Theyre depressed and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. For example, a young nursery worker may read about babies languishing in Romanian orphanages. The eyes of your heart will be enlightened! 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." 6:5 = in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;; Eph. Emotions are important, but they must be guided and controlled by an enlightened mind. TECHNICAL Note that it is somewhat difficult to give a crisp, succinct definition of eido, so keep that caveat in mind as you read these notes. Why? Now we are drowning in a sea of false religions and New Age philosophies. O child of God, thy estate has been procured at the cost of blood and tears; but thou didst not buy it! "That you will know" Recall Paul's pronouncement of truth in Colossians 1:27 that believers (Jews and Gentiles) now have Christ in them and that this is their hope of glory. Victory is ours! 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"). Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. God intends that His work be accomplished by His power. Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! It comes only through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. He called you to Himself and will hold you there, no matter what circumstances you face. Thus, His possession is located in the saints. The context for this passage is important. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his lifebut he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. So even in the most difficult trials, we can be filled with hope (see Rom. A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. (The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power Toward Us). You have given us freedom, That I'm dressed in Your royalty Freedom, You have given us freedom For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. But where is He?. The "heart" in Scripture speaks of the very center and core of one's life, the seat of thoughts and moral judgments. 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! How much divine energy is at my disposal? Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the security of your salvation. This is obvious when the writer of Genesis says that Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived (Gen. 4:1 ESV, emphasis added). Thus as Christians, we should be filled with hope because we know that God has called us to salvation. God miraculously did them both simply by speaking the Word of Truth as Hebrews 11:3+ testifies. The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. We have His "seal" on us, and more accurately within us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. 19:8; 2 Ki. So he should not be judging Adam who shows concern for his unborn child. Habakkuk 1:18). Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural. The Greek text may be interpreted in either of two ways. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition), Robert Gundry -The heart was considered an organ of knowing as well as of feeling. 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. Matthew 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.". As an introduction to mentioning the many afflictions he had endured for the Lord, Paul commented, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves (2 Cor. Might (2479) (ischus) (see note by Wayne Barber ischus) refers to power as an enduement. Ischus is the inherent ability which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment. Thats the confidence you should have as you live each day. 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. (1Jn 5:13+), Comment: A T Robertson writes that eidomeans "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. After the service, he drove to nearby Hollywood and stopped his car in the shade of a eucalyptus tree in Franklin Park. The idea is that it is the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in God, His indwelling strength. Some are called to the political arena or to end human trafficking. which is the true and proper fountain of man's salvation. It is only as God's Spirit illuminates our mind that we actually can truly know the spiritual truth He wants us to know. It is according to the working (energeian, energetic power, from which comes the Eng. If one had learnt a swifter art of appropriating the wealth that lay open to his hand, he would be actually, though perhaps not potentially, richer than his neighbour. When he prayed that believers would know Gods incomparably great power, his idea of knowing came right from the Old Testament. He will bring fruit out of thy rockiest nature, as the Norwegians raise crops on every scrap of soil on their mountain slopes. What (5101) (tis) is singular in contrast to the next clause regarding "riches" which is introduced with "what are" which is plural. Now I have resurrection power living on the inside God exercised this power in two ways. 1QS 11:36). And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to His power. You have given us freedom, hallelujah He also helped found Fuller Seminary in 1947 and worked ceaselessly for Christ until his death in 1968. They will give us the hope and eternal perspective that we need to endure trials. Kneeling in the back seat, Fuller gave his life to Christ in prayer. As He bought, so let Him possess, everything. That never can. (See Ro 5:1, 2+). (Ibid). 1:6, 14; Ezek. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). 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. It will be too depressing, we say to ourselves. (Ro 11:2+), Jesus is speaking to unbelieving Jews about His Father in Jn 8:54, and declares to these Jews that) "you have not come to know (ginosko) Him (GOD THE FATHER), but I know (eido- BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT) Him; and if I say that I do not know (eido) Him, I shall be a liar like you, but I do know (eido) Him, and keep His word. POWER FOR EVERY SAINT. Hes the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Is keeping it for me. Usually ischus denotes power, might, strength, ability. Ancient understanding is often linked to other kinds of power or authority (e.g., dunamis, exousia; cf. Yes, God's Word promises us great richestreasures that we cannot even attempt to purchase with any amount of money. In Ephesians 1:19 Paul focuses on one key feature of Gods power: His ability to secure the salvation of His people. The hope of our calling is the absolute certainty of our heavenly destiny and includes all that awaits the saints at the return of the Lord Jesus and is what Paul referred to by the phrase the "Blessed hope" writing in Titus that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking (not just any kind of looking but looking anxiously, eagerly, earnestly, expectantly) for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. To summarize, Paul prayed that we would come to know God more intimatelyin order that we might know the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints. It is available. 1:1819). Consequently, they constantly strive for material things and are continually caught up in carnal pursuits. Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. 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. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. In hours of weakness they drew on God's power; in those of suffering, on his patience; in those of misunderstanding and hatred, on his vindication; in those of apparent defeat and despair, on the promises that gleam over the smoke of the battle, as the Cross before the gaze of Constantine; in death itself, on the life and immortality which find their home in the being of Jehovah. (Eph 1:3). 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. He wants them to fully grasp the nature of all three aspects of their salvation. 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. 26:20; Num. In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul asked God to enlighten their eyes so they could better understand the message encoded in His Word. The power of God in our lives is the result of being Spirit filled and we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit. You have given us freedom (You set us free), I have resurrection power living on the inside (You set us free) From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. Amos Perhaps he perceived a power shortage in the Ephesians saints! Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It will encourage you to go on. 15-19Thats 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. He chose them, and set his love upon them. A strong man (Mt. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary)(Bolding added), Lehman Strauss-The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Here Paul prays that we might have a full appreciation of our worth to God. The perfect tense speaks of an enlightenment that has occurred at a point in time and which persists. 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! His emphasis is on spiritual perception and real Christian character. 10:16; 51:19; etc.). 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. 2 Timothy Will Pauls prayer be answered in your life? (A Day's Journey: 365 Daily Meditations from the Word). properly transcendent and immeasurable, and passes thought and desire and knowledge. It is a matter of constant complaint with Christian people that they fall so far below their aspirations and hopes. Inheritance (2817) (kleronomiafrom kleros = a lot + nemo = to distribute) (see study of related Kleronomos) (see second word study kleronomia) is originally a portion which one receives by lot in a general distribution. From phos; to shed rays, i.e. He is powerless to apprehend spiritual things. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. John D. Rockefeller was the worlds first billionaire. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." 1:18; Eph. What a transformation took place in Peters life between the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. Lehman Strauss - The prayer continues: " The eyes of your understanding being enlightened " (1:18). No, not at all. Here in verse 18 he wrote about Gods inheritance, the saints themselves! (2) The other view is that the inheritance means all that we will inherit in Christ. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: Ephesians 1:18 Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened (Ephes. A blessing found at Qumran reads, May He illuminate your heart with the discernment of life and grace you with eternal knowledge (1QS 2:3; cf. 79)? Eph. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have resurrection power! 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. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. GOD'S INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS. 12:2) by filling you with the knowledge of [Gods] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9). The power of Christ applied in the believers behalf can't be defeated because the Creator's power exceeds that of the evil created beings, Satan and his minions. How does this apply? As you pray and study Gods Word, He transforms and renews your mind (Rom. Not only that, but it is all the power we are ever offered or could ever have. In Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary, the Jewish and Roman leaders successfully killed Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 19:30). 4:16; Phil. 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. Odes Sol. Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. But in order that you may know (eido) that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-- He said to the paralytic--I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) To the extent that you understand these vast spiritual resources, you will enjoy God and glorify Him forever. 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. Sunday I went up to Los Angeles and heard Paul Rader preach. The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. Is this not every believers great challenge and need?! In fact, the Greek word translated church in the New Testament means a called-out assembly. The call to salvation involves conforming us to the image of his Son. His election and call to salvation are part of an eternal plan for us that guarantees our inheritance in heaven: And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified (Romans 8:2930). That we might sense and experience the working of His incomparably great power for us who believe (Ep 1:19a). Paul is praying for the Ephesians to be able to supernaturally grasp the truths in Ephesians 1:3-14 where we see that saints are (1) chosen (Eph 1:4+), (2) predestined (Eph 1:5+,, Eph 1:11+), (3) adopted as sons (Eph 1:5+), (4) accepted in the Beloved (Eph 1:6+- see article Accepted in the Beloved), (5) redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7+), (6) forgiven (Eph 1:7+), (7) sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ep 1:13+) and (8) given the earnest of our inheritance (Ep 1:14+). Paul is praying "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes . Into the city enters nothing that defiles, or works abomination, or makes a lie. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). Paul says that hope ultimately is a person "Christ Jesusour hope" (1Timothy 1:1, cp Col 1:27+). 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! He needs the Spirit to enlighten him (1 Cor. Ephesians 1:18 I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, > Ephesians > Chapter 1 > Verse 18 Ephesians 1:18 Context Crossref Comment Greek Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I pray that you may know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. The idea is to cause something to be fully known by revealing clearly and in some detail. The, the definite article. ), How is this resurrection power demonstrated even in this letter? Paul writes to the believers at Rome asking "Or do you not know (eido) what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?" And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe - Supernatural power for believers to enable them to live in triumph. 26:64), and so in classical Greek used to denote the magistrates or authorities. They propagate self-effort and introspective meditation, but spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through such means. 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". There is the danger of stopping at knowing doctrine, rather than allowing the doctrines to give you greater personal knowledge of the God of whom the doctrines speak. God's people do not fight for victory but from victory! He has called us to a completed righteousness and to the completed redemption of our bodies. 1:911; Col. 1:912), we discover the blessings he wanted his converts to enjoy. She asks her Bible study group to pray with her about the matter. 1:18). Just as His calling (Eph 1:18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him. But the effectual call is the lightning bolt that connects. Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in Eph 1:1-2 (ED: THOSE WHO BELIEVE). Throughout Scripture, the word hope always refers to that which is coming, to that which is ahead. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. 20:27) (Deut. And he prays for you to understand the surpassing greatness of that truth. 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. The first dealt with the past, where the hope was produced by the calling of his people to himself. (Jon Courson's Application Commentary). Resurrection Power. "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. When an emigrant first receives the title-deeds of the broad lands made over to him in the far West, he has no conception, as he descends the steps of the Government office and passes into the crowd, of all that has been conveyed to him in the schedule of parchment. (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. What is the difference between kleros and kleronomia (in the context of the uses in the Septuagint)? 1986. Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. 3:7; Eph. In other words, this is not just an intellectual ability to understand or teach these truths. Both views are theologically sound, but the second seems more consistent with Pauls emphasis in Eph 1:11 and Eph 1:14. It is a very high honor conferred upon God's servants, that it is said of them, "He shall choose their inheritance." 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).