Awakening to God's Greatness Through Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Pursuing Powerful Prayer

A transformed life in Christ is marked by a pursuit of powerful, purposeful prayer that seeks God’s will above personal desires. Before knowing Christ, prayer may have been self-centered or even absent, but as believers, we are called to pray for God’s transformative power to be at work in our lives and in the lives of others. This means praying not just for our own needs, but for wisdom, revelation, and a deeper knowledge of God, trusting that He hears and answers according to His good purpose. As we grow in faith, our prayers shift from self to God’s glory, and we become intercessors for our church family and the world, giving thanks for the work of salvation in others and seeking God’s will to be done in all things. [46:18]

Ephesians 1:15-17 (ESV)
“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.”

Reflection: How can you shift your prayers today from self-focused requests to seeking God’s wisdom, revelation, and transformation for yourself and others?

Day 2: Perceiving Heart’s Illumination

When God calls us to Himself, He enlightens the eyes of our hearts, giving us an “aha” moment where we truly grasp the hope, inheritance, and power found in Christ. This illumination is not just intellectual knowledge, but a deep, Spirit-given understanding that changes how we see ourselves, our purpose, and God’s greatness. It is through this heart-level enlightenment that we recognize our identity as God’s children, the riches of His glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe. This realization brings assurance, hope, and a new confidence to live out our faith boldly, knowing that our salvation and calling are gifts of God’s grace. [49:24]

Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV)
“Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.”

Reflection: When was a time you sensed God opening your heart to understand His calling or truth in a new way? How can you remain open to His ongoing illumination today?

Day 3: Embracing God’s Sovereign Call

God’s call to salvation is entirely His work—He chooses, predestines, and draws us by His grace, yet He also calls us to respond in faith and obedience. There is a mystery in how God’s sovereignty and our responsibility work together, but we are assured that our salvation and the salvation of others ultimately rest in God’s hands, not our own efforts. This truth frees us from the burden of trying to “save” others ourselves and instead calls us to faithful obedience in sharing the gospel, trusting God to do the work of calling and saving. Our success is measured by our obedience to God’s call, not by the results we see, and we can rest in the confidence that God’s purposes will prevail. [53:16]

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”

Reflection: Who is one person you can share the hope of Christ with this week, trusting God with the outcome rather than feeling responsible for their response?

Day 4: Proclaiming Christ’s Supremacy

A life transformed by Christ cannot help but proclaim His supremacy—He is risen, enthroned above every power, and is the head of the Church, His body. Christ’s authority is unmatched; all things are under His feet, and He fills His people with His presence and power. This truth gives us hope and security, knowing that no force in heaven, earth, or hell can snatch us from His hand. As members of His body, we are called to live in joyful dependence on Christ, reflecting His rule in our lives and in the church, and boldly declaring His greatness to the world. [59:34]

Ephesians 1:20-23 (ESV)
“That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to more fully acknowledge and submit to Christ’s supreme authority today?

Day 5: Living Out Your Calling with Confidence

Every believer is called to full-time ministry—not necessarily as a pastor or missionary, but as a follower of Christ in every sphere of life. God’s illumination and calling are not limited to church roles; He calls each of us to live out our faith authentically and obediently wherever we are placed, whether in the workplace, at home, or in the community. As we embrace our identity as God’s adopted children, we are empowered by His Spirit to live confidently, impact the world around us, and reflect Christ in all we do. Our confidence comes not from our own strength, but from the hope, power, and greatness God has given us in Christ. [56:46]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally live out your calling as a follower of Christ in your workplace, home, or community this week?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on awakening to the greatness of God through a transformative relationship with Him, as revealed in Ephesians 1:15-23. Understanding who God is—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—should not just inform our minds but radically transform our lives. This transformation is not a vague feeling but is marked by three distinct evidences: a pursuit of powerful prayer, the illumination of our hearts to God’s calling, and the proclamation of Christ’s supremacy.

First, when God’s grace takes hold of our hearts, our prayer life is fundamentally changed. Before knowing Christ, prayer is often self-centered and transactional, but after encountering the living God, prayer becomes a means of deepening our relationship with Him and interceding for others. Paul, even while imprisoned, models this by continually giving thanks and praying for the spiritual growth of fellow believers, not for his own comfort or release. This shift in prayer reflects a heart transformed by the gospel, seeking God’s will above personal desires.

Second, the transformation is marked by the illumination of our hearts. Paul prays that the “eyes of your heart may be enlightened,” so that we may grasp the hope, inheritance, and power that come from God’s calling. This is more than intellectual knowledge; it is a Spirit-given “aha” moment where the reality of salvation, God’s immeasurable greatness, and our new identity in Christ become clear. This enlightenment is not something we achieve on our own, but a gift from God, drawing us into a deeper relationship and calling us to obedience in whatever context He places us.

Third, a transformed life cannot help but proclaim the supremacy of Christ. Christ is exalted above every power and authority, both now and forever. He is the head of the Church, and all believers are filled with His presence and power. Our hope and security rest in His finished work and ongoing reign. As we gather as the body of Christ, we demonstrate His headship and are filled with His fullness, empowered to live authentically and impact the world around us.

The call is to examine whether these marks are evident in our lives: Are we pursuing powerful prayer, perceiving God’s illumination, and proclaiming Christ’s supremacy? If so, we are living out the confident, world-impacting life God intends for His people.

Key Takeaways

1. Powerful prayer is the first mark of a transformed life. True prayer shifts from self-centered requests to intercession and thanksgiving for others, seeking God’s will and wisdom above our own comfort. This kind of prayer is both a sign and a means of deepening our relationship with God, aligning our hearts with His purposes. [43:51]
2. The illumination of the heart is essential for understanding God’s calling. Intellectual knowledge alone is insufficient; we need the Spirit to enlighten the “eyes of our heart” so that we can grasp the hope, inheritance, and power available to us in Christ. This “aha” moment is a gift from God, awakening us to the reality of salvation and our new identity. [48:18]
3. God’s sovereignty in salvation brings both assurance and humility. While God calls, predestines, and saves, our role is obedience—to share the gospel and trust Him with the results. The weight of salvation does not rest on us, freeing us from anxiety and enabling us to joyfully participate in God’s mission. [53:16]
4. Every believer is called to full-time ministry, not necessarily as a pastor or missionary, but as a faithful follower of Christ in every sphere of life. Our primary identity is as those adopted by God for His good pleasure, and our obedience to His calling is the means by which His greatness is displayed to the world. [56:05]
5. Proclaiming Christ’s supremacy is both our privilege and our security. Christ is exalted above all powers and is the true head of the Church. Our hope, identity, and mission are rooted in His finished work and ongoing reign, and nothing can separate us from His love or remove us from His hand. [59:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:35] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[35:17] - Review of Ephesians and the Triune God
[35:46] - Awakening to God’s Greatness
[36:45] - The “Aha” Moment of Salvation
[37:27] - Embracing Transformative Relationship
[38:29] - Marks of Transformation
[41:31] - Pursuing Powerful Prayer
[43:51] - The Shift in Prayer Life
[47:33] - Perceiving Heart’s Illumination
[49:24] - The Gospel and God’s Calling
[53:16] - God’s Sovereignty and Our Obedience
[56:05] - Every Believer’s Calling
[57:27] - Proclaiming Christ’s Supremacy
[59:20] - Christ’s Power and Security
[62:21] - Christ as Head of the Church
[64:36] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:15-23 — (This is the main text for the sermon and study.)

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 1:15-23, what are the three main things Paul prays for the believers in Ephesus?
In the sermon, what shift does Paul model in his own prayer life while he is in prison? ([43:51])
What does Paul mean when he prays for the “eyes of your heart” to be enlightened? ([48:18])
How does Paul describe Christ’s position and authority in these verses? ([57:44])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul focus on praying for spiritual wisdom and revelation for the believers, rather than for his own comfort or release from prison? What does this reveal about his priorities? ([43:51])
What is the significance of the “aha” moment Paul describes, when the eyes of our heart are enlightened? How is this different from just knowing facts about God? ([48:18])
The sermon says that every believer is called to full-time ministry, not just pastors or missionaries. What does this mean for how we view our daily lives and work? ([56:05])
How does understanding Christ’s supremacy and headship over the Church give believers hope and security? ([59:20])

Application Questions

Before you became a follower of Christ (or if you are still exploring faith), what was your prayer life like? How has it changed, or how would you like it to change, to reflect a deeper relationship with God? ([43:51])
Paul prays for the believers’ spiritual growth and understanding, not just for their physical needs. Who is someone in your life you can start praying for in this way? What would it look like to pray for their spiritual growth this week? ([45:13])
The sermon talks about having an “aha” moment where God’s calling and greatness become real to us. Have you experienced a moment like this? If so, what changed in your life afterward? If not, what would it look like to ask God for this kind of heart illumination? ([48:18])
The message says that God’s sovereignty in salvation frees us from anxiety about results and calls us to simple obedience. Are there areas where you feel pressure to “make things happen” spiritually? How can you trust God more with the results? ([53:16])
The sermon challenges us to see ourselves as called to full-time ministry in every area of life. What is one specific way you can live out your faith at work, school, or home this week? ([56:05])
Christ’s supremacy means nothing can separate us from His love or remove us from His hand. Is there a fear or insecurity you need to surrender to Christ’s authority today? ([59:20])
As a group, how can we encourage each other to pursue powerful prayer, seek God’s illumination, and proclaim Christ’s supremacy in our community? ([41:31])

Sermon Clips

When we embrace a transformative relationship with God through prayer, we are empowered to live confidently impacting the world around us. When we embrace the transformative relational knowledge of God, we are going to be empowered through that relationship to live confidently and impact the world. Now, if you'll remember several weeks ago towards the beginning of the year in 2 Peter 1:1, we we read where we receive a faith equal to that of every believer in Christ. We receive a faith equal to that of Peter, equal to that of Paul, of John. We receive equal faith, which means we have equally received this power to live confidently and boldly for the gospel. [00:37:22]

Knowing God relationally, what Paul has talked about up to this point, is transformative to the believer in Christ. And so in verses 15- 23 of chapter 1 of Ephesians, Paul explains how knowing whom it is that we worship should transform us to be different to be confident in our confession of Christ and to impact the world even as it rejects the very truth of the gospel. [00:38:11]

As Paul shifts from that worship, he sets his next part of the letter in view of how knowing and worshiping in that way should bring about transformation in the life of the follower of Christ. How we are different as we lean on this relationship with God that gives us the strength and the faith to confidently share the gospel to those around us. [00:40:54]

The first of these marks is that the transformation is going to cause a follower of Christ to be pursuing powerful prayer. Beginning in verse 15, we read, "This is why God chose you. This is why things that the things that follow are going to happen. God, Christ the son redeemed you. This is why these things follow the Holy Spirit assures you. This is why you have these things that change you from death to life." And Paul begins with prayer. [00:41:35]

Since all of that is true, Paul says, "I never stopped giving thanks for you in my prayers." Before you were a follower of Christ, before you had that aha moment with Christ where Christ got a hold of your heart and the grace and mercy of God took residency there, what was your prayer life like? And some of you are going to say it didn't exist, which is true regardless of if you felt like you were praying, but you know, some of you still prayed. [00:42:36]

But notice who Paul is praying for. He's in prison. He can't go out and do all the preaching he desires that to do. Perhaps he's praying to get out of prison, but we don't see that. Perhaps he's praying to be restored to his freedom. But in this letter right here, what we get is a glimpse of where his heart is. He prays for those fellow believers in Ephesus. And he starts with always giving thanks for them. Now, think about that. There's no names listed here. [00:43:47]

He's giving thanks for every believer who God calls chosen, redeemed, and assured. He's ultimately giving more praise to God for the work of salvation. Then he says, "I prayed that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious father, would give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him." Couple of weeks ago, we talked about how verses 3 through 14 shared the fullness of our triune God. Well, here we see all three again in verse 17. [00:44:57]

Paul says, "I pray that you have the wisdom and the knowledge of knowing God to the full extent. I pray that the wisdom and the revelation be given to you." Paul understands and he worships God. He he's praying that each believer in Christ, all that repent and believe will come to a full understanding and be growing in the wisdom and knowledge of God. As followers of Christ, we can be praying for some of those other things. We can be praying to be free from certain situations. [00:45:29]

But at the end of the day, we most importantly most importantly need to be praying for God's transformative power to be at work in our lives. We need to be praying for God's will to take precedence in our lives. Paul isn't praying for an easy life for himself or for us. He's praying that every believer in Ephesus that reads or hears this letter is transformed by the gospel. He's writing so that every believer understands this and is transformed. [00:46:03]

If you want to know God's plan for your life, then prayer is the direct connection that you have to God where he reveals himself and his purposes in your life. The first mark or the first sign of transformation that comes from Christ in the life of a believer today is they begin pursuing powerful prayer. Second mark of transformation is that a believer is going to be perceiving hearts illumination. Paul starts off with prayer. This prayer continues into verse 18 because as we pray we have the wisdom and the revelation of God and his will in our lives. [00:47:20]

Paul prays the believer in Christ to have that aha moment where not only do we have the wisdom in the revelation, not only do we have salvation, what we see in verses in 18 and 19 is the enlightenment for the illumination of our understanding. The light bulb goes on and clarity sets in when we come to a full understanding of God's will in our lives. Paul says, 'I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. He doesn't say the eyes of your mind. He says heart so that you may know the hope of his calling. [00:47:59]

The wisdom and revelation that comes in verse 17 is useless unless it gets enlightened by the Lord unless there's a realization that takes place that gives it life. so that you may know the hope of his calling, the wealth of his glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe according to his mighty strength. And the calling calling that Paul is talking about here isn't necessarily a calling to the ministry. We'll get to that in a minute. It's not a vocational calling. This calling is the call to salvation. [00:48:32]

The aha moment in verse 18, the moment where the Holy Spirit and all of God's sovereignty and grace calls out to you to enter that relationship with God, and you finally understand these things, the wealth of your inheritance, the immeasurable greatness of God, and his power and strength. Verse 18 and 19 hold for us the gospel message. They tell us who God is, his immeasurable greatness and power and strength, his holiness. These verses remind us who we are, sinners in need of enlightenment by the grace and mercy of God. [00:48:59]

They remind us of the hope that is found only in repentance and belief in Christ alone, who died for us and rose again three days later to give us that hope. And they remind us that through his calling to salvation and our God-ordained decision, we receive this hope and inheritance and power. Now, we're going to see some of that principle next week. But what what we see in chapter 2:es 8 and 9 is that God calls people to salvation by his immeasurable greatness. For you were saved by grace through faith. [00:49:23]

Again, the main focus of chapters 1 through three of Ephesians is our identity as believers in Christ. It's about how we understand the change that Christ has made in our lives. It's about how we go from knowing about God to fully knowing and being known by God. that relational knowledge. It's about where our hope and power, our confidence in Christ is discovered and grasped as we're talking about perceiving heart's illumination in these verses. As we're talking about that aha moment where you come to full term and understand the grace and mercy that Paul talks about in verses 1-14, there's a point where we have to understand that we truthfully could not know God unless God first revealed the truth to us by his holy spirit. [00:50:22]

But all of you who believe are believers and followers of Christ are called to full-time ministry. and that you are called to always be a Christian. That's why we have authentic in our mission statement because as believers in Christ, our mission is to be obedient to the calling of God. And so, we must behave and be obedient to our calling that shows us that hope and greatness and power of God and shows it to others. And so, your full-time job may be working for an employer. It may be the military. It may be a factory. Whatever it is, you have to remember the were first and foremost called by God according to his good purpose. [00:55:45]

Paul purposely prayer prays that you might come to full term and understanding that your life is enlightened to the powerful calling that God has placed on your life that brings you hope and shows God glor God's glory in your life. The third mark of transformation as a follower of Christ is proclaiming Christ's supremacy. We pray pursuing the power of God. We perceive the calling of salvation on our lives. And when we do that and we're enlightened to that, we can't help but proclaim the supremacy of Christ. [00:56:55]

Christ is over everything. Christ is head over the church. And here we aren't talking about a local church. We're talking about every believer in Christ for all time, past, present, and future, who have repented and followed Christ. We're talking about the capital C, big C church. This church is his body. This church is the fullness of Christ who fills all things in every way because it is Christ living in us. Christ is supreme in every other way, in every way to every other authority. The world has no power over Christ. [00:58:19]

The church is his fullness because as the body of Christ, he fills us to be different. He rules the church as head of the church. And as the church, we are totally dependent on the supremacy of Christ that gives us our relationship with Christ. We are filled with his presence. And so if we joyfully, obediently, prayerfully embrace Christ as Lord over all things. [01:02:12]

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