The Reason for Godly Wisdom
1: 18b-23
The reason for Godly wisdom DIG: What are the three facts that Rabbi Sha’ul wanted the Ephesians to know? How did God demonstrate His power to us? In what ways are you using the power that God has given you to advance His purposes? Why do we need God’s power? Since God is over all authorities and powers in this world, why do you think evil still exists?
REFLECT: Which is a greater temptation for you: to live as if you are powerless and no power is available, or to live as if you have plenty of power without relying on God? Why should having faith in Messiah make a difference in your life? The same power that raised Yeshua from the dead works through your faith. How should you be using this power?
What a glorious inheritance God has given to His children.
Having prayed that the Ephesians might know God personally (to see link click As – The Request for Godly Wisdom), Rabbi Sha’ul now gave the reason: so that you will know three facts, which are spelled out in 1:18b-23. The Greek word know is epignosis, meaning knowledge that is true, accurate, thorough and full. It was the knowledge of God Himself. Paul was praying in effect, “God, give them a keen, deep, rich, strong understanding of their inheritance in Messiah.” The apostle prayed that the Ruach Ha’Kodesh would give their spirits the right spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they would have a fuller, deeper knowledge of Him. This knowledge goes beyond intellectual knowledge or worldly wisdom (see the commentary on First Corinthians An – The Foolishness of Worldly Wisdom). It is far richer, and Paul desired that the Ephesian believers, like those in Colossae, would keep seeking the things above, where Messiah is sitting at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).
The first fact to be established pertained to the past (1:18b): So that you will know the hope to which He has called you. A believer’s present hope has its source in the past when he was called to salvation (Romans 1:6 and 8:30; Ephesians 4:1 and 4; Second Timothy 1:9). The word hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of a believer’s victory in ADONAI (Romans 8:23-24; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:5; First Thessalonians 1:3 and First Peter 3:15).
The second fact Paul wanted his readers to know refers to the future (1:18c): The riches of His glorious inheritance He has promised His people. At the time of the resurrection of believers (see the commentary on Revelation Ff – Blessed and Holy are Those Who Have Part in the First Resurrection), Ha’Shem will inherit those whom He has purchased at a great price according to the riches of His grace (1:7). In 1:14 Paul wrote that the believers’ inheritance is their final redemption from the presence of sin. Here in 1:18 he wrote about God’s inheritance, the believers themselves! Because of the glorious grace (1:5) of the glorious Father (1:17), He will receive His glorious inheritance (1:18).86
The moment you were spiritually born into God’s family, you were given some astounding birthday gifts: the family name, the family likeness, family privileges, family intimate access, and the family inheritance (First Corinthians 2:23). The B’rit Chadashah gives great emphasis to our rich spiritual inheritance (Philippians 4:19). As children of God we get to share in the family fortune. Here on earth we are given the riches . . . of His grace . . . kindness . . . patience . . . wisdom . . . power . . . and mercy (Romans 2:4, 9:23, 11:33; Ephesians 1:7, 3:16 and 24). But in eternity we will have even more.
Paul said: I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance God has given to His people (1:18 NLT). What exactly does that inheritance include? First, we will get to be with ADONAI forever (First Thessalonians 4:17 and 5:10). Second, we will be completely changed to be like Messiah (First John 3:2 and Second Corinthians 4:17). Third, we will be free from all pain, death, and suffering (Revelation 21:4). Fourth, we will be rewarded and reassigned to positions of service (Mark 9:41 and 10:30; First Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 10:35; and Matthew 25:21 and 23). Fifth, we will get to share in Messiah’s glory (Romans 8:17; Colossians 3:4; Second Thessalonians 2:14; Second Timothy 2:12; First Peter 5:1). What an inheritance!87
The third fact Rabbi Sha’ul wanted believers to know concerns the present (1:19-23): How surpassingly great is His power working in us who have faith (1:19a). The word power (Greek: dynamis) means a spiritually dynamic and living force. This is the power of God directed toward believers. Paul then mentions three manifestations of God’s power seen in Messiah.
First, the energetic power according with the working (Greek: energeken, where we get our word energy) of the strength (Greek: ischyos, which He provides of His might (Greek: kratous, meaning the power that overcomes resistance, as in Messiah’s miracles and is only used of God, never of believers) in Messiah when God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heaven (Ephesians 1:19b-20 and Psalm 110:1). All these words have the general meaning of power, and taken together they underscore God’s great power available to believers.88
These verses also introduce the theme of spiritual warfare, which returns in 2:2, 3:9-10, and 4:26-27, culminating in 6:10-18 (see Ca – The Spiritual Battle). Messiah is above every ruler, authority, power, dominion or any other name that can be named either in the present age or in the world to come (1:21). It should be noted that the matter of the cosmic war between Ha’Shem and His angels, and the Adversary and his demons is a matter of great importance in the Bible. Redemption is a demonstration of God’s power before the angels (3:10). Our conflict is with these fallen angels, who endeavor to halt our efforts for God (Ephesians 6:12; First Peter 3:18-22, which shows Messiah’s triumph over those fallen angels, accomplished by His death). Satan and his demons have tried to thwart the plan of God from the beginning (see the commentary on Genesis Ba – The Woman Saw the Fruit of the Tree and Ate It), and are the constant enemy of the work of the Kingdom, but they are destined to be overthrown and eternally banished (see the commentary on Revelation Fl – When The Thousand Years Are Over).89
The second manifestation of God’s power in Messiah is seen in His placing all things under his feet (see the commentary on Hebrews Am – The Proof of Messiah’s Sovereignty). (1:22a). Whereas Adam lost his headship over creation when he sinned, Messiah was made Head over all creation (see Ap – Redeemed in Messiah). This will be fully realized in the future (see the commentary on First Corinthians Dt – Messiah: The Firstfruits of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep).
The third manifestation of God’s power in Messiah is His making the Kosher King Head over everything for the Church, which is His Body, the full expression of Him who fills all creation (1:22b-23). Though the final manifestation of Messiah’s headship over all creation will be in the future, He is now Head over the fellowship of believers. He is also called the Head of the Church in Ephesians 4:15, 5:23 and Colossians 1:18. Though the Church is implied in Ephesians 1:10, it is specifically mentioned for the first time here in 1:22b. His Body is the unseen, universal Church consisting of all true believers.90
That ends Paul’s speech. The power of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh, through the resurrected and ascended Messiah is available to all believers – by faith. His power is in us who believe (1:19). It is grace that supplies our inheritance, but it is faith that lays hold of it. We are saved by grace through faith (2:8-9), and we live by grace through faith (First Corinthians 15:10). In the four Gospels, we see God’s power at work in the ministry of Yeshua Messiah, but in the book of Acts, we see that same power at work in ordinary men and women, members of the Body of Messiah. What a transformation took place in Peter’s life between the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts. What made the difference? The resurrection power of Yeshua Messiah (Acts 1:8). The greatest power shortage today is not in our generators, or our gas tanks. It is in our personal lives. Will Paul’s prayer be answered in your life? Will you, starting today, begin to know by experience God and His calling, and inheritance, and power?91
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for the rich and glorious inheritance that You have given to me (Ephesians 1:18). How awesome that I will be able to live with You eternally! Our relationship is a close family relationship (John 1:12). When neighbors pass by, people say hello and may chat for a bit; but when father comes, they run up to and give a big greeting of love and warmth. I also heard a loud voice from the throne, saying: Behold, the dwelling of God is among men, and He shall tabernacle among them. They shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them and be their God. He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Nor shall there be mourning or crying or pain any longer, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:1-4).
What a comfort to have You there with me in all Your holiness and purity. I never have to worry about any sin or deceit or anything wrong ever entering my life ever again for heaven is totally Your holy home! What a fantastic thought to never worry about sin ever again! And nothing unholy shall ever enter it, nor anyone doing what is detestable or false, but only those written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).
I long to please You in my earthly life now, that I may bless You by throwing any crowns I may receive at your feet in worship of You, as the elders do. The twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. And they throw their crowns down before the throne, chanting, “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 21:10-11a). I love You, for You are so Worthy! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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