The power which raised Christ from the grave, lifted Him to heaven, put all things under His feet and made Him the Head over all to the Church, is to us-ward who believe. 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. In other words Paul is saying God's resurrection power is of such a magnitude and quality that it exceeds all standards of physical magnitude! God wants you to know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power toward believers. God's power is made available to us by His indwelling presence. 22:5. Strength (2904) (kratos) refers to manifested power or power that is put forth in action. Revival comes when, no longer satisfied to know about a God in history, we meet the conditions of finding Him in living, personal experience. Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. Jesus, You have given us freedom 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. Here are the other two uses in Ephesians. 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. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1Cor. Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness When He ascended, we ascended. The next time you participate in a group prayer session, speak up with a bold heart and give honor to the almighty God. Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. Josephus, Antiquities 11.3.4). -- Maclaren, Alexander Maclaren - It is 'exceeding.' We do not ask for it we were born into its blessed privilege. And so they liken them to fruit and branch and root; but we need simply say that the gathering together of words so nearly co-extensive in their meaning is witness to the effort to condense the infinite within the bounds of human tongue, to speak the unspeakable; and that these reiterated expressions, like the blows of the billows that succeed one another on the beach, are hints of the force of the infinite ocean that lies behind 'According to the working of the strength of the might which He wrought in Christ' - the Resurrection, the Ascension, the session at the right hand of God, the rule over all creatures, and the exaltation above all things on earth or in the heavens - these are the facts which the Apostle brings before us as the pattern-works, the chefs-d'oeuvre of the power that is operating in all Christians. 15-19 That's 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 couldn't stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. Having all our needs met by God (Philippians 4:19) (see note), The "wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33) (see note). Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Ask Him to impress on your heart the blessings and responsibilities of your calling. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. The eye; fig: the mind's eye. The little boy just stood there and made no move for the candy. Take every opportunity in this long, long day youre in to thank the Father for the opportunity to store up treasure which will make you rich for eternity. But there are many good reasons to interpret the text this way. After salvation, we are further called to grow in Christian virtue and serve God by good works; in fact, it is this maturation process that confirms our calling by God (2 Peter 1:510). 31:5; Ezek. 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". Malachi It cannot come if, instead of hearing His voice, we are content with only an echo! These include truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. But a treasure far greater is mine; No spendthrift hand can scatter or over-spend its treasures. | GotQuestions.org, What is the power of the Holy Spirit? The Hope of His Calling: A sermon on Ephesians 1:18 - MLJTrust.org The gospel itself is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. Thats why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Fathers hand (John 10:29). In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (NASB: Lockman), Greek: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA) kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou. But their willingness to persevere assured victory, for Hannibal could never conquer them. He implants Biblical truth into your thinking so that your responses become more and more like Christs. We are called by God to salvation. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, Ephesians 1:18 - KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE The American Standard Version reads: "the eyes of your heart," not mind. Enlightened (5461) (photizo from phos = light) means to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it. Well, if you're in Christ, and Christ is at the right hand of God, where are you? Hes not interested in the world. 14:13, 17; 24:18; Deut. Dr. Hammond thinks it was written about the year 58, and Dr. Lightfoot places it in 59, and the fifth year of Nero. There could be no more, and it is foolish and presumptuous to ask for more. 20:27) (Deut. We live in a day when denominations, Churches, and religious organizations are running on man-made programs, social agendas, and orders handed down from denominational headquarters. This is what Jesus meant when He said of the people: They seeing see not, and hearing they hear not (Mt 13:13). 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. This was true for the Ephesians, and it is true for us today. All of this is for Gods glory (Ephesians 1:6,12,14). Here we see a prayer Paul offered with the intention of strengthening Christs church. While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! Colossians Thus power unto salvation (Ro1:16): the kingdom coming in power (Mk 9:1): God himself called powerthe right hand of the power (Mt. He bought the world to get the treasure. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good. 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. In a figurative sense, kleronomia refers to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits as our inheritance (which is the use in Eph 5:5-note) and eternal possession for every believer. That call became his motivating force. of I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 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 Christians, 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. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). (Bible Knowledge Commentary), In another note Hoehner writes that "The word kleronomia occurred in Eph 1:14 and basically means property, possession, or inheritance. Ephesians 1:19 is a power packed passage with 4 Greek synonyms for power that give a great glimpse of the God's manifold power, especially His resurrection power (cf Ro 1:4+). For Further Study: Read 2 Corinthians 1112. We need not pray for power to evangelize, to witness the gospel to others. The object of his prayers is described as the God of Christ, and Father of glory; the petitions to him are for an increase of knowledge of Christ from the Spirit, as a spirit of wisdom and revelation, Eph 1:17, and that they might have a clearer view of the nature of that glory they were called unto, and were hoping for, Eph 1:18, and observe the wonderful display of the power of God in their conversion and faith; which is illustrated by comparing it with that power which was shown in raising Christ from the dead, Eph 1:20, which leads the apostle to take notice of the exaltation of Christ at the right hand of God in heaven, consequent on his resurrection; where he is advanced above angels and men, and has all things in subjection to him for the good of his church, of which he is the head, and which is his body and fulness, Eph 1:21-23. "Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," which comes from God's grace (Ephesians 1:7-note). When you buy a new gadget, it comes with an owners manual that tells you how to operate it. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. Jonah J C Philpot -It is no great mystery that the Son of God should be exalted to the throne of power. 6:10-13). This marvelous faculty of spiritual sight is lacking in the unregenerated man. No longer bound by sin and darkness (You set us free) He prays that the eyes of their understanding may be enlightened, Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 1:18. God demands that we obstinately oppose Satan, as those Romans untiringly harried Hannibal. 6:22 =that he may comfort your hearts. The hope of your calling is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments. This day is as a thousand years because in your day of difficulty and dilemma, pressure and pain, sadness and sorrow, you have the unique opportunity to share the fellowship of the Lords suffering and to pray for others in a way you never would have been able to otherwise. 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. Genesis A certain rabbi, Bar Kappara, said, The soul and the Torah are compared to a lamp. Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). 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. Warren Wiersbe (Be Rich [Victor Books], pp. He bought the world to get you. I dont blame you for feeling that way. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation. Faith and Riches - Do you want to be rich? Therefore, not only do we have an inheritance (Eph 1:14) but He also has an inheritance (Eph 1:18). (Eph 2:12+). ESV and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. Philemon 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. 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. 2:13). We must live as citizens of heaven who belong to God. God has given us His Word as the manual for our salvation. Although dynamite is derived from this word, there is no suggestion here or anywhere in the Bible that Gods power is instantaneous or explosive. MacArthur makes an interesting assessment commenting that "One cause of immaturity in the church at Corinth was reliance on feelings above knowledge. Song of Solomon So if youre having problems in your Christian life, if things dont seem to be working as they should, maybe its time to go back and read the owners manual! Proverbs 20:27The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. Click for additional discussion on some of the aspects of the hope of this calling. 6:5 = in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;; Eph. ), How is this resurrection power demonstrated even in this letter? All rights reserved), The treasures of earth are not mine, It is active energy as opposed to potential energy..In the NT it occurs eight times and is used only by Paul, three times in Ephesians (1:19; 3:7; 4:16). Paul writes (Rom. From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. The saints knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. Give all thou hast to God. John 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. In the New Testament it's a special invitation from God to man to accept the priceless benefits of His salvation. You called me from the grave by name Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. Used by permission of NavPress. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. God glories in his saints. The possessive pronoun shows that it is Gods inheritance.Because of His choosing, redeeming, adopting, and sealing us, we are his possession. Too many Christians are going hither and yon looking for more blessings, more secrets of how to live a victorious Christian life, etc. . I hold fast to the opinion that our God is ever trying to reveal Himself to us. I make the best my goal; It can be used of the power of growth, of the powers of nature, of the power of a drug, of the power of a mans genius. One needs to realize that subjective hope is based on objective hope, a hope that looks back to Gods work of redemption in 1:314, especially in 1:910 where Paul relates that all things are going to be headed up in Christ. Live today in anticipation of Christs imminent return. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Zina21 March 3, 2023, 9:29pm 10. The literal rendering is "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened." The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. 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). Believers already have that power. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The wealthy devoted their treasure to the cause, and all classes sacrificed everyday amenities for troops in the field. Is keeping it for me. See more belowon what it means to be called by God. From the grave of mortality to the throne of the eternal God, who only has immortality; from the darkness of the tomb to the insufferable light; from this small world to the centre and metropolis of the universe. In, on, among. And all the crops of golden grain, all the fruits of Christian grace, are Thine from us, because Thou hast by thy blood and tears, by the sunshine of thy love, and the rain of thy grace, enriched natures which in themselves were arid as the desert and barren as the sand. Jesus, You have given us freedom 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. 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. God's incomparably great power helps us grow, change, love others. NET NOTE -The perfect participle pephotismenous (ENLIGHTENED) may either be part of the prayer ("that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened") or part of the basis of the prayer ("since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened"). Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. Isnt that something? Proper understanding of spiritual truth is not dependent on having a keen intellect but rather a tender heart! 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. Proud member In short, Paul prays for our position in Christ to become our practice in Christ. Photizo - 11v -Lk. Perhaps it is because many of us assume in advance how the meeting will go. We shall never know the far-away springs of the Niles and Congo's of his nature; we shall never unravel the innermost secret of his being. The good news is that God's Word does promise riches to the believer. (see Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary), Old fashioned Holy Ghost power is the need of the day. Will this day ever end? If you are in a strained marriage, a single person aware of your loneliness, or if youre physically afflicted, a day can indeed seem like a thousand years. On the other hand, in the OT the hope of the righteous is directed toward the eternal God who will protect and ultimately deliver if not now, certainly in the future. Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. Now Paul deals with the third area, that is, the greatness of his power which God directs toward believers (for a structural layout of the prayer, see 1:16b). Paul knows that as a man thinks in his heart, his spiritual interior, will determine how he walks (cf Pr 23:7). Thank You, Father, in Jesus' name, AMEN. Bible Gateway passage: Ephesians 1:18-23 - The Message Eph 6:10; 1 Peter 4:11). The practical application of this is that your salvation does not rest on your choosing Christ, but rather on His choosing you. 5:19 = making melody with your heart to the Lord; Eph. But not content with this, in the following year he pushes his fences back further into the depth of prairie or forest, and again renews his efforts to compel the land to yield him her secret stores. 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. If I were to put you in a barrel and put that barrel in the Mississippi River, where would you be? We have been called by grace, to glory. It is Gods power that accomplishes the many miracles ofredemptionmentioned inEphesians 1. And given the fact that the truth of "in Christ" is transcendent, we should always pray this prayer for ourselves and others (remember that Eph 1:16 "making mention" is present tense= continuously) and of course the only way we can possibly "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17+) is by the Spirit's enabling power. Oh! 4:10; 8:10; Esther 4:17; 10:2; Job 4:2; 5:5; 6:11f, 22, 25; 9:19; 12:16; 16:5; 23:6; 26:2, 12; 30:2, 18; 31:24, 39; 36:5, 19, 22; 37:23; 39:11, 21; 40:16; Ps. What an objective in prayer! (Eph 4:1+). you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. Hope (1680) (elpis) (See also study on Believer's Blessed Hope) expresses a desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it.