2 Samuel There could be no more, and it is foolish and presumptuous to ask for more. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, NLT (revised)I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. Septuagint Usage -Grundmann (ischu, Kittel, 3:397, note 3) asserts that ischus is the most common word for power in the LXX. It substitutes for 30 Hebrew expressions in the Septuagint where it regularly translates such terms as kach (strength, power, ability), chayil (capacity, power), and az (strength). Amos The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. 15:19). Paul wrote (Phil. That having the eyes of your heart enlightened. 10:16; 51:19; etc.). Remember what you are saved forthat the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh. Consequently, they constantly strive for material things and are continually caught up in carnal pursuits. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. Can you conceive this? | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Risen: 50 Reasons Why the Resurrection Changed Everything), The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling. 4.4 [on Deut. Eph 3:16+ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. Prior to start Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download, ensure the availability of the below listed system specifications. Hannibal invaded Italy in the second of three Punic Wars that determined the fate of Rome and Carthage. Since land was divided by lot, probably in the framework of common use of the fields, kleros came to mean a share, land received by lot, plot of land, and finally inheritance. That is what Paul desires for them and for all believers. Matthew Rather, it is constantly to be praying as you study the Word, Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know, love, and obey You better!. An almost identical prayer is recorded by Clement of Rome(written between 75-110 AD, cf to Ephesians 60-62 AD) asking God to open the eyes of our heart to know you. (Also a good prayer!). Many of us skim the manual quickly (at best), or never bother to read it at all. Ezra Meditate on the truths in Ephesians Chapter One. So that (1519) (eis) conveys the primary idea of motion into any place or thing figuratively as here speaks of the purpose for the Ephesian saints having been enlightened. Ephesians 3:20+ Now to Him Who is able (dunamai) to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power (dunamis) that works (energeo- present tense - continually working) within us. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. Notice here-. Still, with the stillness of death. 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. Undefiled! In the four Gospels, we see Gods power at work in the ministry of Jesus Christ, but in the Book of Acts, we see that same power at work in ordinary men and women, members of the body of Christ. That men might know the measure of Gods power. Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, were a free peoplefree of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. Thus, Love the Lord thy God with all thy strength (Mk 12:30): according to the working of his mighty power (Eph. (Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings). I make the best my goal; 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. Here is the reason why God is so little to us. Thats why Paul prayed that God Himself would enlighten the hearts of the Ephesian believers (Eph. We need not pray for power to endure suffering. John D. Rockefeller was the worlds first billionaire. He makes a circuit of its bounds; he ascends its loftiest hills; he crosses and recrosses it, that he may know all that has come into his ownership. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (NASB: Lockman), Greek: kai ti to huperballon (PAPNSN) megethos tes dunameos autou eis hemas tous pisteuontas (PAPMPA) kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou. The gospel itself is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. In summary, Paul is praying for one of the things these believers need to fully understand and to deeply realize -- the hope of God's calling. If not, why not? (Matthew 13:31-32) He used the mustard seed to teach His disciples an important lesson about faith and victory. Finding Christ is like emerging from the cave into the light. Jdg. Isaiah 6:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? As you pray and study Gods Word, He transforms and renews your mind (Rom. (Brown, Colin, Editor. The little boy just stood there and made no move for the candy. And not just barely free, either. Many Christians have a stick your head in the sand attitude when it comes to grappling with the difficult doctrines of the Bible. To understand it, you must continually ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart. 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. We were designed before the foundation of the world to be His workmanship, glorifying Him as we bring forth the fruit He desires (Ephesians 1:45;2:10). The answer, according to one of the apostle Pauls prayers, is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 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 . Why would he be praying for this "Aha" enlightenment? THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Languagecopyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. It is one of ourselves who has strength enough to bear the burden of the glory, one of ourselves who can stand within the blaze of encircling and indwelling Divinity and be unconsumed. He desires that they be aware of the spiritual dimension. He needs the Spirit to enlighten him (1 Cor. 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? Ephesians 1:17-18 17 But I do more than thank. Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. With His unlimited power, He also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. To run an organization needs no God. He, she, it, they, them, same. How does the Spirit enlighten you? The power mentioned inEphesians 1:1920is continually attributed to God, not us. If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." The succession of ideas follows the order of conversion--first, "calling;" then acceptance to "inheritance;" lastly, "inward working of divine power" in the accepted. We might expect Paul to pray for enlightened minds rather than hearts, but thats because we associate the word heart with emotions rather than with thought. Says a good divine, "It is one of the greatest glories of the Church of Christ, that our mighty Maker, and our Friend, always chooses our inheritance for us." 19:8; 2 Ki. Exodus 28:1). 5:2) and motivate you to godly living (1 John 3:3). We are dearer to Him than all the worlds He has ever made; more precious than all His other creation. Romans 8:28-30 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 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. Spirit, soul, and body must be freely yielded to the great Husbandman. Habakkuk It comes only through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. Ischus - 10 times in the NT translated: might, 5; power, 1; strength, 4. May His Spirit enable us to worship Him Monday - Saturday (not just on Sunday) in spirit and in truth. ', 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. Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." Sometimes the passing enticements of this world seek to blind our eyes to the riches of the glorious inheritance that we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Old Testament priests were called by God to their special work (Hebrews 5:4; cf. 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 the Christian message is true, the world is on the way not to dissolution but to consummation. A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Whereas the first and second concepts to be understood dealt with the past and future respectively, the third deals with the power of God in the present time toward believers. 2 Thessalonians 2:16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace. Ep). You have given us freedom, hallelujah. Why? As saints, were Gods inheritance, His treasure, His prize! 1 John (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." Proverbs 20:27The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. This is amazing grace indeed! We have been called by grace, to glory. The idea is to cause something to be fully known by revealing clearly and in some detail. In referring to those who believe Paul goes beyond the initial act of faith in God for salvation and speaks of a continuing and growing faith. (SeeThe Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked!). A second way to interpret it is that it refers to the inheritance that God has in His people. Paul shows the proper relationship of faith and works in this letter, explaining that believers are God's, "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." The power that God has made available to the believer is according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph 1:19-21). 4:16; Phil. 12:29): a mighty famine (Lk15:14): his letters are powerful (2 Cor. You have given us freedom, hallelujah Even more, we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and redeemed us with His blood. (The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian). The power behindChrists resurrectionis now working on our behalf. Give all thou hast to God. Modern maps containing the results Of the explorations of Livingstone, Stanley, Burton, tell another story of river, Savannah, tableland, and of myriads of inhabitants. He said, "It's not like you to be shy." Living in the light of Your goodness Titus We need to practice the Joshua rule "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you." This he did altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which he foresaw in them. No spendthrift hand can scatter or over-spend its treasures. He prays that the eyes of their understanding may be enlightened, Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 1:18. 1:19; Eph. This thought is too great to fully comprehend in this life! Victory is ours! It will fill you with thanksgiving, joy, and hope. The eye; fig: the mind's eye. Physically, we are here; but, in Christ, we have been raised. This was true for the Ephesians, and it is true for us today. Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural. 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. Those for whom Paul is praying were once "spiritually blind" darkened in their understanding, (Eph 4:18) walking around in "spiritual darkness" as he reminded them of later writing that "you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Eph 5:8-note). Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Our Lord never dictated to His Father, and we are not here to dictate to God; we are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. The church, like Samson in the lap of a harlot, has divulged the secret of strength and is shorn of power. All 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. It is the reserve of strength. Oswald Chambers -The habit of rising to the occasion. He gathers out the fruits from among the leaves, that his people might have the best food, and enjoy the richest pleasures. Philemon No longer bound by sin and darkness May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. Ephesians chapter 6:10-6:18. (Believer's Bible Commentary). This is also apparent when 1Samuel 2:12 says that Elis sons were wicked men who did not know Yahweh. (cf Dt 32:9+) And thats what we are. All of which is a parable. Eyes (3788) (ophthalmos) is literally the organ of vision but in Paul's use is obviously figurative. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. The owner put his hand into the jar, grabbed a handful of candy and handed it to the boy. After all, what good is it to have wealth if you are too weak to use it? For fifteen years the Romans defended their homeland against the brilliant Carthaginianand could never drive him out. Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 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. God miraculously did them both simply by speaking the Word of Truth as Hebrews 11:3+ testifies. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name (1 Chron. 2. the rich inheritance that he possesses in them, and Thus, His possession is located in the saints. If I were to put you in a barrel and put that barrel in the Mississippi River, where would you be? Later in the letter (chaps. Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. Cold, with the coldness of death. In Ephesians 1, the apostle Paul let his "students" know that he prayed for them constantly. Zephaniah THE POWER OF GOD IN THE ASCENSION LIFE. Arriving at the church the next day, he found a seat behind a large pillar. (see note). Probably, ere long the whole will have been opened up to European civilization and commerce. 8.247; Justin Martyr, Apology 1.61.12; Dial 39.2; 122.1; cf. Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Romans 5:4,5 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: . 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. 11:2; John 14:2526; 16:1214). Yes, there are dark spiritual powers at work behind the problems Paul discusses in Ephesiansanger, stealing, bitterness, slander, sexual immorality, greed, deception, and so on. If that has happened to you, confess it immediately and turn from it. So here he takes view #2, but in the following note below he takes view #1! ), "What I do you do not realize (eido- know beyond a shadow of a doubt) now, but you shall understand (ginosko- understand by your experience) hereafter. What a battle He had in us before we would be won! us with every (how many?) Lehman Strauss - The prayer continues: " The eyes of your understanding being enlightened " (1:18). Will this day ever end? If you are in a strained marriage, a single person aware of your loneliness, or if youre physically afflicted, a day can indeed seem like a thousand years. In Ephesians 1:3-14 Paul had just summed up what their calling involved. Start for FREE. The man was powerfully built, and Fuller visualized how he must have looked in the ring. Ephesians 3:19+and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 1:18 In-Context 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. Living in the light of Your goodness It takes far more faith to encounter and endure the battles of the Christian life than it did to trust Christ and be born again. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Bruce adds (p. 271), Paul prays here that his readers may appreciate the value which God places on them, his plan to accomplish his eternal purpose through them as the first fruits of the reconciled universe of the future, in order that their lives may be in keeping with this high calling and that they may accept in grateful humility the grace and glory thus lavished on them., Our future is that throughout eternity we will actually share in Christs glory! The Word of God is scarcely preached while rock music and religious performers entertain worldly pagans. Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). It speaks of a clarity of mind or understanding by which one is able to see things intelligibly and clearly and proceed accordingly. 5:13): shall not be able (Lk13:24): I can do all things (Phil4:13): availeth much (Jas. Do you think your faith will bring you riches? (Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians- online), Kenneth Wuest says that dunamis "power in the sense of that which overcomes resistance or effects a change" (In Mark 5:30 literal Greek = Jesus, perceiving in Himself the out from Him power going out) It was some of (Jesus') supernatural power which He felt leaving Him in the accomplishing of the miraculous cure". (Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation). 1 Kings It sounds idealistic. For Further Study: Read 1 Chronicles 29:1113. He let us in on that mystery. When our hearts are set to obey the Lord, He confirms His call in a variety of ways: godly counsel, natural gifting, fruitful results, Scripture, and a sense of rightness that does not conflict with any of the other confirmations. Is (2076) is the present tense of eimi = to be, and so conveys the idea "what is continually the hope.". And this is God's message to thee, O Christian soul! You have given us freedom, That I'm dressed in Your royalty He has just prayed that God would give to them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. can ignite great endeavors. Song of Solomon Paul would say "STOP IT!" To shine or to brighten up. The church is Christs body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. Are you praying the promises of God for yourself and your family and the body of Christ? They will give us the hope and eternal perspective that we need to endure trials. These three words describe it as energetic, inherent in God, and able to overcome resistance respectively. Kneeling in the back seat, Fuller gave his life to Christ in prayer. Paul says this enlightenment is abiding and permanent state (See previous noteon what this means regarding the translation). 1:6; Rev. This power is one of three aspects of the mighty salvation God won for believers in Christ: 1. the hope to which God has called them, All rights reserved. Amen! (What pleasure he took in planning this!) Is this not every believers great challenge and need?! With his natural mind, man cannot understand the things of God. I agree that this is Pauls main aim. A strong man (Mt. God gives usspiritual giftsto aid us in our call to service. And I see my past has been redeemed They have laid all God's revealed character under contribution. 1:4; 2:37; 3:4, 20; 4:1, 13f, 21ff, 30f; 5:7; 7:7; 8:6f, 22, 24; 10:8, 16f; 11:1, 6f, 10, 15, 17, 19, 25, 34; Hos. John MacArthur - RECEIVING SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened (Eph. Your prayer will likely be a welcome reminder to others. Yes, it is an inheritance. I am in total agreement with you. For Further Study: Joshuas call to lead Israel was not a call to salvation, but it illustrates some important principles for spiritual leadership. 36.2; 59.3). Zechariah The prophet Jeremiah proclaims that knowledge of God is more valuable than anything else. But, Paul adds, the surpassing greatness of His power, and then goes on to say (1:19b-21) that this power is in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Wow! 4:1; Song 2:7; 3:5; 5:8; 8:4; Is. 2:9). Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. COMMENT - Note how Paul associates our New Creation in Christ (2Co 5:17+) with the creation of the heavens and the earth. SO THAT YOU WILL KNOW WHAT IS THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING: to eidenai (RAN) humas tis estin (PAI) e elpis tes kleseos autou: Romans 5:4-5 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. What is the difference between kleros and kleronomia (in the context of the uses in the Septuagint)? "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. " The same power that brought Christ from the dead, and set him on high, works in the salvation of every believer. You called me out of all my shame Megethos in the Septuagint -Ex. It is kept for us, and we are kept for it. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. (Ephesians- Life In The Heights), THOUGHT - Remember that believers are called to be imitators of Jesus (1Cor 11:1+, cf 1Jn 2:6+, 1Pe 2:21+) and in that light we need to recall that during Jesus' earthly ministry, He lived out His life in the power of the Holy Spirit. Greek: pephotismenous (RPPMPA) tous ophthalmous tes kardias [humon] eis to eidenai (RAN) humas tis estin (PAI) e elpis tes kleseos autou, tis o ploutos tes doxes tes kleronomias autou en tois hagiois. Such is the case in Matthew 13. THESE ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORKING OF THE STRENGTH OF HIS MIGHT: kata ten energeian tou kratous tes ischuos autou: INDESCRIBABLY TRANSCENDENT Although dynamite is derived from this word, there is no suggestion here or anywhere in the Bible that Gods power is instantaneous or explosive. (seeEphesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary) (Bolding added). Our Lord gave us an object lesson on this truth when He spoke about faith as a grain of mustard seed. Some commentators see His inheritance as a reference to believers, who are Gods inheritance or special possession (Eph 1:14). Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. God has given us His Word as the manual for our salvation. The Message Canvas Bible: Coloring and Journaling the Story of God, Spring Palette, The Message Large-Print Devotional Bible, softcover, The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look, Message Slimline Bible--soft leather-look, brown/tan, Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook, The Message New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs - eBook. In our struggle with everything that sets itself against the knowledge of God, we have some incredible resources. | 8,801 views. Perhaps you can remember three words to capture this message: resurrection power now. Believers already have that power. Practice these truths enabled by the Holy Spirit. (Dt 32:9+). Our society has been enamored with the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, especially since the influx of Eastern thought into the West during the 1960s. There is no power shortage, just a shortage of our understanding of what we possess in Christ. But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. The boy responded, "I wasn't shy. Hence, the translation takes the participle to form a part of the basis for the prayer. The saints knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. She begins to pray for direction. There stood that awful obstacleand it is still the great obstacle that stands between all men and Goddeath in sin and nothing but the power of God could deal with such a situation. They will give us the strength to persevere in godliness.
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