Last week, we studied the scriptures that gave visual revelations of God the Father, and how the Gospels tell us that Jesus is an exact replica of the Father. Jesus said, “If you have seen Me you have seen the Father, if you have seen the Father you have seen Me.” John 14:9. We are still on a quest to come up onto a firm foundation so that when we are challenged with commands of “submit,” “yield,” “fear not,” “believe, without wavering,” and “obey” we can know that God has good things in mind for us. Today, we’re going to dig in to the scriptures so that we can understand our value to Him and in Him. We are on a mission to learn to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Because Jesus told us in John 14:12 (NLT2) “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
In the prayer of Paul that we find in Ephesians 1:16-20 we can glean a lot of revelation about the heart (essence) of the Gospel.
Ephesians 1:16-20 (KJV) 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 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: 18 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, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
There is so much depth to this short, sweet prayer that I want to chase about 25 rabbits all at once, but for the next bit, we’re going to focus on just a few truths out of the scriptures. When Paul says “give thanks for you,” he is talking about ALL believers (=kingdom of heaven). Let’s take a look at one of Jesus’ parables.
Matthew 13:44-46 (KJV) 44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Matthew 13:44
Andrew Wommack’s “Life For Today Study Bible Notes”
Note 1 at Matthew 13:44: The interpretation of this parable is this: the field is the world (Matthew 13:38), the man buying the field is God, the treasure is the true believers in Christ, and the price that is paid is the very life of Jesus on the cross.
Jesus saw, through His foreknowledge (Romans 8:29 and Ephesians 1:4), a remnant of people who would receive Him as Lord. Therefore, “for the joy that was set before him,” He endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2) and purchased us unto Himself with His own blood (Acts 20:28). He purchased the whole world (all mankind - 1 John 2:2), but not everyone will receive what He did. Therefore, the church is hidden (scattered among the world) today. At the end of this world, the Lord will remove His treasure (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) out of the world, and then the world and those in it who chose not to become a part of His treasure will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
The heart of the gospel begins with an understanding that every person is valuable, treasured, and precious to God. Remember that while we were yet all sinners “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.
When did God commend this love toward us? As Romans 5:8 says, it was while we were yet sinners. Therefore, God’s love isn’t conditional on our goodness. He didn’t love us because we were lovely but simply because He is love (1 John 4:8). Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
The Father of Glory- Getting back to Paul’s prayer in Ephesians
Ephesians 1:17 (KJV) – “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory. . .”
a. Father – literally means “ancestor,” by implication, “generator” or “the originator”
b. Glory – refers to “The fullness, brightness or that which is apparent”
c. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: Glory (Greek word “doxa”) – opinion, estimate, honor and value whether good or bad concerning someone (a person). In the sacred writings, it is always a good opinion concerning a person, resulting from that, praise, honor, glory; esteem.
It is God’s view and opinion, which is reality, it is not other people’s, and not even your own. God is the originator of all good opinions, estimations, honor, and value for every person! God’s view, opinion, and value for people is the only true reality there is! Let’s think for a moment on “Commanding Your Morning” again, and how there is a large section of declarations about opinions of us. We have to find God’s view, opinion, and value for ourselves and for other people in order to live as the glory of God, live as the kingdom of Heaven.
Let’s look again at Jesus’ high-priestly prayer – John 17:20-26.
John 17:20-26 (KJV) 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
So we see that God’s view and opinion of every believer is exactly the view and opinion He has of Jesus. And, God’s love for every believer is exactly the love He has for Jesus.
When we see and understand the true value that God has for man, we can understand why Paul goes on to say in Ephesians 1:17 (AMP) “that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,”
Colossians 1:9 (AMP) 9 For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—
In this context the word “knowledge” is the Greek word “ginosko” and it means to recognize a thing to be what it really is. It denotes exact or full knowledge; a knowledge of intimacy that directly and positively influences the person who knows. So we are seeing that to Paul, the heart or “essence” of the gospel is about having people’s hearts filled with the knowledge of God’s glory that will directly and positively influence the standard and quality of their lives! This particular Greek word for “knowledge” was only used by Paul and Peter and was not used in the gospels at all.
In Ephesians 1:18a – “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened.” Paul says that every time we hear or see the mysteries and secrets of the deep intimate knowledge of God, “the essence of the gospel,” it should fill the recess of our hearts with light, life, and truth. And, in Ephesians 1:18b – “. . . so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),” “hope” is a confident (faith-filled) expectation of something good. The “hope” of our calling and inheritance.
A person whose heart is established, “has been enlightened,” in the truth of the “essence” of the gospel will always have a confident expectation of good for their lives, for their calling, and for their future!
We have the greatness of God’s power in and for us.
Ephesians 1:19-20 (AMP) 19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, 20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
📷 As we continue studying in God’s Word, seeing with our natural eyes what the scriptures say about His love for us, and what He has included in our inheritance, and we continue to declare verbally the declarations in “Commanding Your Morning” or whatever declarations from scripture that we have pulled, our hearts become more and more enlightened to the “hope” of our calling, bringing us a confident expectation of good for our lives.
"A person whose heart is established in the “essence” of the gospel will constantly be aware of the power of God resident in them."
Arthur Mientjes
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We find that grace and peace are multiplied in our lives through the knowledge of God.
2 Peter 1:1-4 (KJV) 1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
As we grow in, increase in, the knowledge of God, God exerts His influence and ability into our souls and His unmerited favor and empowering grace as well as our emotional stability, or peace, is multiplied. All things for life and godliness are given through knowledge of Him.
Ephesians 1:3 (AMP) 3 May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!
When we know and understand the heart “essence” of the gospel, it will cause us to always be aware of the fact that God has already given us all things for life and godliness! We are partakers of the divine nature through God’s promises. The view and opinion you have or hold of God and the gospel will directly influence the quality of life that you will live as a Christian.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (KJV) 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
For all the promises of God are yes and amen! And we have been sealed with the Spirit in our hearts. That is exciting, that brings me joy in the Lord. And, the joy of the Lord is my strength!
So, God has chosen us for Himself. We are holy, blameless, unreproachable in the Father’s eyes. The experience, the fruitfulness, the quality of our lives is directly proportional to the revelation knowledge that we have of the Gospel of God. We can live and walk in all worthiness and pleasing toward the Lord, by increasing in the knowledge of God.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (KJV) 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Andrew’s Note 9 at 2 Corinthians 10:5: Notice that the weapons are for the casting down of two things: imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Both of these areas deal with the mind. Our battle against the devil takes place right between our ears.
The Greek word used to describe “imaginations” is “LOGISMOS,” and it is described here as a reasoning that is hostile to Christ and His Word. It is translated in other versions by the phrases “every proud argument against God” (The Living Bible), “every proud obstacle” (Today’s English Version), “arguments” (New International Version), “every deceptive fantasy” (J.B. Phillips New Testament), and “speculations” (New American Standard Bible). The “high things” include anything that opposes the true knowledge about God and His Christ as revealed in the Bible.
The mind is the battlefield in which thoughts and reasoning contrary to God’s Word are to be captured and submitted to Christ, our Commander. Just as enemy soldiers are captured in war, so rebel thoughts must be taken captive and made to submit to Christ.
Note 10 at 2 Corinthians 10:5: This is an amazing statement! Paul was saying that it is not only possible to take every thought captive, but that our spiritual weapons were designed for the express purpose of taking every thought captive and making them obedient to Christ. Keeping our minds completely stayed upon the Lord is an obtainable goal. Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
It takes spiritual warfare in order to attain and maintain the knowledge of God or the heart “essence” of the gospel! How many times have you dug into the Word because of circumstances that were happening in your life? I’m not saying that God brought the circumstances on you, the world brings on the circumstances, but I do believe that the Spirit inside us will quicken us to go search the Word for answers. The knowledge of the Lord is our ability to stand and fight. And when we stand and fight, then hope increases, and we begin to confidently expect good things. Because God is Good.
We have the Resurrection Power of God to Turn our Lives Around!
Ephesians 1:19-23 (AMP) 19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, 20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come. 22 And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church], 23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].
The power available to us is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at God’s right hand. As believers, we are the church, the body of Christ, He has put all things under our feet. In order to live it, we have to believe it, without wavering.
Romans 6:1-4 (KJV) 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Jesus was raised by the inward knowledge “ginosko” of God’s goodness, mercy, love, and glory (“doxa” – opinion, estimate, honor and value) for Him.
Notice that Paul then says, “even so we also should walk in newness of life.” This means that the same way that Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of God, we, too, need to walk in the knowledge of God (the heart “essence” of the gospel), living a resurrected life every day.
Summary
God loves/loved us even while we were/are sinners.
The Father of Glory is our glory. Glory = “Doxa” it is God’s opinion of us. God’s opinion is all that matters.
As the eyes of our understanding are “enlightened” our deep intimate knowledge of God fills us with hope, we know that His Will is good for us. We have a confident expectation of good for our future.
Through Jesus’ finished work on the cross and defeating death, knowing and understanding the heart of the gospel will cause us to be aware of the fact that God has already given us all things for life and godliness.
A person whose heart is established in the “essence” of the gospel will constantly be aware of the power of God resident in them.
God has chosen us for Himself. We are holy. We are blameless. We are unreproachable in the Father’s eyes. We have the resurrection power of God to turn our lives around! We must walk in it.
The meat of this lesson came from a Charis Bible College course taught by Arthur Mientjes. . . He also has a book entitled “Knowing and Experiencing God” which I have bought and read.
