money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment. MacArthur makes an interesting assessment commenting that "One cause of immaturity in the church at Corinth was reliance on feelings above knowledge. 19:11; Ezek. It is reserved in heaven for you. QUESTION -What does it mean to be called by God? Power (1411) (dunamis- words derived from the stem duna all have the basic meaning of being able, of capacity in virtue of an ability) refers to inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way, the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. Can you conceive this? 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. 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. Eph. On the other hand if I give you a million dollars, I have given to you "according to" or more in proportion to my riches. If then you would know why it is that some of God's children live lives so much fuller and richer than others, you must seek it in the differences of their appropriation of God. The fact that God exerted such mighty power to save us implies that His same mighty power will keep us. Literally eido/oida refers to perception by sight (perceive, see) as in Mt 2:2+"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? Prior to start Adobe Premiere Pro 2023 Free Download, ensure the availability of the below listed system specifications. Now the eyes of the believers heart must be continually taken up with his Lord in order that his knowledge of spiritual truth might increase. We want to get out of the trial, solve the problem, move on. The second dealt with the future when God will gain his inheritance at the coming of Christ. Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. Deuteronomy 9:29+ Yet they are Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm.. (Galatians 5:16-note) Obeying that command would settle the matter of walking in the flesh verses walking in the Spirit. 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. He sealed us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be kept until the day of redemption, absolutely, totally, eternally secure in our salvation. 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? Eph 3:20+ Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us (speaking of the power of the Spirit that continually energizes us - see Php 2:13+, cp the prayer in Eph 3:16+!). Ezra 9:8 But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. From phos; to shed rays, i.e. We are called by God to salvation. A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. Because of the glorious grace (v. 6) of the glorious Father (v. 17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (v. 18). 6:9; 7:9; 8:7; Joel 2:22; Amos 2:14; 3:11; 5:9; 6:13; Mic. Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? Consequently, they are constantly striving for material things and are continually chasing carnal pursuits. But, since there are many who dispute it, allow me just to stir up your minds by way of remembrance, by mentioning certain facts which will lead you to see clearly that verily God does choose our lot, and apportion for us our inheritance. 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. From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. They will give us the strength to persevere in godliness. Amen. (Jon Courson's Application Commentary). Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. As priests, these sons certainly understood the facts about God, but they did not have a relationship with him. There is a superabundance of machinery; what is wanting is power. The difference that obtains between Christians is not one of grace, but of the use we make of grace. 25:15): virtue (Mk 5:30): power (Lk24:29; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. But where is He?. 1:1819). His death had our name on it. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural. -- Ears from Harvested Sheaves. 1 John I have riches of value untold. 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. But where are You?. But this is as impossible to our unaided energy, as for the swallow to follow the majestic flight of the golden eagle, soaring sunward. ESV having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Energeia isused only of supernatural power in the NT. It cannot come if, instead of hearing His voice, we are content with only an echo! 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.. They are actually conflicts with evil spiritual forces (6:12). (Ibid). The resurrection power that raised up the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is the power that works in every single believer. (1Pe 1:3-5-See notes 1 Peter 1:3; 1:4; 1:5), Comment: Our "living hope" guarantees our inheritance, our protection until the revelation of our the final aspect of our salvation - glorification - when Christ returns "in the last time", Hoehner explains the relation of hope and calling -The genitive that follows (, calling) could be a genitive of source, hope has its origin in his call or more likely a subjective genitive hope produced by his calling (cf. 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. We do not ask for it we were born into its blessed privilege. 12)? He wishes them to have eternal life in Christ [John 20:31] and to know that they have it.". But because Israel rejected that call and followed idols, they never flourished in the way God wanted to prosper them. The world can't understand it, but we can. Part of that prayer is, I pray that . Never apologize for your inner eyes! 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." Prayer meetings that support only one aspect of prayer are imbalanced and can quickly be awash in negativity. 26:64), and so in classical Greek used to denote the magistrates or authorities. Savor each moment. But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. Reaffirm your love for Him, and express your willingness to be changed by His Spirit in any way He sees fit. See more belowon what it means to be called by God. Thus to believe is to obey and to stake one's life on the truth of the gospel manifesting a lifestyle in accordance with that truth. 6:10-13). The church cannot arise and go out as at other times, and this the Philistines well know." The salutation is in Eph 1:2, which is common to all his epistles: and in Eph 1:3, is the thanksgiving to God, as the God and Father of Christ, for spiritual blessings in Christ in general; and then he proceeds to particulars, and begins with election, which is represented as an act of God the Father, as of particular persons, as done in Christ, and from the foundation of the world, the end of which is perfect holiness and love, Eph 1:4, and which is further illustrated under the name of predestination; the blessing which that is an appointment to, is the adoption of children; the moving cause of it, is the good pleasure of the divine will; the instrumental cause, or means, is Christ Jesus; the end with God is for himself, Eph 1:5, and which, in the next verse, is explained of the glory of his grace; to which grace, acceptance with him in Christ is owing; and which is another spiritual blessing, or a branch of election and predestination, Eph 1:6. Hoehner on kratos -In the NT it is used twelve times, four times by Paul, twice in Ephesians (1:19; 6:10) and it always has reference to supernatural power: once of the devil (Heb 2:14), and the other eleven times of God. He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. by Theodore Epp - Ephesians 1: 19-23 The Scriptures frequently refer to God's power as it relates to the believer. 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. With that thought in mind a more accurate rendering is that of Wuest who has "the eyes of your heart being in an enlightened state with a view to your knowing what is the hope of His calling." NLT: I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. Instead, it is powertowardus (Ephesians 1:19ESV, emphasis added). Some commentators see His inheritance as a reference to believers, who are Gods inheritance or special possession (Eph 1:14). ", It is power. 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. Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. The gospel is dynamic, Gods dynamic, and so is powerful in the transformation of human lives. In following the call of God, we must be sure to obey His instructions in Scripture. If anyone should instill hope and bring out the best in others, it should be the Christian. We have it all now, and we will have it throughout eternity." Has God given this power to the believer according toEphesians 1:1920? The, the definite article. This he did altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which he foresaw in them. Ask Him to impress on your heart the blessings and responsibilities of your calling. The end of which is, that those predestinated, redeemed, and adopted ones, should be to the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:12, and who are described as such, who first trusted in Christ upon hearing the Gospel; and after they had believed in him, were sealed by the Holy Spirit, said to be the Spirit of promise, Eph 1:13, and who is also spoken of as the earnest and pledge of the saints' inheritance, and who will continue so until all the people of God are redeemed from the grave in the resurrection morn, which will also issue in the praise and glory of God, Eph 1:14, and now on account of all these blessings of predestination, adoption, redemption, calling, and the sealing of the Spirit; as also, because of their faith in Christ, and love to the saints, these believers were possessed of, the apostle gave thanks, and continued to give thanks to God in his prayers to him, Eph 1:15,16. (Back to the Bible), Choose Book of Bible to Study (Ephesians Through Revelation). 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. 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 not, why not? No spendthrift hand can scatter or over-spend its treasures. ", Colossians 1:29 records Paul's testimony: "I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.". The only check that can ever be imposed upon the continuous current of His mighty power to usward is the self-imposed check of unbelief. Imagine a couple of demons speaking. 2:89), and we live by grace, through faith (1Cor. 15.110; Sib. For Further Study: Read 2 Corinthians 1112. 4:13). Do you have the power of God in your life? For we saw (eido) His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." We will be with Him forever in heaven, where there will be no suffering or tears or death. We could never defeat these spiritual foes in our own power, but we can through the Spirits power. [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? WALK IN THE SPIRIT. Hosea Colossians 1:5; 23 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel (1:23) if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. ), Paul wants us to get a glimpse of our glorious future so that we will live in light of it right now. The shadows of secrecy or reserve on either side will blight a friendship in which all the conditions seem perfectly adjusted. 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). So what are we saying? 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). As He bought, so let Him possess, everything. It is a very high honor conferred upon God's servants, that it is said of them, "He shall choose their inheritance." "That you will know" Recall Paul's pronouncement of truth in Colossians 1:27 that believers (Jews and Gentiles) now have Christ in them and that this is their hope of glory. When He placed his cross against the wall, and scaled our ramparts, planting on our strongholds the blood-red flag of his omnipotent mercy? Represented by Tyndale House Publishers. Romans 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. 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. Freedom, You have given us freedom There is the general call of the gospel that goes out to all people. Man can supply the energy, enterprise and enthusiasm for things human. The Lord, however, says, Not so fast. Cold, with the coldness of death. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. When we are faithful to the call to obedience, He can call us to more specific areas (seeLuke 16:10).GotQuestions.org.