NET and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. 4.4 [on Deut. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. 7:35; 2 Ki. I feel now that I want to serve God, if He can use me, instead of making the goal of my life the making of money. Obadiah We want to get out of the trial, solve the problem, move on. Why is there so little power when God states that He has given us His Divine power? God called the entire nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). But if a man died before he could tell someone where his treasure was buried, it would be left in the field until someone stumbled upon it. God's power is made available to us by His indwelling presence. We will enjoy perfect happiness in a perfect environment where nothing will be spoiled by sin. of It is the reserve of strength. That's the reason Paul said, "I am praying that your eyes will be opened, that you will be enlightened, that you will understand this" (Ephesians 1:18). "Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," which comes from God's grace (Ephesians 1:7-note). That ye may know.--The knowledge which St. Paul here desires for the Ephesians, in accordance with the whole tone of this Epistle, is a knowledge of heavenly things, only experienced in part upon earth--with an experience, however, sufficient to be an earnest of the hereafter. Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. The fact that God exerted such mighty power to save us implies that His same mighty power will keep us. Paul presents a fourfold demonstration of the very same power which God makes available to believers - God raised Him from the dead (Ep 1:20 -note), seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:20), subjected all things under His feet (Ep 1:22-note), and gave Him as head over the church (Ephesians 1:22). To which is added another, and that is redemption; the author of which is Christ; the price, or procuring and meritorious cause of it is his blood; a branch of which is forgiveness of sins; and the whole is according to the plenteous and free grace of God, Eph 1:7, the entire plan and scheme of which is the produce of abundant wisdom and prudence, Eph 1:8, and is no other than the mystery of the will of God revealed in the Gospel, according to his sovereign will and purpose, Eph 1:9, which lay hid within himself until the fulness of times, or the Gospel dispensation, in which Christ being sent, has gathered all together in himself, Eph 1:10, through whom the saints enjoy the inheritance they are adopted to in predestination, which is the effect of an unfrustrable purpose, and a wise counsel and will, Eph 1:11. Spurgeon compared the general call of the gospel to the sheet lightning that you see on a summer night. 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. Jesus healed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38); cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:28); was resurrected from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:11+); and was seated at God's right hand in the heavenly places through the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:19, 20+). Beloved, Peter said, be not ignorant of this one thing: one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (II Peter 3:8). Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. We have the case of Elisha when the Syrian army was sent to Dothan to take him captive. Though lifting our troubles and needs to God is both acceptable and important, we should never forget to express our thankfulness, jubilance, and praise to Him in prayer. The faith that saves is not the faith whereby we live the victorious Christian life. For less than $5/mo. TECHNICAL NOTE - Note that the KJV translated from the Greek Textus Receptus (the NASB, ESV, et al are from the Nestle-Aland Greek) does not have "heart" (kardia) but has the word "understanding" which in the is the noun dianoia an old word for the faculty of understanding. I askask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of gloryto make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 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, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust himendless energy, boundless strength! The practical application of this is that your salvation does not rest on your choosing Christ, but rather on His choosing you. All rights reserved), If someone sees the best in me, If Gods power toward us is so great, why do so many Christians fall into serious sin. But because Israel rejected that call and followed idols, they never flourished in the way God wanted to prosper them. 28:19; Acts 17:3031). Thats 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 couldnt stop thanking God for youevery time I prayed, Id think of you and give thanks. Herein lies the means of victory! Are you confused now? 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. Hoeher comments that "Having mentioned the surpassing greatness of Gods power, Paul is now going to show that it is literally according to the power of the power of his power. Paul lists a series of three words for power used to describe the standard of the surpassing greatness of Gods power." . 4:20; 7:6; 9:26, 29; 1 Kings 8:51, 53 Ps. Play Chris Tomlin's Resurrection Power. 1:18. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation. 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). Eph 3:16+is another "powerful" (power full - also using dunamis) passage indicating that the Holly Spirit is the Source of this incredible supernatural power (cf Lk 4:14+ = Jesus' pattern for our lives today [1Co 11:1+]!, Acts 1:8+, Ro 15:19+, 1Co 2:4+, 1Th 1:5, Micah 3:8)! Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 2:89), and we live by grace, through faith (1Cor. But in Hebrew and Greek thinking, the heart was considered the seat of knowledge, thinking, and understanding. 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. F B Meyer commenting on inheritance in 1Peter 1:4-notesees it asview #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! But I do more than thank. Setup Type: Offline Installer / Full Standalone Setup. Reprinted by permission. 4:18 = hardness of heart; Eph. For Further Study: Read Genesis 2733, noting how God used the events of Jacobs life to transform his weak spiritual commitment to one that was strong and unconditional (see especially Gen. 28:2022; 32:912). Thats why Jesus said no one can snatch you out of the Fathers hand (John 10:29). I knew his hand was bigger than mine." I never heard such a sermon in all my lifeEphesians 1:18. In Ephesians 1-3, Paul is emphasizing that although the Gentiles were formerly alienated from God and strangers to His promises to Israel, now in Christ they are equal members of Gods covenant people. We have an inheritance in him, and he has an inheritance in us. Illustration - In 218 b.c. Paul says that hope ultimately is a person "Christ Jesusour hope" (1Timothy 1:1, cp Col 1:27+). An almost identical prayer is recorded by Clement of Rome(written between 75-110 AD, cf to Ephesians 60-62 AD) asking God to open the eyes of our heart to know you. (Also a good prayer!). 1 Kings 5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness The eyes of the heart must be opened by the Spirit of God. Look at our Lords body in the tomb. Hebrews 13:21 records the prayer, "Make you perfect [mature] in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight.". Note that huperballo is in the present tense indicating that this power is power which continually surpassing or excels all other power! 6:16; Heb. 3:24; 4:37; 8:17f; 9:26, 29; 26:8; 32:13; 33:11, 25, 27; Jos. Ischus is inherent power or force. GotQuestions.org, Warren Wiersbe sums up Paul's prayer for the saints to know the power they possess - The power of the Holy Spirit, through the resurrected, ascended Christ, is available to all Christiansby faith. The passive voice indicates that this action is performed on the subject by an outside source, clearly implying the work of the Holy Spirit (aka divine passive). They are actually conflicts with evil spiritual forces (6:12). Ephesians Thus as Christians, we should be filled with hope because we know that God has called us to salvation. To run an organization needs no God. For example, Jesus said that evil thoughts come out of the heart (Matt. 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. His death had our name on it. And what a blessing he is! 4:13), I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. He meant that he was able to face and accomplish whatever God called him to do (see also, Eph. What are the practical applications of this truth? 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. 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. Therefore, has the meaning of strength, might, dominion, mastery.(Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Kratos - 12v -Lk. (See dictionary discussion of Inheritance), Kleronomia - 14x in 14v - Mt 21:38; Mark 12:7; Luke 12:13; 20:14; Acts 7:5; 20:32; Gal 3:18; Eph 1:14, 18; 5:5-note; Col 3:24-note; Heb 9:15-note; He 11:8-note; 1Pet 1:4-note. ", Colossians 1:29 records Paul's testimony: "I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.". Physically, we are here; but, in Christ, we have been raised. It is in our personal lives. The invitation goes out to everyone: Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. But many ignore the invitation or make up excuses for why they cannot respond. Acts 26:18+ to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.. 10:10): a strong consolation (Heb6:18): a mighty angel (Rev18:21). Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness 6:14; 16:5f, 9, 15, 17, 19, 30; Ruth 2:1; 1 Sam. 4:7). 1QS 11:36). We are His own possession. . Yes, it is an inheritance. 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. Who by the power of God are guarded through faith. The Christian needs supernatural power, and God would have us see how great is His power to accomplish His purposes in us. Many Christians have a stick your head in the sand attitude when it comes to grappling with the difficult doctrines of the Bible. Even though God has opened our eyes to see and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we still must seek Him to enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we will come to a deeper understanding of these crucial truths. Incorruptible! Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. In Ephesians 1:314 Paul proclaims the blessings of our salvation. Ephesians 1:18-19 - MSG Bible - Bible Study Tools That they might not be cast down by a view of their own unworthiness, he exhorts them to consider the power of God; as if he had said, that their regeneration was no ordinary work of God, but was an astonishing exhibition of his power. Amen! The Message (MSG). To the extent that you understand these vast spiritual resources, you will enjoy God and glorify Him forever. In that verse protected means to keep or guard and reflects Peters confidence that salvation is inviolable. God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright. (see note), Christ, "the hope of glory," living in us (Colossians 1:27). Because God's resurrection power continues to work in us, it helps us (ED: MORE ACCURATELY IT ENABLES US! 1:6; Rev. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition), Robert Gundry -The heart was considered an organ of knowing as well as of feeling. his incomparably great power for us who believe. 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. Paul wants to encourage us as we realize that our salvation is evidence of Gods surpassingly great power at work in us. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. 1:19). (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), Mal Couch - While this is Pauls great desire, that believers truly have a deep spiritual understanding about their relationship with the Lord, this is rarely achieved by the average Christian. Rab. It was Paul who rejoiced in the confident hope that we have in Christ Jesus and he longed that others too would come to a real understanding of the incomparable riches of His grace which is expressed in his kindness towards us in Christ Jesus, and so Paul prays that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which God has called us - the riches of His glorious inheritance in US - His holy, called-out people. 36)? But a day is coming -- oh! Kleronomia is literally what is received as a gift from someone who has died, but figuratively as in this verse it refers in a religious sense to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits. How might Pauls response influence you when you face difficulties? God glories in his saints. This power is only for Christians, for those who believe. 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. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16). The salutation is in Eph 1:2, which is common to all his epistles: and in Eph 1:3, is the thanksgiving to God, as the God and Father of Christ, for spiritual blessings in Christ in general; and then he proceeds to particulars, and begins with election, which is represented as an act of God the Father, as of particular persons, as done in Christ, and from the foundation of the world, the end of which is perfect holiness and love, Eph 1:4, and which is further illustrated under the name of predestination; the blessing which that is an appointment to, is the adoption of children; the moving cause of it, is the good pleasure of the divine will; the instrumental cause, or means, is Christ Jesus; the end with God is for himself, Eph 1:5, and which, in the next verse, is explained of the glory of his grace; to which grace, acceptance with him in Christ is owing; and which is another spiritual blessing, or a branch of election and predestination, Eph 1:6. This same truth is found in the first epistle of Peter where we read that believers are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1Pe 2:9+). It is exclusively a Pauline word used only to describe superhuman or supernatural power, whether of God or of the devil. (Eph 1:3). It is simply providing hope and certainty for the believer, who has assurance because of the power that raised Jesus from the dead. 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.
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