me in my daily life? In Ephesians 1:19 and Ephesians 6:10, ischus describes the strength of God bestowed upon believers. Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. Adrian Rogers on Heaven Will Break Loose! 6:23; 1 Ki. Click for additional discussion on some of the aspects of the hope of this calling. Micah Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. 6:9; 7:9; 8:7; Joel 2:22; Amos 2:14; 3:11; 5:9; 6:13; Mic. 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. God had placed a call on Pauls life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:1516). But, also. It always has the meaning of an effective power which does things and which any man can recognize." 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. -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. (If not it should be - see Jesus' command in Mt 5:16-note! The power behindChrists resurrectionis now working on our behalf. Sublimal Messages Don't Work - Americans spend $50 million a year on subliminal message tapes designed to help them do everything from improve their self-image to stop smoking. Rom. 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. He chose them, and set his love upon them. Dunamis is, however, mostly power in action, as in the frequent use of dunamis for miracles, mighty works, they being exhibitions of divine virtue. 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. Knowing with absolute certainty where we are going should give believers the confidence to live as more than conquerors now (Ro 8:37). The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). Paul wrote, I am compelled to preach. David wrote, Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. You have given us freedom, hallelujah How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? Thats why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Fathers hand (John 10:29). Cold, with the coldness of death. 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. Nevertheless, the distinctions in these words is somewhat difficult to appreciate and convey in the form of a simple definition. The conduct (works) doesn't save us but does demonstrate the belief to be genuine. Esther The eyes of your understanding being enlightened By the Spirit of God already, to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin; the insufficiency of their own righteousness; the beauty, glory, fulness, and suitableness of Christ, as a Saviour; the excellency, truth, and usefulness of the doctrines of the Gospel; in which their understandings were before dark, but now had light into them: wherefore these words are not to be considered as part of the apostle's petitions, but rather as what was taken for granted by him; and are to be put into a parenthesis, and the following words to be joined in connection with the preceding verse; unless it should be thought, that the apostle prays for greater illuminations, and for more spiritual light, and that the eyes of their understandings might be more and more enlightened; the phrase, (lkvh Nye) , (omma thv dianoiav) , "the eye of the understanding", is Rabbinical, and often to be met with in Jewish writings F6; the Alexandrian copy, and several others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "the eyes of your heart"; and to, (twbblh ynye) , "the eyes of the hearts, or minds", is a phrase used by the Jewish writers F7: that ye may know what is the hope of his calling; by which is meant, the effectual calling of the saints; which is not a call to an office, or a call merely by the external ministry of the word; but which is internal, special, powerful, high, and heavenly: and this is the calling of God, of which he is the author; who calls with an holy calling, unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus; and which is without repentance: and the hope of this calling, is either eternal happiness, which is the thing hoped for; or Christ, who is the ground and foundation of it; or the grace of hope, which is exercised on both; or all three: for hope of eternal glory, as it is founded on Christ, may be said to be the hope of the calling of God, because it is wrought in the soul at the time of the effectual calling, and what saints are then called to the exercise of; and calling grace, is an encouragement to hope for eternal life; since whom God calls, he justifies and glorifies: and now the apostle prays, that these saints who were called by the grace of God, might know more of Christ, the foundation of their hope; and what that is they are hoping for, and more and more what it is to hope for the same, upon the view of Christ's person, blood, and righteousness: and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints; the saints themselves are the Lord's portion, and the lot of his inheritance, in whom he is, and will be abundantly glorified; but here it rather seems to design the heavenly inheritance before spoken of, of which the Spirit is the earnest; and this is the Lord's, it is of his preparing, and it is his gift, and a very rich and glorious inheritance it is: hence it is not only signified by mansions, and everlasting habitations, by an house, and by a city, but by a kingdom; the riches of grace are preparatory to it, and the riches of glory are comprised in it; and this is in, or among the saints, who only have a right unto it, and a meetness for it; and what this inheritance is, with the riches and glory of it, will not be fully known in this life; and indeed but little of it is known; so that such a petition as this is always proper and pertinent. Into the city enters nothing that defiles, or works abomination, or makes a lie. He bought the world to get the treasure. 1:6; Rev. 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. 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. This expression was often used metaphorically for faith (Pss. The analogy that we have quoted, however, fails us utterly in its final working out. What a transformation took place in Peters life between the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. None of us has to live a defeated life. (Dt 32:9+). 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.