I have riches of value untold. My hope is built on nothing less There are at least six ways that God wants us as believers to know the surpassing greatness of His power toward us: Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Gods Ultimate Purpose [Baker], pp. Right here is where the average Christian fails. Savor each moment. Ephesians 1:19 is a power packed passage with 4 Greek synonyms for power that give a great glimpse of the God's manifold power, especially His resurrection power (cf Ro 1:4+). I hold fast to the opinion that our God is ever trying to reveal Himself to us. The Son has accomplished redemption through His death (Ephesians 1:7) and provided the necessary provisions for an inheritance for the believer (verse 11). When He is seated at the right hand of God, so are we, in Christ. Generally, then, it may be said that while both words include the idea of manifestation or of power in action, ischus emphasizes the outward, physical manifestations, and dunamis the inward, spiritual or moral virtue. 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. Vincent has a discussion of two related words ischus and dunamis (in his note on 2 Peter 2:11) -. The emphasis is not on that which is little, but rather that which starts out small and grows into something bigger and stronger. The faith that saves is not the faith whereby we live the victorious Christian life. 4:15). That call became his motivating force. The power that EVERY believer in Christ has access to every day of their life until they see Jesus face to face! Dunamis - 119x in 115v - Here are Paul's uses of dunamis in Ephesians Eph 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. To each the conception of looking onward is attached; to the "calling" "hope," to the "inheritance" "glory," to the "power" the exaltation of Christ (and of us with Him; see Ephesians 2:6) to the right hand of God. After salvation, we are further called to grow in Christian virtue and serve God by good works; in fact, it is this maturation process that confirms our calling by God (2 Peter 1:510). observe fully, consider attentively denotes action of mind apprehending certain facts about a thing) wonderful (amazing, astounding, marvelous, extraordinary or even difficult - things beyond human capability) things from Thy law. 1:18) (ED: I WOULD SAY THIS IS ALSO THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT). Peter saysThink it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. Rise to the occasion; do the thing. He is powerless to apprehend spiritual things. With His unlimited power, He also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. There's more than enough power to break the hold of all sinful habits; more than enough to give deliverance from temptation; more than enough to enable the believer to live above circumstances. He does not call a believer to hope for the forgiveness of his sins: they are gone. When we really grasp this amazing truth, all we can do is worship and glorify our precious Saviour and occupy our time, redeeming the days as we wait expectantly for His blessed appearing. Eph. 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. Working, strength, and might or mighty further describe this power. Paul describes people who do not know Christ (Eph. This is the power of God that is available to believers. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). How blessed is God! Ischus is inherent power or force. No, not at all. In the NT klesis is used metaphorically of an invitation to enter the kingdom of God by grace through faith. 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. Incorruptible! 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. He cannot give more; He will not give less than Himself. He will win for Himself a great name, as He turns thy desert places into gardens, and makes thy wildernesses blossom as the rose. Then again, Nick has become his father, killing a man with no consequences, no guilty conscience either. The Kleronomos is one who has been given a kleros, the inheritor. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. Kratos means strength or might, the power to rule or control or exert dominion (power to rule, supreme authority, sovereignty, the right to govern or rule or determine). I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! 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. What kind of riches are you looking for? You have the reason why there is so little of vivid, vibrant joy in the things of God. 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. It is a matter of constant complaint with Christian people that they fall so far below their aspirations and hopes. No, because hes after the treasure. 8:32) assures you that He wont withhold lesser things, and consequently youll not tend to worry about earthly needs. Beloved Christian, think not of what you can get from God but, rather, think of what you mean to God. 3:20). It is a powerful work, past, present, and future: Gods power was evident in their conversion, Gods power is evident in their endurance, and Gods power will be evident in their resurrection. 1:3-4). Do we really believe this is true? 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. Note that all three clauses (hope, inheritance, power) are linked to the verb "will know". This certainty is provided in Jesus Christ. The second dealt with the future when God will gain his inheritance at the coming of Christ. As He bought, so let Him possess, everything. 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. 5:13): shall not be able (Lk13:24): I can do all things (Phil4:13): availeth much (Jas. For long days he travels, towards his inheritance and presently pitches his flimsy shanty upon its borders. Ischus therefore conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. Then ask God to restore to you the joy of your salvation. Craig Evans - Old Testament prayers commonly asked for opening ones eyes, particularly to Gods Word (Ps. This is the curse of Christian living. For example, Deuteronomy 32:9 says, For the Lords portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. Psalm 33:12 proclaims, Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. (See, also, Deut. How can we fail with Him as our Head and with such power at our disposal? It speaks of a clarity of mind or understanding by which one is able to see things intelligibly and clearly and proceed accordingly. 11:36; Jn. Dunamis is the root from which we derive the English word dynamic, (synonyms = energetic, functioning, live, operative, working) which describes that which is marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? 19:23; Cant. Proud member Don't you think it's time all Heaven broke loose? Calmen had expected her former teacher to say, "I knew you could do that.". 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). ', 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. Josephus, Antiquities 11.3.4). 11:2; John 14:2526; 16:1214). He considers each us to be His precious portion. 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. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). How did God respond to Pauls prayer to remove his thorn in the flesh? All Christians have the same hope. Where do we find the power to overcome anger, resist greed, offer forgiveness, or pursue sexual purity? Thats why Paul prayed that God Himself would enlighten the hearts of the Ephesian believers (Eph. But, as we do with so many owners manuals, we read it superficially or hardly at all and then wonder why the Christian life isnt working the way its supposed to! 1:6; Rev. [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? Nothing can separate you from His love (Rom. This may be the reason Paul spends more time on this area. He chose them, and set his love upon them. If we do walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. He prayed first of all that they be given a divine awareness of the power they possessed in Christ. 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. He trips over something, brushes the dirt from it, and discovers its a treasure. Huperballo is used only 5x in the NT but 3 are in Ephesians. In Jerusalem, on the hill of Calvary, the Jewish and Roman leaders successfully killed Jesus Christ, the Messiah (John 19:30). Physically, we are here; but, in Christ, we have been raised. That's my prayer, that you'll understand it: "the exceeding greatness of His power" (Ephesians 1:19). By Gods great mercy we have been begotten again (1Pet 1:3-note). Here Paul in effect prays that they would come to a beyond the shadow of a doubt knowledge of the hope of their calling, God's inheritance in them and their power. It is your hope of final glorification and of sharing Gods glory when Christ returns (Col. 3:4). Because He wants to hang out on the Columbia River? You have given us freedom, hallelujah The inscription is in Eph 1:1, in which the author of the epistle puts his name, declares his office, and how he came into it; and describes the persons to whom he wrote it, by their religious characters, and the place of their abode. That burden was placed there by the Lord as part of His calling. I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness Hoeher comments that "Having mentioned the surpassing greatness of Gods power, Paul is now going to show that it is literally according to the power of the power of his power. Paul lists a series of three words for power used to describe the standard of the surpassing greatness of Gods power." Nehemiah Usually ischus denotes power, might, strength, ability. Ancient understanding is often linked to other kinds of power or authority (e.g., dunamis, exousia; cf. The eye on yours is dusty. He cleaned it and the problems disappeared. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! And what a blessing he is! This inheritance will be fully realized in the future. There is no way for sinful men and women to find their way into Gods presence unless He reveals Himself and appears to us. 17 But I do more than thank. 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. 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. Jesus, You have given us freedom 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. Acts New International Dictionary of NT Theology. 6:10; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. It would seemingly be enough to mention the power of God, who is omnipotent. (Ibid). I PRAY THAT THE EYES OF YOUR HEART MAY BE ENLIGHTENED: pephotismenous (RPPMPA) tous ophthalmous tes kardias [humon] : Psalms 119:18+ Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. 18:1; Rev. (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. All rights reserved, Life Application Study Bible: New Living Translation, Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company, Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource, Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament. In Ephesians 1:19 and Ephesians 6:10, ischus describes the strength of God bestowed upon believers. Never apologize for your inner eyes! 6:4; Heb. . Isaiah 46:911is the cornerstone passage that removes all doubt aboutGods sovereignty. 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. It is simply providing hope and certainty for the believer, who has assurance because of the power that raised Jesus from the dead. Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). (2) The other view is that the inheritance means all that we will inherit in Christ. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) Be alert for attitudes or actions that need to be changed. God exercised this power in two ways. The Christian Church is precious to God. 1 Kings 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. If you identify with these sentiments, you are not alone. Strengthened with might in the inner man (Eph3:16): with all might (Col. 1:11). Paul says this enlightenment is abiding and permanent state (See previous noteon what this means regarding the translation). It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh. 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. (ESV Study Bible), Spurgeon - "See how high Christ is raised! 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?" Even true believers greatly want heavenly wisdom. The average ministry is fueled by the flesh. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to his people. 1:18). Ephesians 1:19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. When a person is aware of that call and surrenders to it, he or she starts living out Gods purpose for him or her (seeJeremiah 1:45;Isaiah 49:1;Galatians 1:15). I have a heritage of joy, 2 Kings Therefore, whereas the hope that was produced by his calling looked back to the past, his inheritance in the saints will be fully realized in Christs coming to get his saints." 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)! Put those deficiencies together and you have the reason why we are dissatisfied and empty. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation. And yet what food for faith. 1:6, 14; Ezek. It is great power: nothing less would suffice. 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. Amen. How wonderful to know that each moment of the day God is working within you in such a way. (Ephesians 5:18+) The filling of the Holy Spirit will result in power for service with souls being won to Christ and Christians growing in grace and knowledge. 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. 14:13, 17; 24:18; Deut. The power he prays we will know is literally according to the power of the strength of his might which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead (vv. Megethos in the Septuagint -Ex. Hence, the translation takes the participle to form a part of the basis for the prayer. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural. If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? 11.14; 4 Ezra 14:22; 1QS 2:3; 4:2). A day is as a thousand years. Jesus was not teaching us that a little faith could accomplish great things. This simple discipline will serve to slow you down and allow you to more actively engage the text which facilitates more effective interaction with your Teacher the Spirit, the Author of the text! God the Father gave the world to Adam. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. We are saved by grace, through faith (Eph. 4 Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." (6000 Plus Illustrations for Communicating Biblical Truths). When He ascended, we ascended. 1:1819). After the supplies had been purchased and were being loaded in the wagon, the owner of the store said to the boy, "Son, you have been such a good boy, I'm going to let you put your hand in the candy jar and get all the candy you can grab." No. There is no power shortage, just a shortage of our understanding of what we possess in Christ. 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? To ask God for more power is an affront to His gracious love which already has provided us everything. Look at our Lords body in the tomb. Gods specific call to service usually begins with a burden for a particular need that relates to the kingdom of God. We have been called by grace, to glory. But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. What did Paul ask? Job Hither the Apostle Paul first went after he had been at Corinth, though he then made but a short stay; when he came thither again, he found twelve disciples, and was the instrument of making a great many more: here he continued two or three years and formed a Gospel church, very large and flourishing, to whom he writes this epistle; and which was written by him when he was a prisoner at Rome, as appears by several passages in it, \Eph 3:1 4:1 6:20\, and seems to have been written much about the same time as were the epistles to the Philippians, and to the Colossians, and to Philemon. 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! And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe - Supernatural power for believers to enable them to live in triumph. Try to grasp the scope of that thought, dearly beloved of God! (Eph 2:12+). 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.