He sealed us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be kept until the day of redemption, absolutely, totally, eternally secure in our salvation. 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). The surpassing-all-limit power of God can be limited in its working only by the believer's failure to believe. Thus ability (Mt. But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. Comment: The firm assurance or hope that believers have in this life is the return of Jesus Christ in glory to take them home into His presence and give them glorified bodies like His. A day is as a thousand years. The first dealt with the past, where the hope was produced by the calling of his people to himself. The ultimate hope for Christians is to be with their Lord (Rom 5:45; 8:20, 2425; 12:12; 15:13; Gal 5:5; Col 1:5; Titus 1:2) and they eagerly wait for his coming, unlike the heathen who have no hope (Eph 2:12; 1 Thess 4:1318; 5:8; Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:3). And the measure of the power that is to us what who believe is that mighty power which entered into Jesus Christ and resurrected him from the dead. Malachi Heart (2588) (kardia) is most often used in the Bible not of the literal organ that circulates blood in our body. 18:23, 24.; 32:18, 19.; Josh 17:4; cf. What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in. 2:14). 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). Imagine a couple of demons speaking. It is in our personal lives. In the NT the idea of chance attaching to the lot is eliminated for all believers we inherit all spiritual blessings in Christ. 1:1819). 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. . 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that . They have raised harvests of bread out of the Incarnation; and vintages of blood-red grape from the scenes of Gethsemane and Calvary; and pomegranates and all manner of fruit out of the mysteries of the Ascension and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Arriving at the church the next day, he found a seat behind a large pillar. Each soul has the whole of God. Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. (Ephesians Through Revelation). (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). Paul wrote (Phil. You have given us freedom, hallelujah. 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. This inheritance will be fully realized in the future. A strong man (Mt. | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? But, since there are many who dispute it, allow me just to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, by mentioning certain facts which will lead you to see clearly that verily God does choose our lot, and apportion for us our inheritance. In my opinion, you cant separate the two, because when your eyes are enlightened to know objectively all that God has promised to give you in Christ, it fills you with hope subjectively in your heart. To correct this problem, we must embrace all aspects of prayer. In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul provided a wonderful starting point. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. His death had our name on it. --M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. What are the practical applications of this truth? 19:8; 2 Ki. So even in the most difficult trials, we can be filled with hope (see Rom. I cannot understand how this can be, but I know that God has an inheritance even in me. Gods gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). 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. Paul is praying for the Ephesians understanding of Gods work on their behalf. As you pray and study Gods Word, He transforms and renews your mind (Rom. But a day is coming -- oh! 2:20). Deuteronomy 9:29+ Yet they are Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm.. The hand that bled to make it mine, To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine (see amarantinos). Leviticus Why is there so little power when God states that He has given us His Divine power? 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. Notice that pisteuo is in the present tense which describes those who are continuously believing as for example would be demonstrated by their lifestyle, which is generally (not perfectly) directed God-ward and Heaven-ward (homeward). It is but a step from the bosom of the Father to His right hand. Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. 9:23; 10:12; 15:10, 13; 16:19; 20:5; 23:10; 27:5; 32:17; 49:16; 51:15, 53; Lam. The emigrant at last covers his estate, its mines become exhausted, its forests levelled, its soil impoverished; but when a million years have passed, the nature of God will lie before us as utterly unexplored and unexhausted, as when the first-born son of light commenced like a Columbus in the spiritual realm to explore the contents of the illimitable continent, God. Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. That is what Paul desires for them and for all believers. 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. I knew his hand was bigger than mine." May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. We will be with Him forever in heaven, where there will be no suffering or tears or death. God miraculously did them both simply by speaking the Word of Truth as Hebrews 11:3+ testifies. When He died, we died. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Colossians 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. (Matthew 13:31-32) He used the mustard seed to teach His disciples an important lesson about faith and victory. He will put into thee the grace that thou shalt give back to Him in fruit. 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!) 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. How can we begin to fathom a prayer like that? Believers already have that power. (Jon Courson's Application Commentary). Such enlightenment is crucial because how you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live. For there is a difference between ability (dunamin) and strength (ischuo). Romans 8:24-25 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 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. . What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? That's why Calmen was disappointed when her aging teacher responded with a handwritten note that said, "I was aware of the fact that you were intelligent, but I never thought that someday I would be reading articles from your pen in the newspaper." What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? This magnificent accumulation of words for power underscores the magnitude of Gods great power available to Christians. This seemed to me very extraordinary. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good. The faith that saves is not the faith whereby we live the victorious Christian life. Paul does not want these believers to be like Chief Crowfoot. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence. 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. Nevertheless, the distinctions in these words is somewhat difficult to appreciate and convey in the form of a simple definition. 1:18; Eph. Philemon Slain because of our sins. 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. If Gods power toward us is so great, why do so many Christians fall into serious sin. So what does he do? It is simply providing hope and certainty for the believer, who has assurance because of the power that raised Jesus from the dead. Emotions are important, but they must be guided and controlled by an enlightened mind. The heart is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, mans inward being. (see note). 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). 2. the rich inheritance that he possesses in them, and He will fully gain His inheritance when the saints are removed from this earth and come into his presence. (Meyer, F B: Our Daily Homily). But there is a second reason why we need Gods power. The Holy Spirit has sealed the believer, providing the necessary down payment to give assurance and security of the eternal destination to the believer (Ephesians 1:1314). The hope of your calling is grounded in Gods promises and in Christs accomplishments. Paul knows that as a man thinks in his heart, his spiritual interior, will determine how he walks (cf Pr 23:7). No matter where she was, Victoria was governed by the fact that she sat on the throne of England. Even so, we will reign with Christ! 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. Reaffirm your love for Him, and express your willingness to be changed by His Spirit in any way He sees fit. Nothing can separate you from His love (Rom. The resurrection power that raised up the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is the power that works in every single believer. Adrian Rogers on Heaven Will Break Loose! He returned home and wrote his wife, who was away: There has come a complete change into my life. Habakkuk ), Paul wants us to get a glimpse of our glorious future so that we will live in light of it right now. But the antidote to these dangers is not to remain ignorant. It's coming together, and it's all up under the headship of Jesus Christ. Here he prays that we will know the riches of its glory. The eye; fig: the mind's eye. 1317). (Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers). Knowing of Jonahs disobedience beforehand, God had already prepared a great fish to swallow him and spit him out when he was humbled enough to repent (Jonah 1:172:1). Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to His power. The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! With His unlimited power, He also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Or the funds to go on the radio. Nor do we need to pray for power to do Gods will. All Christians have the same hope. 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. Hope in the present context is not the objective hope, that hope which is laid up for the believer (Col 1:5; Rom 8:24) but the subjective hope of all believers. But it is a compact that will not hold. Titus What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! (Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation). If youre not happy at this moment, neither will you be with a change of location, salary, or ministry. God had placed a call on Pauls life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:1516). They must be revealed and as John MacArthur says "They are revealed only to those who love Him." (Mark 2:10-11+). Ye may know what is the hope of his calling. One might think of ischus as God's latent power. For less than $5/mo. Hoehner introduces the last section of chapter 1 -Paul prayed that they might know God more intimately in order to comprehend three things. As Paul puts it (2 Tim. 3:24; 4:37; 8:17f; 9:26, 29; 26:8; 32:13; 33:11, 25, 27; Jos. When we make use of these resources, we will experience the mighty power with which God raised Christ from death! Ecclesiastes What we can get from God rather than what we can be to God is our continued concern. There is no power shortage, just a shortage of our understanding of what we possess in Christ. The fact that God exerted such mighty power to save us implies that His same mighty power will keep us. That we might sense and experience the working of His incomparably great power for us who believe (Ep 1:19a). When we are faithful to the call to obedience, He can call us to more specific areas (seeLuke 16:10).GotQuestions.org. Calling here refers to Gods effectual callingthe calling that redeems the soul. 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. Nothing less than omnipotence can save a soul; and omnipotence at its very best in the glorification of Christ is none too great for the salvation of a sinner. Its broad acres have been made over to thee by deed of gift. There are at least six ways that God wants us as believers to know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us: Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Gods Ultimate Purpose [Baker], pp. Paul said that God's power is "to us-ward who believe" (Eph. John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. In, on, among. 5:19 = making melody with your heart to the Lord; Eph. Wealthybut miserable! Ephesians 6:10 (note) Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 10:32; Rev. He bought the world to get you. (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. The ESV also picks up the perfecttense rendering it "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened," which also describes a past completed action. Beloved Christian, think not of what you can get from God but, rather, think of what you mean to God. In the Mississippi River, right? Figuratively, as used in this verse, photizo means to make clear, to cause to fully know or to cause to understand and is used of God's enlightenment through revelation. There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. What power! It seems to be parenthetical, as in the KJV, ASV, and RSV (ED: NRSV = "so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened"). On the way home, the father asked the boy why he didn't reach his own hand into the jar. No amount of worldly noise or manmade programming will make up for the sad lack of the Holy Spirit's presence. All of which is a parable. 1 Samuel 22:14). (see Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary), Old fashioned Holy Ghost power is the need of the day. Now, I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness 1:19; Eph. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. TECHNICAL NOTE - There are 25 compounds with huper in the NT, and 16 are found only in the Pauline Epistles. Dunamis is, however, mostly power in action, as in the frequent use of dunamis for miracles, mighty works, they being exhibitions of divine virtue. (Eph 1:18ESV) Notice how this rendering places the emphasis on God as the One Who "inherits"! (Believer's Bible Commentary). Finding Christ is like emerging from the cave into the light. Greatness (3174) (megethos from megas = strong, great) refers to magnitude (great size or extent), greatness. that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Is keeping it for me. But glance first at Ephesians 1:17-18. Setup Type: Offline Installer / Full Standalone Setup. He wanted them to rise above self-serving behavior and develop the character and likeness of Christ. It is interesting to note that photizo (enlightened) was used by the pagan Mystery religions as a technical term for the rite of initiation into their inner secrets! 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". Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 12:29): a mighty famine (Lk15:14): his letters are powerful (2 Cor. Energeia describes Gods power in raising Christ, Paul instructing the Colossian saints that they have "been buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the (supernatural) working (energeia) of God, Who raised Him from the dead (Note well - Paul says the Holy Spirit is God and He was the the One Who "raised Jesus from the dead" - Ro 8:11+) " (Col 2:12+). Let that motivate you to praise your rich and glorious God for His rich and glorious inheritance! Having all our needs met by God (Philippians 4:19) (see note), The "wisdom and knowledge of God" (Romans 11:33) (see note). O child of God, thy estate has been procured at the cost of blood and tears; but thou didst not buy it! But you cant understand this manual by mere human insight or wisdom. What made the difference? Hebrews The text doesnt indicate that we personally have the power to raise the dead or perform other miracles. we must have the power of God. Why is it important to know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints? 8:28)! Paul accomplished his work for the Lord through the strength the Lord supplied, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me (Col. 1:29). John Calvin helpfully explained why Paul throws in just about every word that he can to describe Gods power towards us who believe. 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. This marvelous faculty of spiritual sight is lacking in the unregenerated man. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, This is simply remarkable! True enlightenment continues to elude many because they have denied its source and have turned to gurus and teachers who have no light to give. It is used in doxologies to extol the power or dominion of God (1 Pet 5:11; Jude 25; Rev 5:13) and of Christ (1 Tim 6:16; 1 Pet 4:11; Rev 1:6; 5:13), which has victory over all contrary powers. 5:13. 11:22]). The man was powerfully built, and Fuller visualized how he must have looked in the ring. The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. 2:9f; 28:20, 22; 30:4; 2 Sam. Paul explained (Col. 1:29), For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Laboring in His power is the antidote to burnout. The Greek text may be interpreted in either of two ways. Some are called to the political arena or to end human trafficking. Dunamis - 119x in 115v - Here are Paul's uses of dunamis in Ephesians Eph 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. 31:14. F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! The work of the Lord languishes for lack of power. 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.". 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. Plato (Protagoras, 350) draws the distinction thus: I should not have admitted that the able (dunatous) are strong (ischurous), though I have admitted that the strong are able. 4:16; Phil. It is great power: nothing less would suffice. (Eph 1:3). 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. How you perceive your spiritual resources dictates how you live. Ruth But there is also the effectual call that always accomplishes Gods purpose of saving His chosen people. Remember that the first three chapters are doctrine but the last three are "duty," calling for a walk "in step" with the doctrinal truths. 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. No, because hes after the treasure. Rom. 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. Listen to his arguments here. Exodus Its in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Surely not. In 2Co 3:10 = "surpassing glory" and 2Co 9:14 = "surpassing grace." Oh! Thats the confidence you should have as you live each day. It grows even taller when he prays that we would know the glory of Gods inheritance in the saints. So Paul asks God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we will know what is the hope of His calling and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Know (1492) (eido, oida - eido is used only in the perfect tense = oida) means in general to know by perception. The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. | GotQuestions.org, Is there power in the name of Jesus? It is said that for many years, he lived on crackers and milk because of stomach troubles caused by worrying about his wealth.