Understanding the Hope of Our Calling in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Present Reality of Our Hope

The hope of our calling is not merely a distant promise but a present reality that actively shapes our lives. This hope is deeply rooted in the faithfulness of God, making it both irrevocable and certain. As believers, we are called to live in the light of God's glory, reflecting His kingdom and glory in our daily actions. This hope is transformative, influencing how we interact with others and how we perceive our purpose in life. By understanding this hope, we can live with a sense of purpose and direction, knowing that our lives are part of a greater divine plan. [01:38]

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: How can you actively reflect God's kingdom and glory in your daily actions today? What specific steps can you take to live out this present reality of hope?

Day 2: Divine Miracle of Enlightenment

Paul's prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation is a plea for a divine miracle that transforms our hearts and lives. This enlightenment is not just about gaining intellectual knowledge but experiencing a deep, personal understanding of the hope of our calling. It is through this divine enlightenment that we can truly grasp the depth and richness of our relationship with God. This transformation is essential for living a life that is aligned with God's will and purpose. By seeking this spirit of wisdom and revelation, we open ourselves to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. [03:19]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need divine wisdom and revelation? How can you invite God to enlighten your heart today?

Day 3: Certainty Rooted in Faithfulness

The certainty of our calling is firmly rooted in God's faithfulness, making it irrevocable. This assurance empowers us to live out the teachings of Ephesians chapters 4 through 6, which call us to unity, maturity, and love. Understanding the certainty of our calling gives us confidence to pursue a life that reflects God's character and values. It encourages us to strive for spiritual growth and to build relationships that are grounded in love and unity. By embracing this certainty, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and assurance. [06:43]

Hebrews 10:23-24 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

Reflection: How does the certainty of God's faithfulness impact your daily decisions and interactions? What steps can you take to live out this certainty in your relationships?

Day 4: Glorious Destiny of Our Calling

The hope of our calling is a glorious destiny that is both irrevocable and infallibly effective. This calling is powerful and life-giving, much like Jesus' call to Lazarus to come out of the tomb. It creates its effect, producing obedience and transformation in our lives. By understanding the magnitude of this calling, we are inspired to live in a way that reflects God's glory and purpose. This glorious destiny is not just a future promise but a present reality that empowers us to live with purpose and passion. [09:33]

2 Timothy 1:9-10 (ESV): "who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

Reflection: What does it mean for you to live in the light of your glorious destiny? How can you align your daily actions with this powerful calling?

Day 5: Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation

Regular prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation is essential for living a life worthy of our calling. By asking God to open the eyes of our hearts, we can see the hope of our calling and live in a way that reflects His glory. This prayer is a vital part of our spiritual journey, enabling us to grow in our understanding of God's will and purpose for our lives. Through prayer, we invite God to transform our hearts and minds, equipping us to live out our calling with confidence and joy. [07:50]

James 1:5-6 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Reflection: How can you incorporate regular prayer for wisdom and revelation into your daily routine? What specific areas of your life do you need God's guidance and insight?

Sermon Summary

In Ephesians 1:17-19, Paul prays for believers to have a spirit of wisdom and revelation to truly know God. This prayer is crucial because it enables us to see the greatness, worth, and beauty of God's work of salvation. The focus today is on understanding the hope of our calling. This hope is not just a future promise but a present reality that shapes how we live. Paul emphasizes that without the enlightenment of our hearts, we cannot grasp the hope of our calling, and consequently, we cannot walk in a manner worthy of it. This calling is a call to eternal glory, fellowship with Christ, and a life that reflects God's kingdom and glory.

Paul's prayer is a plea for a divine miracle—a spirit-given enlightenment that allows us to know this hope deeply. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, transforming our hearts and lives. The hope of our calling is anchored in God's faithfulness, making it irrevocable and certain. This certainty is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that empowers us to live out the teachings of Ephesians chapters 4 through 6. These chapters call us to live in unity, maturity, and love, reflecting the glory of God in our daily lives.

The hope of our calling is a glorious destiny that is both irrevocable and infallibly effective. It is a call to live in the light of God's glory, a call that is as powerful and life-giving as Jesus' call to Lazarus to come out of the tomb. This calling creates its effect, producing obedience and transformation in our lives. Therefore, we are encouraged to pray regularly for this spirit of wisdom and revelation, asking God to open the eyes of our hearts to see the hope of our calling and to live in a way that is worthy of it.

Key Takeaways

1. The hope of our calling is not just a future promise but a present reality that shapes our lives. It is a call to live in the light of God's glory, reflecting His kingdom and glory in our daily actions. This hope is anchored in God's faithfulness, making it irrevocable and certain. [01:38]
2. Paul's prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation is a plea for a divine miracle that transforms our hearts and lives. This enlightenment allows us to know the hope of our calling deeply, not just intellectually but experientially. [03:19]
3. The certainty of our calling is rooted in God's faithfulness, which makes it irrevocable. This certainty empowers us to live out the teachings of Ephesians chapters 4 through 6, calling us to unity, maturity, and love. [06:43]
4. The hope of our calling is a glorious destiny that is both irrevocable and infallibly effective. It is a call that creates its effect, producing obedience and transformation in our lives, much like Jesus' call to Lazarus. [09:33]
5. Regular prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation is essential for living a life worthy of our calling. By asking God to open the eyes of our hearts, we can see the hope of our calling and live in a way that reflects His glory. [07:50]
** [07:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:18] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:17-19
[00:33] - The Aim: Knowing God
[01:01] - Enlightenment of the Heart
[01:13] - The Hope of His Calling
[01:38] - Importance of Seeing the Hope
[02:08] - Walking Worthy of the Calling
[03:04] - The Miracle of Enlightenment
[03:33] - The Nature of Our Calling
[04:10] - Called to Glory and Excellence
[05:09] - The Glory of Our Calling
[06:03] - The Faithfulness of God
[07:31] - Praying for Wisdom and Revelation
[09:12] - The Infallible Effectiveness of the Call
[10:09] - Conclusion and Application

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:17-19
- 1 Thessalonians 5:24
- Romans 11:29

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Observation Questions:

What does Paul pray for in Ephesians 1:17-19, and why is this prayer significant for believers? [00:18]
How does Paul describe the hope of our calling in Ephesians 1:18, and what are the three things he wants believers to know? [01:13]
According to the sermon, what is the relationship between the enlightenment of our hearts and walking in a manner worthy of our calling? [02:52]
What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's calling and its effect on our lives, as illustrated by the story of Lazarus? [09:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the hope of our calling, as described in Ephesians 1:18, influence the way believers should live their daily lives? [01:38]
In what ways does the certainty of our calling, rooted in God's faithfulness, empower believers to live out the teachings of Ephesians chapters 4 through 6? [06:43]
How does the sermon explain the concept of our calling being both irrevocable and infallibly effective? What implications does this have for believers? [09:12]
What role does regular prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation play in understanding and living out the hope of our calling? [07:50]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current understanding of the hope of your calling. How does this hope shape your daily decisions and actions? [01:38]
Consider a situation in your life where you need to walk in a manner worthy of your calling. What specific steps can you take to align your actions with this calling? [02:39]
How can you incorporate regular prayer for a spirit of wisdom and revelation into your daily routine? What changes do you anticipate this will bring to your spiritual life? [07:50]
Identify an area in your life where you struggle to see the hope of your calling. How can you seek God's enlightenment to gain a deeper understanding and experience of this hope? [03:19]
Think of a time when you felt uncertain about your calling. How does the assurance of God's faithfulness, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, provide comfort and direction in such moments? [06:43]
How can you actively reflect God's kingdom and glory in your interactions with others this week? Identify one specific action you can take to demonstrate this. [01:38]
In what ways can you encourage others in your community to understand and live out the hope of their calling? Share a practical example of how you might do this. [09:33]

Sermon Clips

Paul's prayer is that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and a revelation in the knowledge of Him so the aim is to know God, and we need to have a spirit-shaped spirit of wisdom that can discern in what Paul has written wise and beautiful things. [00:31:03]

We have to have the eyes of our hearts enlightened so that we might know and now here we are, three things do we unite know this: what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, what is the immeasurable greatness of His power in us who believe. [00:65:43]

If we don't see this calling, know this calling, in other words, if this prayer isn't answered and the eyes of our hearts are not enlightened, we won't know what is the hope of our calling, and if we don't know the hope of our calling, we will not walk in a way worthy of it. [00:62:95]

All of it, if we do not have this miracle happen, this miracle happened, a spirit given to us, eyes of our hearts open and know the way the heart knows this hope of this calling, this book falls to the ground, so does the Christian life. [00:87:92]

God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son. First Timothy 6:12, fight the good fight, take hold of eternal life to which you were called. First Thessalonians 2:12, we charge you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory. [00:29:84]

The God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, called to eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. Second Peter 1:3, His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence. [00:79:60]

We need the answer to Paul's prayer, and we should pray this prayer regularly, perhaps every day. God, grant me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of yourself. I want to know you specifically, Lord. This, the effect of this will be, let the effect be that the eyes of my heart. [00:58:24]

Grant that my eyes would see the hope of your calling in my life, namely all those glory things that Paul and Peter talked about, and grant me to see not only that it is a glorious destiny and that it is irrevocable, but it is also infallibly effective. [00:85:02]

The call of God is like the call of Jesus to Lazarus in his tomb, "Lazarus, come out," and the dead man obeys because the calling creates its effect, it creates obedience, so it is infallibly effective, therefore it is irrevocable, and therefore our glorious destiny is sure. [00:73:68]

He who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it. That faithfulness means it's certain, or as he says in First Corinthians 1:8 and 9, the Lord will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. [00:99:52]

The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable, so we go back now. We need the answer to Paul's prayer, and we should pray this prayer regularly, perhaps every day. God, grant me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of yourself. [00:44:10]

This hope is mainly a hope to be with God in glory forever. That's the hope to which we have been called. Add to the glory of it the beauty of the worth of it, the greatness of it, the irrevocability of it. First Thessalonians 5:24, he who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it. [00:77:91]

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Understanding the Hope of Our Calling in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Present Reality of Our Hope

Day 2: Divine Miracle of Enlightenment

Day 3: Certainty Rooted in Faithfulness

Day 4: Glorious Destiny of Our Calling

Day 5: Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding the Hope of Our Calling in Christ

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