Pastor Ralph Posted April 28, 2003 Report Share Posted April 28, 2003 (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? Exposition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayfarer58 Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 Greetings All! Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Because their spiritual eyes, like ours often times, are closed. Due to a lack of faith, they are unable to see that "...all things are possible with God." Where does this power operate according to 1:19? It operates in each Christian and, by extension, in the church. Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? Paul uses the glorious resurrection of Jesus as his example. In Christ, Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darleen Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 What God has done is so wonderful and powerful it must be seen with spiritual eyes. They had nothing in the natural to compare it to so they can't comprehend what has happened and what it means. The power operates in the spiritual realm and must be looked at differently than natural happenings. The example of the power God has performed was the Resurrection. The power God used in the resurrection makes any power found on earth seem like no power at all. This even includes atomic power. Praise the Lord, the power used in the resurreciton is available to me. Nothing is too difficult through the power of God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darleen Nelson Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 What God has done is so wonderful and powerful it must be seen with spiritual eyes. They had nothing in the natural to compare it to so they can't comprehend what has happened and what it means. The power operates in the spiritual realm and must be looked at differently than natural happenings. The example of the power God has performed was the Resurrection. The power God used in the resurrection makes any power found on earth seem like no power at all. This even includes atomic power. Praise the Lord, the power used in the resurreciton is available to me. Nothing is too difficult through the power of God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt_Z_Squad Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 Hi all- 1a & b.) Paul realized that we as finite beings would be unable to comprehend or recognize the capabilities of being able to call on the infinite and absolute powers of God to build His kingdom. It is extremely difficult to understand something intangible, not easily grasped. We have the tendency to look at what we cannot do versus what we can do through faith, and through the power at our disposal as a church family. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we can not see." Hebrews 11:1 1c.) Through the saints..the believer is where the power operates through the Holy Spirit in us. 1d.) Through the glorious resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, our Kinsmen Redeemer, Jesus Christ!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxie Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 Hi Everyone; I think that we as humans can't understand the alsome power of God, because we thin not to beleive in what we can't see, hear are touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peggie Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 Paul wanted the Ephesians eyes to be opened because he wanted them to see things the way God see them....not from a fleshly viewpoint the way we so often do. Their eyes saw things the way the world sees things, not from a spiritual standpoint. This power operates in the believer which is handed down from God to those who will accept it. It was resurrection power Paul spoke of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papanero94 Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 1ab) Paul wants them to really see and understand ALL that God has for them. "INCOMPARABLY great power", meaning that NO POWER can compare to to his. They were blind to the TRUE knowledge of God's power. 1c) This Power operates through the church=> us. It is for us to use. He has given us this great power for the use of his will. 1d) Paul uses the event of God raising his son Jesus from the dead. THIS IS GREAT POWER!!! AND THE BEST THING ABOUT IT IS THAT HE HAS GIVEN US ATHORITY TO USE IT ON HIS BEHALF!!!! AMEN!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaunita Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? After doing some reading on the Ephesian church, it seems to be that Paul is praying that the "eyes" of their understanding would be opened, by revelation from God, Himself. A lot of the early converted Jew's, tended to be "inclusive"...seperated, from the Gentile believers. Paul is praying that their eye's would see that the sacrifice, of the Son of God on the cross, was for all. Perhap's some of these Jewish believers were having a problem understanding this. Paul reminds them, that this Great Power, resides in them, this same Great Power, that raised Jesus from the dead, will keep us, and raise us also, on that day; Together, as one, in Him! "Therefore we, (Jew, and Gentile alike!) are buried with Him by baptism into death; that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father (Holy Spirit!) , even so we should walk in newness of life" Romans 6:4.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossy Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 1. Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? . These believers have had the blindness of lostness removed so they are now able to see Gods great power. His desire is for these believers to know the hope of His calling, the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power. It is only with the enablement of His Spirit that we are able to understand and experience His great power, which is beyond anything we are capable of in our normal human experience. 2. What is wrong with their eyes? They were formally blind to spiritual things. "2 Cor 4: 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Now as new believers they will see things that they never imagined before. "18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119" 3. Where does this power operate according to 1:19? This power operates in the believers, Christs body, His church. 4. Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? The Resurrection of Christ. Blessings, Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Dickinson Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 Hi everyone, so nice to be back! hope like me you're blessed, refreshed and raring to go! I missed you all Well let's get to it Q1. (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? Paul is concerned that all the churches he planted would grow in their love for God and for one another. Hence, the greater their understanding of God, just as it is for us, the greater will be their love for Him and for one another, the Church, the body of Christ here on earth. Living the Christian walk is no easy task, especially if we try to go it alone. When we try to live the life that should be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergerjones Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 God's incomparable power is available to US who believe! The people's eyes were closed to the reality that they, too, could recieve this mighty power. WE must open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit. God's power can operate through us! He promised! This power was manifested in Christ when God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at God's own right hand in the Heavenly Realms! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billhayes Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 Paul prays the the Church at Ephesus would realise the power it has. This is the power of the risen Christ -- the power that the Holy Spirit gives us to reach out to those in need and make a differnece in out hurting world. May we all see - understand -- and use this great power we have as the Body o Christ reaching out into the world with His love and His grace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergerjones Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? Exposition The Ephesians were living in the world. They hadn't an inkling of the awesomeness of the power of God. God's power is beyond the imagination. It is totally without price. And it cannot be earned. It is a gift from God to all who would believe. It operates in all of us. Paul uses the resurrection to show the strength and level of God's power. God raised His son, the Christ, from the dead and set Him up at His own right hand to rule all the Heavenly realms - with all authority, power, dominion and strength. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leo Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 Paul wanted the Ephesians to see the works that the Lord was doing to the Christian community not with their mortal eyes but with their spiritual eyes. He wanted them to see the big picture. He wanted them to view the workings of the Lord in a macro level in order for them to see that the Lord, indeed, is alive and is actively participating in the growth and development of the church that Jesus has founded. Paul knew that if they do not do this, they wil not be able to see anything beyond the limits of their humanity. A good example would be the resurrection of Lazarus and, on a greater level, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A good number of scholars and scientists and what nots have tried, in vain, to explain these events. They tried to bring these miracles down to the human level by trying to explain what happened in sceintific terms. In a way, they have limited everything, even the concept of God, to the human level. They have become too focused on their belief that "everything can be explained in scientific terms" that they fail to see the glory and grandeur of God's miracles that are happening around them. This is what Paul was trying to prevent from happening when he prayed that the Ephesians would "open their eyes." Paul knew that the power was operating in a level that is beyond the capability of the human body. As such, it would be impossible for the Ephesians to detect without them opening their spiritual eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sangra Posted May 4, 2003 Report Share Posted May 4, 2003 Why does Paul pray thar God will open the Ephesians spiritual eyes to discern God's great power? Paul wants the Ephesian believers to experience for themselves the fullness of God's power, so that they can encourage more and more converts through signs, wonders and powerful, couragious preaching. What is wrong with their eyes? Their spiritual eye were not aware that the same power that raised Jesus was available for all believers. They knew in their minds the good news that God raised Jesus but the implication that they could also tap into that same power had not yet been revealed to them. Where does this power operate? The power is directed towards believers, not only disciples and apostles; nor only ministers and specially gifted peoople, but to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. What miraculous event does Paul use? The raising from death to eternal life of Jesus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retired Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians eyes to discern "his impomprably great power?" What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which m;iraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power. Paul knows that the people are not understanding what Jesus had done and the implications of it. They did not know what was now available to all who would believe in his mighty power. His power gives believers hope and an inhiritance in the coming glorious kingdom! The Problem is not with their eyes, that is an analogy. The problem is with their belief system. In modern terminology we would say they had a faulty world view. This throbbing power emanates from "His imcomprably great power for us who believe." This great power comes from the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. The example Paul gives is the resurrection and ascencion of Jesus to be seated at the "right hand of God." This was considered to be a place of honor in Biblical times. In summation, Paul was striving to get the people in Ephesus to understand about the great reward waiting for those who accepted Jesus as Savior. He used language that people of that day would understand to explain, what we might call slang today. He was trying to get his point across in the best way he could. He knew what was waiting for those who accepted the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen Williams Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 Why does Paul pray that God Would open the Ephesians eyes to discern "His incomparably great power?" Paul wanted them to see the spiritual benefits that God has to offer. Paul wanted them to have the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Only God can give true wisdom and revelation. What is wrong with their eyes? [color=yellow]We can have our eyes open and still not see the things God will have us to see. Paul wanted the Ephesians to have a spiritual eye fully open to the blessing of God.[/color] Where does this power operates according to 1:19?This power operate in those who believes! Which miraculous event Paul use as an example of this level of power? The example Paul use is the power God use to raise Jesus from the dead. It is indeed a blessing for those that believe(the church) , this power is for us. I am praying that our eyes are open to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Listener Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 That they will now the hope of his calling (Chrit in you the HOPE of glory); the riches of the inheritance with the saints; and the mighty power that is available to the believer. This will give a full understanding of all that God has for them. Unless their eyes are enlightened, they will not be able to understand spiritual things. (Thhe things of God are spiritually discerned.) This enlightment will enable them to be increased in their faith. This mighty power operates in those who believe. The Word preached not mixed with faith is not profitable. The example of the resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle1976 Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? Exposition Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Because as believers our eyes can be blinded to what the word of God is really saying..He wanted us to really get what the scripture is truly saying.. Where does this power operate according to 1:19? In us the church.. Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? The resurrection of Jesus Christ.. Praise the Lord Jesus, Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Miller Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 Without Christ we Understand based upon what we Know (knowledge) by the World's Standards; by what we have been conformed to. With Christ (slowly) we are given the ability to Understand God's word through His Knowledge, Wisdom. Sometimes that Understanding comes by way of Head Knowledge and other times it can only come by way of Experiencing the Word for yourself for you to Completely Understand it (in Heart). I believe Paul was requesting of God to Open their Hearts to Receive Understanding of the Word brought forth. We can hear the word in our ear, transfer it to our brain and say yes we understand, but unless it penetrates our Heart we don't always GET THE MESSAGE; this is because we are trying to understand God's Word with our own understanding, our own knowledge. Understanding the message in the Pure Form of God's Word can only come from Him. Our eyes see as the Flesh sees... spiritual eyes do not count on what they always see Outwardly; they see past it. Spiritual eyes are watchful, perceptive, seeing even in the smaller things; so small that blinking may have caused you to miss it. I am joyful to know God has eyes to see me in His Vision as what I am to be, not as I am, but more like I AM. Praise Jesus! The Miracle came into being: Vision; seeing, Faith; believing, Spoken; action. Paul could see (spiritually) the dead man live, believed he could live, spoke the word of God to which caused the man to live. But it was made possible by God working in and through Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Beckner Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 #1. if our eyes were fully opened to the power that we have in Christ, the devil would no longer be able to decieve us. We would take the authority that we already have and satan would not be able to even plant a thought in our mind....we would not give him any room. #2. Since our eyes are not completely open, we lack faith to take our rightful place in Christ. #3. the exceeding greatness of His power is in us. #4. The resurection of Christ from the dead is the example of God's power used here. .......we do not have to be a victum to sin because Christ in us has already defeated all sin. There is no need to fear.....Jesus has already won the battle for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxie Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? Paul new of the love the Ephesians had for God, But he wanted them to see the full measure of God's power. He prayed that they may understand the magnitude of his power. This power works in and though us, as members of the body of Christ. ( His Church ) The power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? Paul new of the love the Ephesians had for God, But he wanted them to see the full measure of God's power. He prayed that they may understand the magnitude of his power. This power works in and though us, as members of the body of Christ. ( His Church ) The power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 Hi, everyone Paul prayed that their eyes would be opened to discern His imparably great power, so that they would see that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that is at work in them and us. There is nothing wrong with their or our physical eyes, the eye is the light of the body, if it is healthy he will be full of light, if not they are in darkness, the light that is in you is the heart, not the organ, it is the inner man which shoud be focused on spiritual discernment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjcollin Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? What is wrong with their eyes? Where does this power operate according to 1:19? Which miraculous event does Paul use as an example of this level and type of power? Exposition As humans our eyes are always veiled until God opens our eyes and removes the veil. In this case Paul is interceeding for the Ephesians' in this prayer and asking for their veil to be lifted so that they could see His hope, inheritance, and power (1:18-19). This power operates in both the physical and spiritual realms, also in us who believe a.k.a. the church. The miraculous event that Paul uses as an example is Christ's physical body was raised from the dead and His spirit was restored to His body and then ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father (1:19-20). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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