Although dynamite is derived from this word, there is no suggestion here or anywhere in the Bible that Gods power is instantaneous or explosive. It can be used of the power of growth, of the powers of nature, of the power of a drug, of the power of a mans genius. In time, Fuller himself became a powerful evangelist, helping usher radio evangelism to the forefront with weekly broadcasts from Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, heard nationwide. After this time, Jesus rose from the dead, the miracle of miracles. He speaks of the 'love of Christ which passeth knowledge,' and of God being 'able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.' We need not pray for power to endure suffering. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. But they unravelled the mystery by telling me that they put in, in enriching manure, all that they took out in the days of golden harvest. A little spark of accomplishment He called you to Himself and will hold you there, no matter what circumstances you face. 1:3; 2:1; 3:9; Hab. It cannot come if, instead of hearing His voice, we are content with only an echo! ", Ephesians 1:19 (note) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Luke used ophthalmos figuratively in recording Christ's charge to Paul that He was sending him to the Gentiles to open (anoigo) their eyes so that they may turn (epistrepho) from darkness (cf "prince of the power of the air" in Eph 2:2+) to light (cf Col 1:13, 14+) and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness (sending away) of sins and an inheritance (for which they were predestined before the foundation of the world, Ep 1:5+) among those who have been sanctified (set apart - here referring to the initial act of belief although more commonly in NT referring to the ongoing day to day salvation of the believer = sanctification, which is also by faith) by faith in Me. Job Paul referred to this when he told the Colossians that God's power "worketh in me mightily" (1:29). 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? (Mark 2:10-11+). But those who do not make use of God's available power live miserable, defeated lives. I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. (See dictionary discussion of Inheritance), Kleronomia - 14x in 14v - Mt 21:38; Mark 12:7; Luke 12:13; 20:14; Acts 7:5; 20:32; Gal 3:18; Eph 1:14, 18; 5:5-note; Col 3:24-note; Heb 9:15-note; He 11:8-note; 1Pet 1:4-note. Amen. 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to really understand these truths. can ignite great endeavors. 2:1416). Not only that, but it is all the power we are ever offered or could ever have. We could never defeat these spiritual foes in our own power, but we can through the Spirits power. 1:6, 14; Ezek. Jon Courson- That ye may know what is the hope of his calling Ephesians 1:18. There are seminary professors who can exegete the Greek text here, but these glorious truths do not thrill their hearts. Wiersbe - In the prison prayers of Paul (Eph. A day is as a thousand years. His emphasis is on spiritual perception and real Christian character. For Further Study: Joshuas call to lead Israel was not a call to salvation, but it illustrates some important principles for spiritual leadership. (Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings). Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. 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. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 29:1113). Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey, Lehman Strauss Commentary Devotional Studies on Paul's Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians, Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook, 2002 Edition, Ephesians MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians 1:15-23 Possessing the Possessions in Christ, The Wealth, Walk and Warfare of the Christian, Brown, Colin, Editor. She loves small children, and what she learns pricks her heart as nothing else has. God is far more involved with His universe than some would like to think. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh. The Father has chosen (verse 4) and predestined (verse 5) believers to adoption in Jesus Christ. 2:13). Our society has been enamored with the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, especially since the influx of Eastern thought into the West during the 1960s. 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. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have resurrection power! Ephesians (Dt 32:9+). As stated above, because of Christ's work for us on the Cross means that in light of the truth that believers have"been justified (declared righteous or in right standing before God, acquitted of our sins) by faith, we have peace with God (cf peace "of" God in Php 4:6-7+where peace depends on how we respond to our circumstances, testings, etc, and if we do by walking in the Spirit as commanded in Gal 5:16+, He gives us peace of God, the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22+) through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand (perfect tense speaks of the permanence or abiding nature of this condition) and we exult (continually boast, rejoice) in hope of the glory of God ( = when we see Jesus face to face - 1Jn 3:2-3+)." God's power is sufficient for our every need. 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. They worship a lie (as do all cults who have exchanged the truth of God for the lie of Satan - cf Ro 1:25+). Proper understanding of spiritual truth is not dependent on having a keen intellect but rather a tender heart! He makes supplication for the continued growth of the Ephesians in knowledge (Ephesians 1:1719a) and explains truth regarding the power and position of Christ, including the subjection of all things to Christ (verses 19b23). It is but a step from the bosom of the Father to His right hand. ", Luke 10:27+ And he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. 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. 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. This he did altogether apart from any goodness in them at the time, or any goodness which he foresaw in them. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. Glory (1391) (doxa) in this context seems to refer to the splendour, brightness or the brightness, shining or radiance. I cant. This is the miraculous power each believer has experienced at the moment of salvation and surely there is no greater manifestation of God's power than this. But it is a compact that will not hold. 1:19). 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? The church, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, is similarly called: You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10). 18:23, 24.; 32:18, 19.; Josh 17:4; cf. They became thine in the Council chamber of eternity, when the Father gave Himself to thee in Jesus. There's good news and bad news if wealth is what you want. As for the worldling, God gives him anything, but for the Christian, God selects the best portion, and chooses his inheritance for him. We so selfishly begin in our thinking with ourselves. He reminded us of the motivation behind prayercommunicating with the One who is in control of all things. we must have the power of God. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might- Paul piles one word upon another in this incredible description. This down payment from God is the first installment on whats coming, a reminder that well get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. Megethos is used in Lxx in Ex 15:16 "By the greatness of Thine arm' (Where "His arm" is tantamount to His power. Once on the mission field, he is willing to suffer hardships and separation from family and friends because the call of God is his greatest motivation. There could be no more, and it is foolish and presumptuous to ask for more. (Phillips: Touchstone), Wuest: 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, (Eerdmans Publishing- usedby permission). See related in depth study of the Believer's Blessed Hope. The same divine power that created, sustains, and controls the universe secures your salvation. Cf. 8:3839). 4:6; 14:14, Gilbrant on ischus in classical Greek and the Septuagint -Classical Greek - Ischus is common in the most ancient Greek writings, but gradually it diminished in usage (see Moulton-Milligan for the few citations). It means to attain a degree that extraordinarily exceeds a point on a scale of extent. Energeia describes Gods power in raising Christ, Paul instructing the Colossian saints that they have "been buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the (supernatural) working (energeia) of God, Who raised Him from the dead (Note well - Paul says the Holy Spirit is God and He was the the One Who "raised Jesus from the dead" - Ro 8:11+) " (Col 2:12+). Hope gives us the assurance that we are going toward something better than this present life. And what a blessing he is! 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! ), "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. Sunday I went up to Los Angeles and heard Paul Rader preach. Thus, Love the Lord thy God with all thy strength (Mk 12:30): according to the working of his mighty power (Eph. [Beloved, do you really believe that is true? 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. In this chapter are contained the inscription of the epistle, the salutation of the persons to whom it is written, the apostle's thanksgiving for blessings received by him, and them; in which the efficient, moving, procuring, and final causes of salvation are taken notice of, and the several parts and branches of it observed; and the whole is concluded with prayers for the Ephesians; in which mention is made of various things to the comfort of the saints, and to the glory of Christ. Ephesians 1:17-18 17 But I do more than thank. Others see it as referring to the believers inheritance, which Paul calls His inheritance because God is its source. Is she supposed to do something about this? 36)? Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. Thats why there is rape and famine, pollution, corruption, and death on our planet. "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.
