There are a good number of folks who have believed and been saved who's faith hasn't grown. WHAT ARE THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS: tis o ploutos tes doxes tes kleronomias autou en tois hagiois: There are two ways to interpret "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (1) The saints are His inheritance He considers a treasure of incomparable worth! There is the general call of the gospel that goes out to all people. 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. (2Pe 1:2-4-notes 2Peter 1:2; 1:3; 1:4). Paul writes (Rom. Rather, it is constantly to be praying as you study the Word, Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know, love, and obey You better!. The new has come, Now I have resurrection power living on the inside 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. We will be perfect in righteousness and in love for God and one another. THOUGHT - God grant all of Your children spiritual eyes to perceive and possess our possessions in Christ. This time, Jonah did. 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. "and to earnestly desire to walk worthy of the calling to which they have been called, motivated by the "hope of His calling". I finally see what youre telling me, Lord!" (Ro 11:2+), Jesus is speaking to unbelieving Jews about His Father in Jn 8:54, and declares to these Jews that) "you have not come to know (ginosko) Him (GOD THE FATHER), but I know (eido- BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT) Him; and if I say that I do not know (eido) Him, I shall be a liar like you, but I do know (eido) Him, and keep His word. 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. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. He prayed first of all that they be given a divine awareness of the power they possessed in Christ. Or. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. How could they have more than what they had? 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). What did God require of him (vv. Although Paul wrote his letter in Greek, he was steeped in the Hebrew Biblethat is, the Old Testament. 8:30), the God who predestined you and called you will also glorify you. 2 Kings He needs the Spirit to enlighten him (1 Cor. All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. But Ephesians emphasizes God's inheritance in the saints. 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. 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. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. According to Jeremiah 9:2324. 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. Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. James For Further Study: Read 1 Chronicles 29:1113. In all those ways the Holy Spirit empowers Gods children. 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. We have to exercise ourselves in order that the Son of God may be manifested in our mortal flesh. It is a mystery that God should find his inheritance and portion in the love of men and women like ourselves. I pray that you may know what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph. It is these riches that we must seek, enjoy, and use to glorify their sourceour heavenly Father.Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. So if youre having problems in your Christian life, if things dont seem to be working as they should, maybe its time to go back and read the owners manual! 2123). 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. What kind of riches are you looking for? Thats too tedious, and besides, we think that were smart enough to figure this out without reading the directions. Maybe youre saying, Is that ever true! Even more, we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and redeemed us with His blood. 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. Amen. As Paul shows (Rom. 1 Peter 1:5 says that we are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Jude 24-25 proclaims, Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Pauls request for them to know God was within proper bounds because their hearts had been enlightened (the Greek perfect tense indicates past action with continuing results), as discussed in verses 314, especially Eph 1:79 (previous note from Hoehner's discussion in Bible Knowledge Commentary) (Ed Note: Hoehner goes into greater detail regarding six ways this passage could be taken in hisEphesians: An Exegetical Commentary), Lehman Strauss-The prayer continues: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened (1:18). There is nothing more to seek, nothing more to be given or received. Dunamis is, however, mostly power in action, as in the frequent use of dunamis for miracles, mighty works, they being exhibitions of divine virtue. 1:4). THOUGHT - Believers in Christ are privileged to worship the Truth personified and consummated in Christ Jesus! BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Second, he exalted him at his right hand (v.20) to be head over everything for the church (vv. 1:51; Acts 19:20; Eph. We have been called by grace, to glory. There is no power shortage, just a shortage of our understanding of what we possess in Christ. Many Old Testament texts speak of Israel as Gods chosen portion or inheritance. Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority. Eph 6:10; 1 Peter 4:11). Obadiah Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural. Ephesians 1:18 I. | GotQuestions.org, What is the power of the Holy Spirit? Jeremiah 6:16; Heb. 29:1113). The resurrection power of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8-note, cp Col 1:29-note, Eph 3:20-note). Undefiled! Note that all three clauses (hope, inheritance, power) are linked to the verb "will know". Comment: The firm assurance or hope that believers have in this life is the return of Jesus Christ in glory to take them home into His presence and give them glorified bodies like His. 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. Memorize them which will facilitate "meditation on the fly" (when you don't have your Bible open, but you do have the text written on the "tablet" of your heart). Paul wrote (Phil. 2:14). Out of nothing, nothing comes, is the usual rule. 1:10). Gods calling of Israel was to showcase Gods salvation to the pagan world. 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. Sometimes both terms are used interchangeably for nahlh (e.g. - Jn 15:5!) All Christians have the same hope. View (1) is probably the more valid interpretation although both views are taught in Scripture and the Greek text does allow for both interpretations. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. It is His capability to function effectively. we must have the power of God. All believers have been called by grace, out of darkness into His glorious light. The difference that obtains between Christians is not one of grace, but of the use we make of grace. Of course, all these blessings are only for those who meet the conditions set forth in Eph 1:1-2 (ED: THOSE WHO BELIEVE). Be alert for attitudes or actions that need to be changed. He argues (p. 391) that Pauls object in this section is to give the saints assurance and certainty in their faith. Used from Homer on it meant originally the fragment of stone or piece of wood which was used as a lot. It sounds like religious hype. Paul desires that they truly know these magnificent, priceless truths! There's good news and bad news if wealth is what you want. Jesus healed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38); cast out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:28); was resurrected from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:11+); and was seated at God's right hand in the heavenly places through the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:19, 20+). There is no mortgage on his estate; no suits can be raised by opposing claimants, the price was paid in open court (1Co 6:20, Rev 5:9), and the Church is the Lord's freehold for ever. Take every opportunity in this long, long day youre in to thank the Father for the opportunity to store up treasure which will make you rich for eternity. Will you, starting today, begin to know by experience GodGods callingGods richesand Gods power?" Only when we know who we really are can we live like who we are. But I do more than thank. Surely not. If I am a billionaire and I give you ten dollars, I have given you out of my riches, a small portion of my wealth. 10:32; Rev. In this context dunamis refers to inherent power, found in and dispensed by God (cf Ro 1:16+= "the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation"). This is the same mighty power, NLT: I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe Him. Hoehner introduces the last section of chapter 1 -Paul prayed that they might know God more intimately in order to comprehend three things. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. 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! A second way to interpret it is that it refers to the inheritance that God has in His people. If we do walk in the Spirit we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Figuratively, as used in this verse, photizo means to make clear, to cause to fully know or to cause to understand and is used of God's enlightenment through revelation. Amen. . (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). Why is it important to know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? Love will only give itself to love. One might think of ischus as God's latent power. The resurrection power that raised up the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is the power that works in every single believer. 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. 4:15). (Joshua 1:3+) In short, we need to lay hold of the power that resides within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. It reflected honour upon God and wrought dismay in the hosts of evil. 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. Psalm 18:28 For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. The answer, according to one of the apostle Pauls prayers, is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. GOD'S INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS. 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. Cold, with the coldness of death. I pray that you may know the surpassing greatness of [Gods] power toward us who believe (Eph. Ive been talking to You. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary), John MacArthur has an excellent discussion of this verse - Paul uses four different Greek synonyms to emphasize the greatness of that power.