What does "the hope of His calling" mean for believers today? Opening the Letter’s Window Ephesians 1:18 — “I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Why Paul’s Prayer Matters • Paul is praying for believers who already know Christ, yet need a deeper, Spirit-given awareness. • “Enlightened” hearts see beyond circumstance to God’s unshakable realities. • The first reality on Paul’s list: “the hope of His calling.” Defining “His Calling” • God’s summons out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9). • A call that began in eternity past (Romans 8:30) and will be completed in glory (1 Thessalonians 5:24). • Not merely an invitation but an effective act—He calls, and hearts respond. What Makes This Hope Unique? 1. Origin: It comes from God’s choice, not human effort. 2. Certainty: It rests on Christ’s finished work, not shifting feelings. 3. Destination: It guarantees glorification, not just temporary relief. Three Dimensions of the Hope • Past—Grounded in Christ’s Resurrection ‑ 1 Peter 1:3: “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” ‑ Because Jesus rose bodily, our hope is alive and historical. • Present—Strength for Daily Perseverance ‑ Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” ‑ Hope is not abstract; the indwelling Christ energizes obedience and joy now. • Future—Certain Glory Ahead ‑ Titus 2:13: “while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” ‑ The pinnacle of hope is seeing Him face to face, fully transformed. Practical Outworkings • Confidence in Trials ‑ Romans 8:28 reminds that all things work together “for those who are called.” Hope interprets hardship through God’s sovereign plan. • Purity in Lifestyle ‑ 1 John 3:3: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself.” Future glory motivates present holiness. • Courageous Witness ‑ 2 Thessalonians 2:14: “He called you to this through our gospel, so that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hope spills over into proclamation; we want others to be called, too. Everyday Reminders • Start the day by recalling whose call defines you, not the day’s demands. • Speak Scripture aloud—Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” • Celebrate small victories as evidence that the Caller is also the Finisher (Philippians 1:6). Looking Ahead with Eyes Wide Open The Spirit keeps opening our inner eyes, enabling us to grasp and enjoy the hope bound up in God’s irrevocable call. That hope steadies us today and ushers us confidently toward the glorious tomorrow He has promised. |
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