Knowing of Jonahs disobedience beforehand, God had already prepared a great fish to swallow him and spit him out when he was humbled enough to repent (Jonah 1:172:1). Too many Christians are going hither and yon looking for more blessings, more secrets of how to live a victorious Christian life, etc. I dont blame you for feeling that way. . In 1:18-19, he elaborates on what that means, namely, that God wants us to know three essentials about our salvation that will give us assurance about our high calling as God's people. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. Eph 3:7+ of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of Gods grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others. -- when His heart shall be fully satisfied in His inheritance, for His glory shall be perfectly manifested in the saints. How did God respond to Pauls prayer to remove his thorn in the flesh? (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith), John MacArthur - MAINTAINING A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE. | GotQuestions.org, What does God mean when He says, Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)? 5:13): shall not be able (Lk13:24): I can do all things (Phil4:13): availeth much (Jas. (ED: AKA AS NOT "ABIDING IN CHRIST!" 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. Amen. Our dear Father "has blessed (past tense - it is a completed act!) Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." | GotQuestions.org, How much power does Satan possess? Ephesians chapter 6:10-6:18. 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. Is she supposed to do something about this? I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to his people. You have given us freedom (You set us free), I have resurrection power living on the inside (You set us free) See more belowon what it means to be called by God. (SeeThe Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked!). Oh! You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in. Because My coming is near, and your heavenly account is pretty small, Im giving you an opportunity to make some huge investments in the few days that remain before you go to heaven., You for whom this day has seemed as a thousand yearsrejoice. We have been called by grace, to glory. He was sometimes called the New Elijah. In 1916, while pastoring Moody Memorial Church of Chicago, Rader, 30, was asked to preach at Los Angeles Church of the Open Door. Ephesians 1:18. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. I see the old has passed away Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. All believers have been called by grace, out of darkness into His glorious light. (Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! 1:11; 3:4; Zech. Nothing less than omnipotence can save a soul; and omnipotence at its very best in the glorification of Christ is none too great for the salvation of a sinner. The power of God is most neglected resource in the Church. How much spiritual strength is available for me in my daily life? That men might know the measure of Gods power. But a treasure far greater is mine; NET and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. The ESV also picks up the perfecttense rendering it "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened," which also describes a past completed action. Harold Hoehner -In Eph 1:14 Paul wrote that the Christians inheritance is their final redemption from the presence of sin. Memorize Ephesians 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:3 and recite them often as anthems of praise for the Lords abundant grace. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular. We fence off a part of ourselves for God, excluding Him from all the rest. Freedom, You have given us freedom Well, look, its the power that he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. 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. 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. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! 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. He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. Reaffirm your love for Him, and express your willingness to be changed by His Spirit in any way He sees fit. This power is only for Christians, for those who believe. Freedom, You have given us freedom Revival comes when, no longer satisfied to know about a God in history, we meet the conditions of finding Him in living, personal experience. He has bought and paid for them to the utmost farthing, hence about his title there can be no dispute. I never heard such a sermon in all my lifeEphesians 1:18. that money cannot buy. We may not be able to conquer Satan all at once, but he cannot conquer us at all. If, for example, you realize you have every resource for godly living (Eph. They are also his by conquest. Now I have resurrection power living on the inside (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission), It is difficult to give a clear distinction between the 3 Greek words that expand on the meaning of "the surpassing greatness of His power (dunamis)", but in simple terms it pictures the piling up of similar terms in an attempt to convey the magnitude and capability of God's incomprehensible, infinite power. It is the active exercise of supernatural power." Knowing these truths in a deeper, more intuitive way, you will be empowered by His Spirit to stand firm on Who He is and how faithful He will be to all of His promises towards you. But now Rader was fighting for souls, and as he stood to speak he proclaimed his text, Ephesians 1:18. Lord, where are You? you cry. Megethos in the Septuagint -Ex. 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)! The discoveries youll make, the understanding you will glean, the gifts of praise, the expression of even frustrated prayer will affect you for the next zillion years. That we might know God better (Ep 1:17). 2 Kings of each person. What an objective in prayer! To say it another way, Paul prayed that believers would know the hope, inheritance and power not in their head but in their hearts, the very essence of their being. This seems to be a confirmation, but she continues to ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5). But this is as impossible to our unaided energy, as for the swallow to follow the majestic flight of the golden eagle, soaring sunward. Incorruptible! Camp out here in a letter that begins with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly in Christ." Having prayed then that God would enlighten the eyes of our hearts, Paul specifies three things that God wants you to know: Paul later (4:4) will talk about the hope of your calling, but here he refers to the hope of His calling. Why does he do that? This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to really understand these truths. Eph. 19:23; Cant. A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. 2:14; 1 Pet. In addition the view that the saints are Gods inheritance has precedence in the Old Testament, Moses recording that Israel was God's possession For the LORD'S portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. It is utterly impossible to put the fullness of divine reality in human language, to compress the infinite into what is finite. So even in the most difficult trials, we can be filled with hope (see Rom. | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? 18:1; Rev. This power is active, dynamic, and compellingand it is mightily at work on your behalf. New International Dictionary of NT Theology. He does not tell us, but other words in this letter, in the other great prayer which it contains, may help us to supply the missing words. Jeremiah (cf Dt 32:9+) And thats what we are. Numbers What a battle He had in us before we would be won! that it might be soon! "Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," which comes from God's grace (Ephesians 1:7-note). Do believers really have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:1920)? I pray that you may know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. 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. 1317). No sooner has the emigrant reached his estate, than he commences to prospect it. He has riches untold. (The Reciprocal Inheritance). Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to His power. When He is seated at the right hand of God, so are we, in Christ. Both views are theologically sound, but the second seems more consistent with Pauls emphasis in Eph 1:11 and Eph 1:14. May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. How wonderful to know that each moment of the day God is working within you in such a way. Consequently, they constantly strive for material things and are continually caught up in carnal pursuits. QUESTION -Do believers really have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:1920)? Ephesians 1:18 The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, Read more Share Copy Show footnotes Ephesians 1:18 The New International Version (NIV) Beloved Christian, think not of what you can get from God but, rather, think of what you mean to God. I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. Note that all three clauses (hope, inheritance, power) are linked to the verb "will know". 11:36; Jn. Dunamis is rather ability, faculty: not necessarily manifest, as ischus: power residing in one by nature. Working, strength, and might or mighty further describe this power. Conversely, revival cannot come if we are far removed from God. Thats why he prayed for our enlightenment (Eph 1:18). Paul says that hope ultimately is a person "Christ Jesusour hope" (1Timothy 1:1, cp Col 1:27+). Because God's resurrection power continues to work in us, it helps us (ED: MORE ACCURATELY IT ENABLES US! What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Do you think your faith will bring you riches? 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?" Play Chris Tomlin's Resurrection Power. 15:19). Wealthybut miserable! Consequently it should fill you with joy (Rom. No one can do the work of God successfully without being filled with the Holy Spirit. These refer to various kinds of ability ranging from physical/ mental expenditure (Genesis 31:6), sexual potency (Genesis 49:3), or Gods power (Exodus 9:16; 15:6). The difference that obtains between Christians is not one of grace, but of the use we make of grace. 5:2; 12:21, 25, 28, 30; 16:27f; 29:11f; 2 Chr. We do not ask for it we were born into its blessed privilege. 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. Perhaps he perceived a power shortage in the Ephesians saints! See the blood-mark upon all the chosen, invisible to human eye, but known to Christ, for "the Lord knoweth them that are his"; (2Ti 2:19) he forgetteth none of those whom he has redeemed from among men; he counts the sheep for whom he laid down his life (Jn 10:14-15), and remembers well the Church for which he gave himself. On the other hand, in the OT the hope of the righteous is directed toward the eternal God who will protect and ultimately deliver if not now, certainly in the future. 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.