ephesians 1:18 the message

We want to get out of the trial, solve the problem, move on. As soon as thou didst open thine eyes to behold the crucified Lord, thou didst all unconsciously become heir to the lengths and breadths, and depths, and heights of God! 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. I have a heritage of joy, With all these avenues confirming her decision, she feels confident moving forward into the call of God for her life. 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. When we were children, the map of Africa gave us a few scattered names around the coast line; but the great interior was blank. Even though He has given humankind the freedom to make choices, His choices have already been made (Exodus 33:19;Romans 9:1018). What does this "working of the strength of His might" look like? In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. 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." The Word of God is scarcely preached while rock music and religious performers entertain worldly pagans. Energeia isused only of supernatural power in the NT. 13-14) writes, When she was young, Victoria was shielded from the fact that she would be the next ruling monarch of England lest this knowledge spoil her. For less than $5/mo. Gods gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Is (2076) is the present tense of eimi = to be, and so conveys the idea "what is continually the hope.". 1:18; Eph. Knowing that, we should live as His special people. This expression was often used metaphorically for faith (Pss. 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. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Start for FREE. He chose them, and set his love upon them. It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. Youll not be happy until you know the hope of His calling. Every Christian has a calling on his or her life. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition), Robert Gundry -The heart was considered an organ of knowing as well as of feeling. In the Mississippi River, right? She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others. He said that godly people who are engaged in daily struggles with inward corruption realize that it requires nothing less than the surpassing greatness of Gods power to save us. 1:4). In later Christianity this enlightening was equated with baptism (cf. 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. In none of these prayers does Paul request material things. In this passage energeia describes the active, energetic, productive power of the Spirit of God at work. Rather, it is constantly to be praying as you study the Word, Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know, love, and obey You better!. Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural. Thus ability (Mt. If we do walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Yes, we are, indeed, the conquered captives of his omnipotent love. And remember that this "spiritual journey" is not an "arrival" in this life but is a life long journey (sanctification), albeit it is a journey which is "motivated" by the hope (guaranteed assurance 1Jn 3:2+) of our final arrival one day in the future in twinkling of an eye (glorification - 1Cor 15:52+). Comment: "The Blessed Hope" is not an abstract concept, but an Alive Christ, for it describes the appearing of Christ in His majesty and glory at His Second Coming. Photizo - 11v -Lk. Again, Paul piles up words to describe Gods power. We belong to Somebody. That we might sense and experience the working of His incomparably great power for us who believe (Ep 1:19a). These three words describe it as energetic, inherent in God, and able to overcome resistance respectively. Prayer meetings that support only one aspect of prayer are imbalanced and can quickly be awash in negativity. Philippians 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. And he did so with great expectations. 10:32; Rev. The second dealt with the future when God will gain his inheritance at the coming of Christ. (See note Ephesians 2:10). 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. Galatians It is not as under the laws of primogeniture, that one child takes all, while the younger children are dismissed with meagre allowances. 20-23All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. 1:19). Lehman Strauss-Paul requests for the saints the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ that they might know three things:(1) The hope of His calling. God has called us, but to what purpose? We are God's very special possession - His glorious inheritance. 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? We, who are God's tillage, must make no bargain with his ploughshare, and withhold no acre from the operations of his Spirit. Your Holy Spirit lives in me It always refers to supernatural power: once of satanic power (2 Thess 2:9), while the others allude to Gods power directly (Eph 1:19; 3:7; Phil 3:21; Col 1:29; 2:12; 2 Thess 2:11) or indirectly (Eph 4:16). That fadeth not away! Observe, Those who have their eyes opened, and have some understanding in the things of God, have need to be more and more enlightened, and to . (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe - Supernatural power for believers to enable them to live in triumph. The fact that God exerted such mighty power to save us implies that His same mighty power will keep us. 10:13; Eph. Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called". He had mercy on whom he would have mercy, and ordained a chosen company unto eternal life; thus, therefore, are they his by his unconstrained election. Greatness (3174) (megethos from megas = strong, great) refers to magnitude (great size or extent), greatness. - Jn 15:5!) Thus here Paul is emphasizing Gods power that already saved us rather than the power that He gives to sustain us. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. 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. Did you see it? (Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary), MacDonald - We have seen that the source of spiritual illumination is God; the channel is the Holy Spirit; and the supreme subject is the full knowledge of God. In that verse protected means to keep or guard and reflects Peters confidence that salvation is inviolable. How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? 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) 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. (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). He said, "It's not like you to be shy." | GotQuestions.org, The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power Toward Us, Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers, having been called "with a holy" (2 Timothy 1:9, out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles (Romans 9:24, through the "gospel" that we "may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Th 2:14, and be brought "into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1Cor 1:9, and return in triumph "with Him" at the end of this age (Revelation 17:14. He argues (p. 391) that Pauls object in this section is to give the saints assurance and certainty in their faith. Working (1753) (energeia from en = in + rgon = work, English = energy) describes effectual working, efficiency or active, effective power. No longer bound by sin and darkness So that you will know what is the hope of His calling- The purpose was that might be supernaturally enabled to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that their calling (their salvation that had occurred in the past) gave them ahope sure not a hope so. These things are brought about by the power of God for the believer. God has given us His Word as the manual for our salvation. He trips over something, brushes the dirt from it, and discovers its a treasure. And God's surpassing power is available to believers because we are in Christ and He is in us, these "positions" picturing an immutable union, a oneness, a solemn and binding covenant relationship. 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. It comes only through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 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. So here he takes view #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! His inheritance is in His saints. 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. Not "I hope so" but strong confidence that God is going to do good to us in future. 28:19; Acts 17:3031). Just as His calling (Eph 1:18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him. He speaks of the 'love of Christ which passeth knowledge,' and of God being 'able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.' He rarely had a good nights sleep, and guards stood constantly at his door. 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. (Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers). 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Consequently, they are constantly striving for material things and are continually chasing carnal pursuits. energy) of the might (kratous, power that overcomes resistance, as in Christs miracles; this word is used only of God, never of believers) of Gods inherent strength (ischyos) which He provides (cf. He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. 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. Theyre depressed and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. Mighty strength in our inner being, "through His Spirit" (Ephesians 3:16-note). All of this is for Gods glory (Ephesians 1:6,12,14). And what a blessing he is! Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? Nick should look at his evil father and sister. The answer is yes, yes, yes. 1 Thessalonians He does not ask God to give them what they do not have, but rather prays that God will reveal to them what they already have. But you cant understand this manual by mere human insight or wisdom. Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. Why would he be praying for this "Aha" enlightenment? Paul describes people who do not know Christ (Eph. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study 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!) A ministry that is College-trained but not Spirit-filled works no miracles. Faith must be exercised in all areas of Christian growth. John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. Ephesians 6:10 (note) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. If we want to know what the Divine Power can make of us, let us turn to look with the eye of faith upon what it has made of Jesus Christ. 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. There stood that awful obstacleand it is still the great obstacle that stands between all men and Goddeath in sin and nothing but the power of God could deal with such a situation. But, as weve seen (1:13), believers have been sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise. Since Gods promises are as certain as He is faithful, the hope of our calling is not some vague, wishful thinking that everything will work out for our good. According to Jeremiah 9:2324. Nahum 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). I hold fast to the opinion that our God is ever trying to reveal Himself to us. 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. 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! The church is Christs body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. Leon Tucker wrote the following words back in 1917: "Power is the one thing the church of God needs most and has least. 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. The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. But what a high and lofty ideal the apostle sets forth. But when Adam sinned, he inadvertently handed it over to Satan. The principle is that we should pray for the promises of God to be realized in our hearts (cf 2Pe 1:4) Only the Spirit can reveal spiritual truth. Setup Size: 8.9 GB. 1 Clem. (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource), ESV Study Bible Power over supernatural forces through magic and the occult was a great concern in ancient Ephesus (Acts 19:19), but the power of the living God in Christ trumps all competing authorities (Acts 19:20). If Gods power toward us is so great, why do so many Christians fall into serious sin. THOUGHT - Why do we doubt God's power to deliver us out of our "little Red Sea" experiences? 1:9; 1 Co. 4:5; Eph. 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. It is utterly impossible to put the fullness of divine reality in human language, to compress the infinite into what is finite. Enlightened (5461) (photizo from phos = light) means to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it. NLT: I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. Open the compasses of your faith to measure this measureless abyss; and then marvel at the power which bore your Lord across it, and know that that same power is towards you, if you believe, waiting to do as much for you in your daily experience if you will but let it have its blessed way. 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. So even though many of the translations are not perfectly accurate to the Gree, they all retain the essence of Paul's desire for the saints to "know" these three things beyond a shadow of a doubt. Only here in the NT (hapax legomenon)BDAG -1. quality of exceeding a standard involving physical magnitude (size),2. quality of exceeding a standard of excellence, greatness.". 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. 31:5; Ezek. F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! Thus as 1 John 3:2-3 puts it, Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. 4:6; 14:14, Gilbrant on ischus in classical Greek and the Septuagint -Classical Greek - Ischus is common in the most ancient Greek writings, but gradually it diminished in usage (see Moulton-Milligan for the few citations). The devil hopes you don't understand this. That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. The surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Ephesians 1:18 Context. God intends that His work be accomplished by His power. Believe or not! A day is as a thousand years. In Ephesians 1:18 the Greek word forheart is singular so that Paul is praying for each individual person's heart! There's more than enough power to break the hold of all sinful habits; more than enough to give deliverance from temptation; more than enough to enable the believer to live above circumstances. Mark get to know the Bible better! 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. The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black, The Message//REMIX 2.0, Purple Swirl - Imperfectly Imprinted Bibles, The Message Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, amethyst gem, The Message of Hope: Discover Meaning and Purpose for Your Life - eBook. 26:20; Num. Eido/oida is distinguished from ginosko(epiginosko, epignosis - the other major NT word group for knowing) because ginosko generally refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge". Each soul has the whole of God. 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! THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Languagecopyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. John D. Rockefeller was the worlds first billionaire. 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. 1112)? Nor do we need to pray for power to do Gods will. Undefiled! Maybe we need to go back and read the manual! No. 1 Peter 4:11 (note) Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Paul would have us appreciate our dignity. 2:1416). Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 18, 2019 (message contributor) . Nu. Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. If, for example, you realize you have every resource for godly living (Eph. But where is He?. 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.

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