Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16). Vine comments - Eido/oida, to know, suggests intelligent perception, in contrast to ginsk which indicates progressive knowledge. We will be with Him forever in heaven, where there will be no suffering or tears or death. Just as the Jews were formerly Gods chosen inheritance, now His inheritance is in the saints, the church, made up of Jewish and Gentile believers on equal footing. 1:16). It is God who is at work in you, Paul assures us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil. He prays that the eyes of their understanding may be enlightened, Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 1:18. He does not ask God to give them what they do not have, but rather prays that God will reveal to them what they already have. But there are many good reasons to interpret the text this way. WALK IN THE SPIRIT. Here in Ephesians Paul first prays for God to grant them a true experiential knowledge (epignosis) of God (Eph 1:17) and then in Ephesians 1:18 appeals to God to illuminate their tender hearts, the very core of their being, with an intuitive, beyond a chance of doubt knowledge (eido) on three specific issues - hope, riches of His inheritance and power. Thats why he prayed for our enlightenment (Eph 1:18). This thought is too great to fully comprehend in this life! "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. To understand it, you must continually ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart. So even in the most difficult trials, we can be filled with hope (see Rom. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: Ephesians 1:18 Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened (Ephes. 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." No spendthrift hand can scatter or over-spend its treasures. Acts 26:18+ to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.. To summarize, Paul prayed that we would come to know God more intimatelyin order that we might know the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints. A little spark of accomplishment 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. But if a man died before he could tell someone where his treasure was buried, it would be left in the field until someone stumbled upon it. 2:9). Ephesians 1:17-18 17 But I do more than thank. When He placed his cross against the wall, and scaled our ramparts, planting on our strongholds the blood-red flag of his omnipotent mercy? He does not call a believer to hope for the forgiveness of his sins: they are gone. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. That men might know the measure of Gods power. 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. This effect in context undoubtedly refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit Who illuminates spiritual truth to the hearts of believers (See Illumination of the Bible). The difference that obtains between Christians is not one of grace, but of the use we make of grace. Someone has so well said, "God was not satisfied in possessing suns and stars; He wanted sons and saints." (Mark 12.30+). Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of being His child. 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. Emotions are important, but they must be guided and controlled by an enlightened mind. All Christians have the same hope. I cant. Although the participle follows the hinaof Eph 1:17, it is awkward grammatically in the clause. Paul previously prays that the Ephesians would understand the hope, or certainty, of their calling and future inheritance (Ephesians 1:18). We as His followers, can best imitate our Lord by learning to relinquish self reliance and instead relying on God's power which is manifest and effective through His Spirit in us, as we seek to continually be filled with Him (Eph 5:18+) and to walk by Him (Gal 5:16+). But next to this, the emigrant encloses some small part of his inheritance, placing around it a tentative fence or partition; and here he begins to expend toil and skill. Why is there such a power shortage among professing Christians today? Try to grasp the scope of that thought, dearly beloved of God! Eph 1:21+ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Paul is praying for a deeper spiritual understanding, that "Aha" reaction we have when we begin to really understand something and exclaim "I see it! Calling here refers to Gods effectual callingthe calling that redeems the soul. NLT (revised)I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. The knowledge that Paul is praying for includes an intellectual grasp of the truth, but it also grips our emotions and brings our will into greater submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. I agree that this is Pauls main aim. He wishes this knowledge of God would impact the minds and hearts of every child of God. But we must see to it that we keep nothing back. Strength (2904) (kratos) refers to manifested power or power that is put forth in action. He is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Isa. Megethos in the Septuagint -Ex. And he prays for you to understand the surpassing greatness of that truth. 1:19). Amen! 11:2; John 14:2526; 16:1214). Song of Solomon How often he sent us terms of capitulation! (See the Three Tenses of Salvation), Lehman Strauss- And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe (1:19). From phos; to shed rays, i.e. In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul is praying that God would give the saints a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the true knowledge of Him. Ep). 6:5 = in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;; Eph. - Now, I want to ask you a question: Are you sitting in this auditorium, this morning, or are you sitting in heavenly places? It always has the meaning of an effective power which does things and which any man can recognize." The other day, when travelling in Scotland, I was introduced to some farmers whose soil was naturally of the poorest description; and yet, in answer to my inquiries, I found that they were able to raise crops of considerable weight and value. The boy responded, "I wasn't shy. The riches of His glory refers to the abundant, preeminent glory of God as displayed in His saints. 1:18). Freedom, You have given us freedom That is why one cannot receive the full impact of the meaning of the Word of God except as the Holy Spirit illuminates his mind to understand it. As Paul puts it (2 Tim. It is according to the working (energeian, energetic power, from which comes the Eng. If I were to put you in a barrel and put that barrel in the Mississippi River, where would you be? The deadline for submitting an application for a higher pension has been extended to May 3 from March 3.. Employees who were in service prior to September 1, 2014, and continued to be in service . (See Paul and the Mystery Religionsand What were the mystery religions?) Who by the power of God are guarded through faith. But as far as our inheritance of God's grace is concerned, there are no preferences, no step-children's portions, no arbitrary distinctions. 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. Cold, with the coldness of death. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. And many a life that might grow rich in its heritage of God is dwindled and marred, because it sets a limitation on God's heritage of itself. He is able! ANSWER -Ephesians 1contains Pauls amazing prayer for the believers in Ephesus. This earnest prayer reveals the infinite importance of knowledge as a foundation for walking worthy in this Christian life. The gospel call is given by men and is a universal call to repent and trust Christ for salvation (see, e.g., Matt. (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. (Bible Knowledge Background Commentary). NIDNTT says that in classical Greek the root word "kleros is derived from klao, break. Nothing will rob you of your assurance quicker than unconfessed sin. Calmen had expected her former teacher to say, "I knew you could do that.". One day a man is walking through a field. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular. | GotQuestions.org, What does the Bible say about the power of words? A strong man (Mt. All of these pieces of armor must be put on with prayer (v.18). He wishes them to have eternal life in Christ [John 20:31] and to know that they have it.". 5:10; 8:14; 14:4, 26; 15:6; 18:10; 27:24; 30:25; 31:25; Eccl. Finally, the context both here and throughout Ephesians seems to emphasize the motif of light as a property belonging to believers. A second way to interpret it is that it refers to the inheritance that God has in His people. Just before His ascension Jesus assured the disciples, You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you (Acts 1:8), an enduement every believer receives at the time he is saved. He reminded us of the motivation behind prayercommunicating with the One who is in control of all things. While I cant begin to explain this adequately (I need more enlightenment from God! But it is a compact that will not hold. So the kindred adjective . 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. MacArthur makes an interesting assessment commenting that "One cause of immaturity in the church at Corinth was reliance on feelings above knowledge. The effectual call is given by God only to the elect. 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)! (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. The way to combat these forces is to stand in Gods mighty power (v.10)that is, resurrection power. Or if you are so afraid of robbers that you cannot really enjoy it? Constable strings these words together writing that "Power (Gr. Are you praying the promises of God for yourself and your family and the body of Christ? Paul says this enlightenment is abiding and permanent state (See previous noteon what this means regarding the translation). This is amazing grace indeed! This expression was often used metaphorically for faith (Pss. The orphans are helped, and God is glorified. Spiritual enlightenment doesnt come through self-effort or introspective meditation but through Gods Holy Spirit. THOUGHT - God grant all of Your children spiritual eyes to perceive and possess our possessions in Christ. 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. How can we fail with Him as our Head and with such power at our disposal? In that case, it was used of the believers inheritance which is their share in heaven. 1:911; Col. 1:912), we discover the blessings he wanted his converts to enjoy. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Ruth You might not always sense it, but its there nonetheless. 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). 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. Im convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they dont know the hope of His calling. 2:20). May His Spirit enable us to worship Him Monday - Saturday (not just on Sunday) in spirit and in truth. Be alert for attitudes or actions that need to be changed. She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. 6:16; Heb. Nevertheless, the distinctions in these words is somewhat difficult to appreciate and convey in the form of a simple definition. The analogy that we have quoted, however, fails us utterly in its final working out. We have been called, chosen, justified, and glorified for we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and are become his chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. And may I know the riches of my glorious inheritance that is awaiting me and all who trust in Jesus as Saviour. 1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. Christians are not like the Gentiles who have no hope (Eph 2:12+), but are those who have hope or firm assurance (cf "full assurance of hope" Heb 6:11) that God will do good to us in the future because Christ has purchased salvation for us on the Cross in the past (see notes below on Ro 5:1-2), sanctifies them through His Spirit in the present (Gal 5:16-25-note), and will lead them to glory in the future (Col 1:27+; 1Jn 3:2,3+ ). In Ephesians 1:14+ (cf Eph 1:11) Paul spoke of our inheritance, but here the request seems to speak of God's inheritance in believers. These include truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. 4:18 = hardness of heart; Eph. Thus, His possession is located in the saints. Eido/oida is distinguished from ginosko(epiginosko, epignosis - the other major NT word group for knowing) because ginosko generally refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge". It is a source of strength and stability amid the trials of life (1 Peter 3:1415). (Bible Knowledge Commentary), In another note Hoehner writes that "The word kleronomia occurred in Eph 1:14 and basically means property, possession, or inheritance. Some of the fairest hopes that ever blessed human vision; the most delightful friendships; the most perfect dreams of delight, have faded and withered before our eyes. Practice these truths enabled by the Holy Spirit. He prayed first of all that they be given a divine awareness of the power they possessed in Christ. Nu. They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. 13:9; Heb 5:11), taste (Ps. Some are called to the political arena or to end human trafficking. The KJV has a unique and memorable way of translating this verse And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power", Paxson - God would then tell us that in this wonder-working power is all that is needed for the commencement, continuance and consummation of our salvation: that it is all-sufficient for every demand made upon the saint in appropriating his wealth, in walking worthily of his high calling, and in wrestling victoriously against Satanic powers. 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. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. 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. ", Toward (1519) (eis) motion toward = marking that which any person or thing inclines toward (in this case genuine belief). 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? God 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 believers. 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) Either way you interpret this phrase, whether we are heirs to a vast fortune in heaven or whether we are Gods special inheritance (both are true), the application is the same. May we learn daily to surrender to the Spirit of Christ, Who energizes our walk, elevating it from a "natural" to a "supernatural" walk. As Fuller listened, he suddenly recognized his own spiritual blindness. Kleronomia has the richer associations in the context of salvation history. he prays that they may come to the full knowledge and possession thereof in Christ. Hebrews 13:21 records the prayer, "Make you perfect [mature] in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight.". The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). God can. 3:17; 6:41; 13:20; 20:6, 12; 25:6; 26:13; 28:6; 35:19; Neh. This same power resides in believers because we are in Christ and He is in us. Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3). 1:18) (ED: I WOULD SAY THIS IS ALSO THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT). The Council's report, released in September 1991, concludes that subliminal messages simply don't work. One day our Lord will come again, and we shall all be changed to see Him as He is and to be like Him. The same divine power that created, sustains, and controls the universe secures your salvation. How did God respond to Pauls prayer to remove his thorn in the flesh? Lehman Strauss - The prayer continues: " The eyes of your understanding being enlightened " (1:18). 3:21; Col. 2:12; 2 Thess. Paul confidently added that nothing therefore can separate you from Gods love (Rom. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, God can provide all that is promised to the believer. Even more, we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and redeemed us with His blood. 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 has riches untold. The emphasis is not on that which is little, but rather that which starts out small and grows into something bigger and stronger. Knowing with absolute certainty where we are going should give believers the confidence to live as more than conquerors now (Ro 8:37). Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in Eph 1:1-2 (ED: THOSE WHO BELIEVE). 1. Click for multiple Scriptures dealing with the other view (#2) that the inheritance refers to what believers will inherit one day by virtue of their position in Christ. Kardia in Ephesians - Eph. 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. The living family of God want a living Saviour, one who can hear and answer prayer, deliver out of soul-trouble, speak a word with power to the heart when bowed down with grief and sorrow, sympathise with them under powerful temptations, support them under the trials and afflictions of the way, maintain under a thousand discouragements His own life in their soul, sustain under bereavements the mourning widow, and be a father to her fatherless children; appear again and again in providence as a friend that loveth at all times and a brother born for adversity, smile upon them in death, and comforting them with His rod and staff as they walk through the valley of its dark shadow, land them at last safely in a happy eternity. Paul did not pray for power to be given to believers. Even the ancients considered the heart to be the very center of a person -- the center of knowledge, understanding, thinking, wisdom. 1QS 11:36). 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. 2:916). You have given us freedom (You set us free), I have resurrection power living on the inside (You set us free) Precious things of the sun and of the moon, for God is light; of the ancient mountains of his faithfulness, and the everlasting hills of his truth; of the fountains and brooks of his love, that gush spontaneously forth to satisfy and enrich. 1 Peter We shall never know the far-away springs of the Niles and Congo's of his nature; we shall never unravel the innermost secret of his being. We are not in heaven yet; but we are as safe as if we were. This same truth is found in the first epistle of Peter where we read that believers are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1Pe 2:9+). Probably, ere long the whole will have been opened up to European civilization and commerce. God had placed a call on Pauls life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:1516). get to know the Bible better! There are enemies who want to rob us of our wealth (Eph 1:21; 6:11; 6:12 see notes Ep 1:21; 6:11; 6:12). That fadeth not away! From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. When we are faithful to the call to obedience, He can call us to more specific areas (seeLuke 16:10).GotQuestions.org. 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. Still, with the stillness of death. It will encourage you to go on. Luke Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. -- when His heart shall be fully satisfied in His inheritance, for His glory shall be perfectly manifested in the saints. 1:31; 2:10, 19, 21; 3:1; 10:13, 33; 11:2; 23:4, 11; 28:6; 29:2; 30:15; 33:11, 13; 37:3; 40:9f, 26, 29, 31; 41:1; 42:13; 44:12; 45:1; 47:5, 9; 49:4f, 26; 51:9; 52:1; 58:1; 61:6; 62:8; 63:1, 15; Jer. Then a distant aunt, unsolicited, sends her a sum of money, which happens to be the exact amount needed for airfare. COMMENT - Note how Paul associates our New Creation in Christ (2Co 5:17+) with the creation of the heavens and the earth. It is only as God's Spirit illuminates our mind that we actually can truly know the spiritual truth He wants us to know. He desires that they be aware of the spiritual dimension. And they became thine in fact, when thou wast born at the foot of the cross. Lots were drawn to discover the will of the gods. In following the call of God, we must be sure to obey His instructions in Scripture. My hope is built on nothing less However, kleros, which meant originally lot, stresses more the individual piece of land allotted by lot, whereas kleronomia points more to the fact of inheritance with all its connotations already mentioned. Comment: "The Blessed Hope" is not an abstract concept, but an Alive Christ, for it describes the appearing of Christ in His majesty and glory at His Second Coming.