That ye may know what is the hope of His calling Eph. Bible Gateway passage: Ephesians 1:18-23 - The Message I cannot understand how this can be, but I know that God has an inheritance even in me. The Father has chosen (verse 4) and predestined (verse 5) believers to adoption in Jesus Christ. God's incomparably great power helps us grow, change, love others. As for the worldling, God gives him anything, but for the Christian, God selects the best portion, and chooses his inheritance for him. 119:18) or other spiritual realities (2 Kings 6:17). 15:56). 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. We have an inheritance in him, and he has an inheritance in us. For example, a young man may begin to have a burden for a particular foreign nation and its people. 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. We need not pray for power to evangelize, to witness the gospel to others. . 1:6, 14; Ezek. This hope is of the perfection of all, which we are called to enjoy really, but imperfectly, here. Job He let us in on that mystery. 28:9; 33:12; 78:62, 71; 106:5, 40; Isa. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Energeia - 7v -Eph. The radical idea of ischus, might, is that of indwelling strength, especially as embodied: might which inheres in physical powers organized and working under individual direction, as an army: which appears in the resistance of physical organisms, as the earth, against which one dashes himself in vain: which dwells in persons or things, and gives them influence or value: which resides in laws or punishments to make them irresistible. What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. (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. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? 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. It is a free gift, and yet we have a right to it. All other ground is sinking sand. Hope (1680) (elpis) (See also study on Believer's Blessed Hope) expresses a desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it. Thats amazing. ANSWER -The Bible often mentions people being called by God for a specific ministry or service. Ive been talking to You. The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). He implants Biblical truth into your thinking so that your responses become more and more like Christs. Is (2076) is the present tense of eimi = to be, and so conveys the idea "what is continually the hope.". 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. 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. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. May His Spirit enable us to worship Him Monday - Saturday (not just on Sunday) in spirit and in truth. Christ has already won the victory over sin, death, the world, and Satan. Josephus, Antiquities 11.3.4). 1:31; 2:10, 19, 21; 3:1; 10:13, 33; 11:2; 23:4, 11; 28:6; 29:2; 30:15; 33:11, 13; 37:3; 40:9f, 26, 29, 31; 41:1; 42:13; 44:12; 45:1; 47:5, 9; 49:4f, 26; 51:9; 52:1; 58:1; 61:6; 62:8; 63:1, 15; Jer. He 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 you. Warren Wiersbe (Be Rich [Victor Books], pp. It grows even taller when he prays that we would know the glory of Gods inheritance in the saints. This same power resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us. Here he prays that we will know the riches of its glory. In His devotional on Dt 32:9 Spurgeon asks "How are they his? (Ephesians Commentary). And what did the greatness of His arm accomplish? Leaning his head on the seat in front of him, he trembled. So even in the most difficult trials, we can be filled with hope (see Rom. But while countless people place, or rather misplace, their faith in the transforming power of subliminal messages, living faith in Jesus Christ cannot fail to do its transforming work. All you need to know about EPF higher pension scheme Some have learnt the happy art of receiving and utilizing every square inch if we may use the expression of that knowledge of God which has been revealed to them. The contrast between the two verbs is illustrated in John 8:55, Ye have not known Him [ginsk, you have not entered upon the knowledge]: but I know Him (oida, that is, I have perfect knowledge of Him). Amen. God never has museums. Romans The Son has accomplished redemption through His death (Ephesians 1:7) and provided the necessary provisions for an inheritance for the believer (verse 11). No one can do the work of God successfully without being filled with the Holy Spirit. Rather, if we are the called according to Gods purpose, then we know that He is actively working all things together for our good, both in time and in eternity (Rom. He gives them to us by the handfuls. Consequently, they are constantly striving for material things and are continually chasing carnal pursuits. Hannibal invaded Italy in the second of three Punic Wars that determined the fate of Rome and Carthage. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." 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. Thus here Paul is emphasizing Gods power that already saved us rather than the power that He gives to sustain us. 7:35; 2 Ki. And not just for the time being, but forever. 4:15). And not just for the time being, but. You have given us freedom, Freedom, You have given us freedom In Jesus day, men would bury their treasure in a field for safekeeping. Having been enlightened rests on the observation that you cant see in the dark and implies that the addressees used to live in mental darkness but that at conversion they were transferred into the realm of mental light, so that now they can see what the Spirit reveals to them (Eph 4:1718; Eph 5:8; Colossians 1:13). In Ephesians 1:314 Paul proclaims the blessings of our salvation. God glories in his saints. 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. 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. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. The Hope of His Calling: A sermon on Ephesians 1:18 - MLJTrust.org WE DON'T JUST NEED A LITTLE HELP, A LITTLE "PUSH" SO TO SPEAK, BUT WE NEED HIS SUPERNATURAL POWER - cf Php 2:13NLT+) overcome our difficulties each day. Colossians 1:29+ For this purpose (WHAT PURPOSE? We will be perfect in righteousness and in love for God and one another. (cf 2Co 6:11-13+)(Ephesians Commentary). Paul writes (Rom. Each one utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given. Gods mighty power has granted us all that we need for life and godliness, so that we can escape the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Pet. 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. 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! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; - see related discussion - A Spirit Filled Church]The Church that multiplies committees and neglects prayer may be fussy, noisy, entertaining and enterprising, but it labours in vain and spends its strength for naught. 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. Christians are not like the Gentiles who have no hope (Eph 2:12+), but are those who have hope or firm assurance (cf "full assurance of hope" Heb 6:11) that God will do good to us in the future because Christ has purchased salvation for us on the Cross in the past (see notes below on Ro 5:1-2), sanctifies them through His Spirit in the present (Gal 5:16-25-note), and will lead them to glory in the future (Col 1:27+; 1Jn 3:2,3+ ). In other words, if we now have come to believe in Christ, we can know that it took nothing less than Gods mighty power to bring us to that point. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! 1:19). We can read the promises of God and be certain of Gods ability to fulfill those promises, even those of redemption, resurrection, andglorification. (Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ). Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. This he did altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which he foresaw in them. Let this incomparable truth stir within your heart a passionate desire that He may be glorified in you more fully each day until that great day dawns for which both He and we look with such fervent expectation. The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. Vine explains that genuine belief is a firm conviction of the truth, a surrender to that truth and a conduct that results from that surrender. 2 John Young's Literal: and what the exceeding greatness of His power to us who are believing, according to the working of the power of His might, AND WHAT IS THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TOWARD US WHO BELIEVE: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA). But next to this, the emigrant encloses some small part of his inheritance, placing around it a tentative fence or partition; and here he begins to expend toil and skill. Here in Ephesians Paul first prays for God to grant them a true experiential knowledge (epignosis) of God (Eph 1:17) and then in Ephesians 1:18 appeals to God to illuminate their tender hearts, the very core of their being, with an intuitive, beyond a chance of doubt knowledge (eido) on three specific issues - hope, riches of His inheritance and power. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Illustration - In 218 b.c. Physically, we are here; but, in Christ, we have been raised. No, not at all. Just as His calling (Eph 1:18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him. In other words, we are Gods possession, purchased by the blood of Christ. Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey, Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians, Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition, Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ, The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian, Brown, Colin, Editor. He does everything he can to buy the field in which the treasure is buried. Do you think your faith will bring you riches? (Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers). Hope gives us the assurance that we are going toward something better than this present life. God intends that His work be accomplished by His power. 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. His power is to us-ward who believe (Eph. You called me out of all my shame 18:1; 22:15; 29:4, 11; 31:10; 33:16; 38:10; 39:10; 61:2; 65:6; 71:9; 78:61; 102:23; 103:20; 111:6; 118:14; 147:5; Prov. Although Paul wrote his letter in Greek, he was steeped in the Hebrew Biblethat is, the Old Testament. How wonderful to know that each moment of the day God is working within you in such a way. That we might know God better (Ep 1:17). 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. 15.110; Sib. Zechariah It is Gods power that accomplishes the many miracles ofredemptionmentioned inEphesians 1. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good. Isnt that magnificent? I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 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. But His riches are not in the universes that He possesses, nor in the substance of the earth that is His, but in the saints that He purchased at infinite cost, namely, the precious blood of His only begotten Son (I Pet. 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+). Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. Are you praying the promises of God for yourself and your family and the body of Christ? The Lord pursued His disobedient servant until Jonah submitted himself to the call. 1:4). The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. This thought is too great to fully comprehend in this life! 13:9; Heb 5:11), taste (Ps. | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. Resurrection Power. You have the reason why there is so little of vivid, vibrant joy in the things of God. Why? Both views are theologically sound, but the second seems more consistent with Pauls emphasis in Eph 1:11 and Eph 1:14. But a day is coming -- oh! But with God this shall never be. Who by the power of God are guarded through faith. To say it another way, Paul prayed that believers would know the hope, inheritance and power not in their head but in their hearts, the very essence of their being. 29:1113). It cannot come if, instead of hearing His voice, we are content with only an echo! Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), Charles Stanley -LIFTING OUR LEVEL OF PRAYER, SCRIPTURE READING: EPHESIANS 1:1823 KEY VERSE: EPHESIANS 1:18. What does this "working of the strength of His might" look like? 2 Samuel When He died, we died. 1:18). Now I have resurrection power living on the inside The devil can distract you, and he can even cause you to stumble, but he cannot steal the promises of God unless you let him. (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. In Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary, the Jewish and Roman leaders successfully killed Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 19:30). He does not call a believer to hope for the forgiveness of his sins: they are gone. Or if you are so afraid of robbers that you cannot really enjoy it? 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. The grassland yields pasture to the cattle; and there is not a square inch of the enclosed territory that does not minister to the needs of the new proprietor. 6:4; Heb. The giant trees are cut down; and their roots burnt out, or extracted by a team of horses. The eyes of our hearts refers to our total inner person, which includes the intellect, the emotions, and the will. Bible Gateway passage: Ephesians 1:18-19 - The Message I have a heritage of joy, Ephesians 1 1-2 I, Paul, am under God's plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. Is not this the secret of any grace or wealth there is in Christian lives? 7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message By Carey Nieuwhof on March 1, 2023 It is kept for us, and we are kept for it. We have the case of Elisha when the Syrian army was sent to Dothan to take him captive. In this chapter are contained the inscription of the epistle, the salutation of the persons to whom it is written, the apostle's thanksgiving for blessings received by him, and them; in which the efficient, moving, procuring, and final causes of salvation are taken notice of, and the several parts and branches of it observed; and the whole is concluded with prayers for the Ephesians; in which mention is made of various things to the comfort of the saints, and to the glory of Christ. ", Ephesians 1:19 (note) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
