The Christian needs supernatural power, and God would have us see how great is His power to accomplish His purposes in us. (Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation). F B Meyer (takes view #1) here sees Paul as referring to believers as God's inheritance! 2 Peter 2:11 (note) whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. Revelation 5:12 (note) saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing. (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. How did God respond to Pauls prayer to remove his thorn in the flesh? 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. Already we have noted that God made us His heritage that we should be to the praise of His glory (1:11-12). Ask Him to impress on your heart the blessings and responsibilities of your calling. Only when we come to understand how our lives are anchored in eternity (Heb 6:18-19+) can we have the right perspective and motivation for living in time (1Jn 3:2-3+). 4:4, 6). Adrian Rogers on Heaven Will Break Loose! Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular. Perhaps you can remember three words to capture this message: resurrection power now. Rader said that without Christ people are in a moral and spiritual cave, blinded, darkened, and unaware of the glories God has in store for them. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. We need to step out in faith and this means faith that obeys (enabled by the Spirit). And so inspired by the Spirit, Paul emphasizes that God has even more blessings to bestow on His children, the blessing of "resurrection power" so that saved sinners so that we might be enabled to live a supernatural life! 2 Chronicles ), How is this resurrection power demonstrated even in this letter? money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. 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. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! In the Old Testament, thats what Israel was called; she was called The Lords Portion, the Lords inheritance. Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. Seated with Him. In other words, believers cannot do with this power what they choose, but its use must conform to the direction given by Christ, the head of the Church. No spendthrift hand can scatter or over-spend its treasures. THOUGHT There will never be a day when God's power is not sufficient to accomplish what God purposes in us and through us to the praise of His glory (what He does in and through us will be seen by others who give Him praise and glory because they realize that it is a supernatural not natural work!) You have given us freedom, That I'm dressed in Your royalty If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." The surpassing greatness of Gods power is given to every believer, not just to those who believe and then have a mystical experience, second blessing, or some other supposed additional work of grace. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name (1 Chron. The power mentioned inEphesians 1:1920is continually attributed to God, not us. In Ephesians 5:27, Paul says that Gods aim is that He might present to Himself the church, in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. In Colossians 1:27, Paul says that to the saints, God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; 29:1113). 1:18). So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ! 5:13. 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)! He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. 15:16; 1Sa 16:7; 1 Ki. Ecclesiastes 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. She contacts a Christian organization that operates orphanages in Europe and learns they have an opening for a worker. 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. And what a blessing he is! Ephesians When He placed his cross against the wall, and scaled our ramparts, planting on our strongholds the blood-red flag of his omnipotent mercy? This is misapplication of this English derivative in an attempt to try to picture the life saving power of the gospel. Ephesians 1:18. 2 John We need to go back and read the manual carefully, asking God to give us His wisdom and understanding. For fifteen years the Romans defended their homeland against the brilliant Carthaginianand could never drive him out. (seeEphesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) (Bolding added). As we experience God's power in our own lives, we can encourage others. But by Gods grace the word of God may change your mind and your heart. NET since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Is keeping it for me. Because of this event, the believer can have assurance that the same powerthe immeasurable power of Godis working on his behalf today and will continue to provide what he needs until he arrives in heaven. Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. It is a source of strength and stability amid the trials of life (1 Peter 3:1415). You called me from the grave by name | 8,801 views. Paul is "struggling" to say what cannot be said. Paul says that hope ultimately is a person "Christ Jesusour hope" (1Timothy 1:1, cp Col 1:27+). How much spiritual strength is available for me in my daily life? But I do more than thank. 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. Believe (4100) (pisteuo) refers not just to an intellectual assent to the truths of the gospel but to a saving belief that effects the heart, resulting in a transformed, supernaturally directed conduct based on the truth believed. But I do more than thank. 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. 8:28)! What shall we say of those who think that conversion is wrought by the free will of man, and is due to his own betterness of disposition? They remain in bondage, depressed, and discouraged because they dont see the big picture of eternity. God's Word promises riches (The Reciprocal Inheritance). God had placed a call on Pauls life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:1516). Do we not remember that glorious hour when He carried our hearts by storm? Commentary on Ephesians 1:15-23. 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. Second, this enlightenment comes to the heart of the believer (Eph. It is great power: nothing less would suffice. . Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. Or the funds to go on the radio. This indicates how precious his people are to God. Leon Tucker wrote the following words back in 1917: "Power is the one thing the church of God needs most and has least. God is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (Eph. CD players dont have needles, he said, laughing. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. Salem Media Group. Leaning his head on the seat in front of him, he trembled. 12:9). 5:19 = making melody with your heart to the Lord; Eph. 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! It is God who is at work in you, Paul assures us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. What kind of riches are you looking for? He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. we must have the power of God. If anyone should instill hope and bring out the best in others, it should be the Christian. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. This is obvious when the writer of Genesis says that Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived (Gen. 4:1 ESV, emphasis added). In the parallel prayer in Colossians 1:11-12, Paul prays that we would be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. In other words, Gods glorious, mighty power enables us to endure trials steadfastly, patiently, and joyously, with a thankful heart to the Father. The real work of a Church depends upon the power of the Spirit." I dont blame you for feeling that way. This is amazing grace indeed! Paul knows that as a man thinks in his heart, his spiritual interior, will determine how he walks (cf Pr 23:7). The prayer moves from God and Christ (Eph 1:17, 20-21) to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17-19) and the church (Eph 1:22-23). Savor each moment. Paul describes people who do not know Christ (Eph. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. NIV I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. What we can get from God rather than what we can be to God is our continued concern. Here are some examples of the riches that can be ours as believers in Jesus Christ: An understanding of God the Father and the Son, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:2-3). We belong to Somebody. Oh, how we need to grow in our experience of it, because the struggles we face in life are not merely human conflicts. 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. But let us not stop here - believers needed resurrection power to be saved the first time (justification) and are in continual need of this same power for "daily salvation" (progressive sanctification, "present tense" salvation) from the world, the flesh and the devil! So even though many of the translations are not perfectly accurate to the Gree, they all retain the essence of Paul's desire for the saints to "know" these three things beyond a shadow of a doubt. We need not pray for power to evangelize, to witness the gospel to others. 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. And so he prays that these saints might be able to grasp the breadth and length and height and depth (Eph 3:18) of the great truths in chapter one, so that they might be enabled by the indwelling Spirit and the riches of God's grace (DOCTRINAL TRUTH IN CHAPTERS 1-3) to order their steps so that they "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called." But glance first at Ephesians 1:17-18. Now my whole lifes aims and ambitions are changed. Ezra Are you working it out with your tongue, and your brain and your nerves? It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. (Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing CompanyVolume 1,Volume 2,Volume 3- usedby permission), William Barclay says that dunamis "is the word from which dynamite comes. Only here in the NT (hapax legomenon)BDAG -1. quality of exceeding a standard involving physical magnitude (size),2. quality of exceeding a standard of excellence, greatness.". Now back to Paul's prayer, the point is that when the Holy Spirit opens the spiritual eyes of the heart of Paul's readers, they will be able to perceive and to know these great truths intuitively with a positive knowledge beyond a chance of a doubt. 11:2; John 14:2526; 16:1214). Ephesians chapter 6:10-6:18. 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. So here he takes view #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! Lord, help me to influence prayer time at my church so that it is a healthy representation of the full Christian life, from supplication to praise. Usually ischus denotes power, might, strength, ability. Ancient understanding is often linked to other kinds of power or authority (e.g., dunamis, exousia; cf. Observe, Those who have their eyes opened, and have some understanding in the things of God, have need to be more and more enlightened, and to . I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to his people. 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. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at [email protected]. This magnificent accumulation of words for power underscores the magnitude of Gods great power available to Christians. 12)? Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. A strong man (Mt. Paul Rader, former wrestler and boxer, became one of the most powerful evangelists of the early 20th century. Memorize them which will facilitate "meditation on the fly" (when you don't have your Bible open, but you do have the text written on the "tablet" of your heart). The answer, according to one of the apostle Pauls prayers, is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians Commentary). | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? This is also apparent when 1Samuel 2:12 says that Elis sons were wicked men who did not know Yahweh. Greatness (3174) (megethos from megas = strong, great) refers to magnitude (great size or extent), greatness. Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. (Eph 4:1+). The eyes of your heart will be enlightened! It is grace that supplies the wealth, but it is faith that lays hold of the wealth (cp 2Cor 5:7-note). Setup File Name: Adobe_Premiere_Pro_v23.2..69.rar. Also, the parallel passage (Col. 1:12) refers to our sharing in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Other Scriptures also refer to the inheritance that is stored up for those who are Gods children through faith in Christ (Acts 20:32; 26:18; Heb. Commentators tell us that they can distinguish differences of meaning between the words, in that the first of them is the more active and outward, and the last of them is the more inward. The child that lies in yonder cradle, over which the coronet is emblazoned, may claim his broad ancestral estates simply by right of birth: and it is on that tenure that the saints hold heaven. In the NT the idea of chance attaching to the lot is eliminated for all believers we inherit all spiritual blessings in Christ. Song of Solomon Amen. As Paul shows (Rom. And, though acres vast enough to make an English county are in his possession, rich and loamy soil, or stored with mines of ore, yet he is not sensibly the richer. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. His inheritance is in His saints. It is energetic power, energy put forth or energy put in operation. It is His capability to function effectively. It sounds idealistic. 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. This time, Jonah did. (Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Wuest renders it "and what is the superabounding greatness of His inherent power to us who are believing ones as measured by the operative energy of the manifested strength of His might." He also helped found Fuller Seminary in 1947 and worked ceaselessly for Christ until his death in 1968. It is according to the working (energeian, energetic power, from which comes the Eng. Spurgeon compared the general call of the gospel to the sheet lightning that you see on a summer night. Are you confused now? 1:10). His faith that God will strengthen me They say, I dont bother with theology. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. Many Old Testament texts speak of Israel as Gods chosen portion or inheritance. To find assurance, one must look to the covenant-keeping God and Scripture. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! 6:2; 8:3; 10:7; 17:17; Jdg. We shall conquer him eventually, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us. . From hagos; sacred. Put those deficiencies together and you have the reason why we are dissatisfied and empty. 1:19; Eph. (6000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths). Paul would say "STOP IT!" For there is a difference between ability (dunamin) and strength (ischuo). Incorruptible! He thinks of us as His inheritance. We will be perfect in righteousness and in love for God and one another. Our salvation from start to finish is due to the surpassing greatness of His power! The definite article in Greek ("the") precedes pisteuo, which means these are literally "the" believing ones (i.e., they are genuine believers). I knew his hand was bigger than mine." Deuteronomy Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. 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. For we saw (eido) His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). Hebrews 10:32+ But remember (present imperativeseeour need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings. THE POWER OF GOD IN THE ASCENSION LIFE. This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord. 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. | GotQuestions.org, The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power Toward Us, Hurley, V. Speaker's Sourcebook of New Illustrations Dallas: Word Publishers, having been called "with a holy" (2 Timothy 1:9, out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles (Romans 9:24, through the "gospel" that we "may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Th 2:14, and be brought "into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1Cor 1:9, and return in triumph "with Him" at the end of this age (Revelation 17:14. Thus chosen, purchased, and subdued, the rights of our divine possessor are inalienable: we rejoice that we never can be our own; and we desire, day by day, to do his will, and to show forth his glory. What a battle He had in us before we would be won! Wiersbe - In the prison prayers of Paul (Eph. The inner man can see (Ps. And so the ESV Study Bible comments that "The inheritance here is not the Christians inheritance but his (Gods). In the Mississippi River, right? These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Eido/oida is a perception, a being aware of, an understanding, an intuitive knowledge which in the case of believers can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Maybe youre saying, Is that ever true! The heart is the inner man, including the emotion and will; it is the whole self, mans inward being. They are, so to speak, what he looks forward to enjoying forever. Ephesians 2:7+so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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?" Jon Courson - Throughout Scripture, the word hope always refers to that which is coming, to that which is ahead. Too many people are trusting Christ for the power to save their souls and not trusting Him for the power to live day by day. Philemon ', Mark 12:33+ and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. How does this apply? So what does he do? Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. Reprinted by permission. Camp out here in a letter that begins with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly in Christ." The person who has received Christ is a new creation. Can you conceive this? 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. The Greek word translated power is dunamis, from which we get dynamite and dynamo. When He ascended, we ascended. Has God given this power to the believer according toEphesians 1:1920? The same power which raised the Head works life in the members. 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. He prayed that they might be enlightened so that experientially they might truly possess their possessions! - Jn 15:5!) 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". Software Full Name: Adobe Premiere Pro 2023. 2:89), and we live by grace, through faith (1Cor. 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. us with every (how many?) 1 Peter 1:5 says that we are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Jude 24-25 proclaims, Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. - 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. These three words describe it as energetic, inherent in God, and able to overcome resistance respectively. God gives Himself to each. WithoutGodspower, these things would not be possible (seeLuke 18:2627). For Further Study: Read 2 Corinthians 1112. Paul confidently added that nothing therefore can separate you from Gods love (Rom. When He died, we died. One demon says to the other, "Demon, if those liberal theologians ever really let Jesus Christ out of that tomb, and those so-called Baptist preachers begin to preach itwhew! 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? After this time, Jesus rose from the dead, the miracle of miracles. This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to really understand these truths. WALK IN THE SPIRIT. He will occupy and keep thee. 1 Thessalonians | GotQuestions.org, Is there any power in positive thinking? Thus ability (Mt. It is power to overcome what stands in the way. Kratos is exercised strength whereas ischus refers to great inherent strength. (SURPASSING) Exceeding what? Read the Bible, discover plans, and seek God every day. Believers already have that power. His death had our name on it. Later in the letter (chaps. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. The faith that saves is not the faith whereby we live the victorious Christian life. 34:8; 1Pe 2:3), smell (Phil. Prior to start Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download, ensure the availability of the below listed system specifications. 391-422) argues at length that Paul is referring here to the power of God in raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life when He saved us. Comment: The fact that Paul qualifies this "hope" as "one hope" emphasizes that there is the same ultimate, glorious reality for all of the church, whether Jew or Gentile! 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. And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe - Supernatural power for believers to enable them to live in triumph. (Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition), Robert Gundry -The heart was considered an organ of knowing as well as of feeling. 8:29;I John 3:1-2). It can be used of any kind of extraordinary power. The idea is that it is the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in God, His indwelling strength. Note that all three clauses (hope, inheritance, power) are linked to the verb "will know". New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce writes (The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians [Eerdmans], p. 270), That God should set such high value on a community of sinners, rescued from perdition and still bearing too many traces of their former state, might well seem incredible were it not made clear that he sees them in Christ, as from the beginning he chose them in Christ., Why did God do this? So strong is the gravitation that holds us to earth, so dissipating our cares, so fickle our resolution, that nought but the Divine power and grace can lift us to the level of the Divine life. This seems to be a confirmation, but she continues to ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5). 13:3; Ezra 9:8; Barn. 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you.
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