Ephesians 1:17-19 "That the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of HIS calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of HIS power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of HIS mighty power.
Only the HOLY SPIRIT can enlighten the believer with respect to spiritual truth (v.17 pictured above). GOD has certain important verities that HE wants HIS children to know, and the Apostle's prayer for the saints at Ephesus was that they would have a comprehension of those divine realities. We, too, need that same understanding today.
FIRST, GOD wants us to know "what is the hope of HIS calling" (v.18). Everyone who has trusted CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR has a calling, and that objective is to be like our LORD while we are dwelling here on Earth (Ephesians 4:1 cf. Romans 8:28-29; 1st.Peter 1:14-16. Our expectation is that one day - at CHRIST's glorious appearing - we will be changed to be like HIM (1st.John3:2 pictured above). However, until that day, we must rely upon the HOLY SPIRIT's sanctifying ministry in our daily life - are we walking "worthy" of our Holy calling ?
SECOND, the LORD wants us to know "the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints" (v.18). The believer's inheritance was one of the primary considerations in the first part of this chapter. Tremendous blessings are in store for those who are "in CHRIST JESUS" (v.1) - those who are joint-heirs with HIM. We will reign with our SAVIOR in the Millennial Kingdom and dwell eternally in the heavenly city (Revelation 20:6 see pictured above; Revelation 22:5 see pictured below).
THIRD, GOD wants us to know "the exceeding greatness of HIS power to us-ward who believe" (v.19). We are without excuse if we are not living a victorious, fruitful Christian life. Everything GOD wants us to be in this life (and in the life to come) is accomplished through HIS unfailing strength. We do not have to rely upon our own feeble efforts. HIS power is "to us-ward" - it is appointed for us ! Rest in HIS promises. DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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