Embracing Holy Ambition for God's Kingdom

In the story of Elisha’s succession of Elijah, we see a powerful example of holy ambition—a desire not for personal glory, but for greater spiritual power to serve God’s purposes. Elisha, a wealthy and successful farmer, was called by God through Elijah’s symbolic act of placing his prophetic cloak upon him. This cloak represented not only the authority and power of the prophetic office but also the continuity of God’s work among His people. Elisha’s response was immediate and total; he left behind his former life, burning his plows and sacrificing his oxen, demonstrating a wholehearted commitment to God’s call.

When Elijah was about to be taken up to heaven, he asked Elisha what he could do for him. Elisha’s request was bold: “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” This was not a plea for personal greatness, but a deep yearning to be equipped for the daunting task ahead. Elisha’s ambition was rooted in humility and a desire to serve God faithfully, not in pride or self-promotion. Remarkably, God honored this audacious request, and Elisha went on to perform even more miracles than Elijah, completing the ministry his mentor had begun.

This narrative challenges us to examine our own ambitions. Is it possible for ambition to be holy? The answer is yes—when our desires are aligned with God’s purposes and motivated by love for Him. Jesus Himself told His disciples that those who believe in Him would do even greater things, not because of their own power, but because of the Holy Spirit given to them. The same Spirit that empowered Elijah and Elisha is available to us, inviting us to dream bigger and pray bolder prayers for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Yet, many of us suffer from “spiritual failure to thrive”—content with small dreams, half-hearted in our devotion, and lacking holy ambition. The cure is not guilt or striving, but a renewed desire for God to do great things through us, in His timing and by His Spirit. Holy ambition is not a burden, but a source of joy and fuel for our lives. Whether our calling is grand or seemingly small, God delights in bold prayers and faithful service. Let us ask God for more—not for our own sake, but for His glory and the growth of His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Holy Ambition Is Rooted in Humility and Service True spiritual ambition is not about self-promotion or personal achievement, but about a deep desire to serve God and accomplish His will. Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was not for his own glory, but so he could faithfully continue the prophetic ministry and serve God’s people in a time of great need. Holy ambition is always grounded in humility and a willingness to serve, not in pride or competition. [29:13]
• 2. God Honors Bold, Kingdom-Focused Prayers Elisha’s audacious request teaches us that God is not offended by big prayers when they are motivated by a desire to see His kingdom advance. God delights in granting greater spiritual power and opportunity to those who seek Him with pure motives. We are encouraged to ask boldly, trusting that God can do immeasurably more than we imagine when our hearts are aligned with His purposes. [34:59]
• 3. Faithful Service Precedes Greater Responsibility Before Elisha ever asked for a double portion, he demonstrated years of humble, faithful service to Elijah. He was willing to pour water on Elijah’s hands and learn in the quiet moments, not just seek the spotlight. God often prepares us for greater things through seasons of hidden, faithful service, shaping our character and deepening our dependence on Him. [44:40]
• 4. The Spirit Empowers Us to Do Greater Things Jesus promised that those who believe in Him would do even greater things, not because of their own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that empowered Elijah and Elisha is given to every believer, enabling us to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world. Our limitations are no barrier to God’s power; He invites us to dream and act in faith. [47:54]
• 5. Holy Ambition Brings Joy, Not Burden Pursuing God’s call with holy ambition is not meant to weigh us down, but to fill us with joy and purpose. There are seasons in life, and God’s call may look different in each one, but when we respond to His prompting, our ambition becomes a source of energy and delight. Holy ambition is not about striving harder, but about being open to what God wants to do through us, however big or small.
  
  ** [53:34]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [21:06] - Prayer for Understanding
• [21:56] - Old Testament Reading: Elijah Taken Up
• [25:00] - Responsive Reading: Psalm 77
• [25:39] - Gospel Reading: John 14
• [27:54] - The Nature of Ambition
• [29:13] - Holy Ambition Defined
• [31:09] - The Significance of Elijah’s Cloak
• [33:39] - Continuity of God’s Work
• [34:59] - Elisha’s Audacious Request
• [39:25] - God Honors Bold Prayers
• [44:40] - Faithful Service and Humility
• [47:54] - Jesus’ Promise of Greater Things
• [51:04] - Spiritual Failure to Thrive
• [53:34] - Seasons of Life and Holy Ambition
• [55:34] - Modern Examples of Holy Ambition
• [57:39] - Encouragement to Pray Boldly
• [58:21] - The Promise of the Spirit

Bible Reading

2 Kings 2:1-14 (ESV) — > When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel... [Read full passage: 2 Kings 2:1-14]

John 14:12-21 (ESV) — > “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it... [Read full passage: John 14:12-21]

Observation Questions

1. What did Elisha do immediately after Elijah placed his cloak on him, and what did this action show about his commitment? ([43:26])
2. When Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before being taken up, what was Elisha’s request, and how did Elijah respond? ([34:59])
3. According to John 14, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him regarding the works they will do? ([47:54])
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of Elijah’s cloak, both as a symbol and as a tool? ([33:00])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why did Elisha ask for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit? Was this about personal greatness, or something else? ([34:59])
2. The sermon says Elisha’s ambition was “rooted in humility and a desire to serve God faithfully, not in pride or self-promotion.” How can we tell the difference between holy ambition and selfish ambition in our own lives? ([29:13])
3. Jesus says His followers will do “even greater things” than He did. What do you think Jesus meant by this, and how does it relate to the story of Elisha? ([47:54])
4. The sermon mentions “spiritual failure to thrive.” What are some signs of this condition, and what is the suggested cure? ([51:04])

Application Questions

1. Elisha left behind his old life completely when he followed God’s call. Is there something in your life that you sense God might be asking you to leave behind or surrender in order to follow Him more fully? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area? ([43:26])
2. The sermon challenges us to pray bold, kingdom-focused prayers. What is one “big” or “audacious” prayer you could start praying—not for your own glory, but for God’s kingdom? ([39:25])
3. Elisha served Elijah faithfully for years before stepping into greater responsibility. Are there “hidden” or behind-the-scenes ways you can serve God or others right now, even if no one notices? ([44:40])
4. The idea of “holy ambition” is that it brings joy, not burden. Have you ever felt weighed down by Christian service or ambition? How might your perspective change if you saw ambition as a source of joy and energy, as the sermon suggests? ([53:34])
5. The sermon talks about “spiritual failure to thrive” and being content with small dreams. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel you’ve settled for less than what God might want for you? What would it look like to ask God for more in those areas? ([51:04])
6. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to empower us. In what area of your life do you most need the Spirit’s power right now? How can your group pray for you in this? ([47:54])
7. The sermon gives examples of holy ambition in both “big” and “small” callings. What is one practical way you can pursue holy ambition this week, whether it’s reaching out to someone, starting a new habit, or praying for something specific? ([54:18])