Eyes to See: Embracing the Hope of God's Calling - Ephesians 1:18
Ephesians 1:18 (NLT): “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”
Introduction: Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
Ephesians 1:18 is a prayer of deep longing. Paul isn’t just asking for knowledge; he’s asking for enlightenment—a heart flooded with God’s light to truly see the hope we have in Christ. Paul knows we need more than head knowledge. We need spiritual vision. He’s praying that the eyes of our hearts might be opened to grasp the depth and beauty of our calling.
Today, we’ll explore what Paul’s prayer means for us as believers. We’ll look at the hope, riches, and purpose of God’s calling on our lives. God calls us, not merely to know Him but to be transformed by His truth.
1. Understanding the Confident Hope of God’s Calling
Paul prays that the Ephesian believers—and we today—would understand the hope of our calling in Christ. This hope is not wishful thinking. It’s a sure, unshakable confidence in God’s promises.
The Greek word used here for “hope” is elpis (??p??), meaning confident expectation. In Christ, we’re given a hope that is not dependent on circumstances but rests on God’s unchanging character.
Supporting Verse: 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT)
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay."
Peter speaks of our hope as “great expectation” and a “priceless inheritance.” This hope is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus. It’s not based on human promises, but on God’s action in raising Christ from the dead.
“Hope is the anchor of the soul; it’s what holds us steady when everything else is uncertain.” – Charles Stanley
Illustration: Imagine a ship anchored in a storm. No matter how fierce the winds, that anchor keeps it secure. In the same way, our hope in Christ anchors us. Our confidence isn’t in ourselves or the world, but in the promise of God’s eternal life, secured through Jesus’ resurrection.
Ask yourself, “Am I living in the confidence of this hope?” Our calling is not to a life of fear or uncertainty but one filled with the hope that comes from knowing Jesus. Today, rest in the promise of God’s unchanging love and eternal security.
2. Recognising Our Inheritance as God’s People
Paul goes on to describe God’s people as His “rich and glorious inheritance.” This means that not only do we have an inheritance in God, but God treasures us as His inheritance. This is remarkable! God sees us, His people, as precious and valuable.
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NLT)
"For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure."
In the Hebrew Scriptures, God’s people are described as His “special treasure” (segullah, ????????), a term that means a prized possession. Just as Israel was God’s treasured possession, so are we, the church, His beloved and valued inheritance.
“The greatest value in the universe is found in the heart of God’s people. You are treasured, cherished, and loved beyond measure.” – Max Lucado
Picture a parent with their child. No amount of wealth or possessions could compare to the love and joy that child brings. That’s how God sees us: His beloved treasure.
Let’s live in the truth that we are valued by God. No matter our struggles, failures, or successes, God sees us as His cherished possession. Let this identity shape how we live, serve, and love others.
3. Experiencing God’s Power for Daily Living
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18 leads into a declaration of God’s mighty power available to believers. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, empowering us to live out our calling.
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
The power spoken of here is dynamis (d??aµ??) in Greek, meaning dynamic or explosive power. This is not passive power; it’s active, enabling us to overcome sin, serve others, and live boldly for Christ.
“The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power available to you today, to transform, to heal, and to bring hope.” – Christine Caine
Think of an electrical appliance. Without being plugged into a power source, it cannot function. In the same way, when we try to live the Christian life without God’s power, we fall short. But when we’re connected to God’s Spirit, He energises and empowers us.
Ask God to fill you with His Spirit each day. Depend on His strength, not your own. He will empower you to face challenges, resist temptation, and fulfil His calling in your life.
4. Living in the Light of This Hope
Paul prays that the “eyes of our hearts” be enlightened. This phrase speaks to the core of who we are—our thoughts, desires, and choices. When we live with our hearts enlightened by God’s truth, we live with purpose and joy, reflecting God’s light to the world.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden...let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Jesus calls us the light of the world, meant to reflect His hope, peace, and love. We aren’t just receivers of hope; we’re meant to share it with a world in need.
“God doesn’t call us to shine in isolation. He calls us to be cities on a hill, communities of hope and light in the darkness.” – Tim Keller
Imagine a lighthouse standing firm on a stormy coast. Its light guides ships to safety. We’re called to be lighthouses in our communities, guiding others to the hope and salvation found in Jesus.
Live with your heart illuminated by God’s truth. Share His hope with those around you, showing them the love and grace of Christ. Our lives can make an eternal impact when we walk in the light of God’s calling.
Conclusion: Eyes Opened to God’s Calling
In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays for a life-transforming understanding of the hope, riches, and power available to us in Christ. This prayer is for us too. May we live each day with our spiritual eyes wide open, embracing the confident hope we have in Christ, resting in the knowledge that we are God’s cherished inheritance, empowered by His Spirit to live with purpose.
Call to Action:
As we close, let’s make Paul’s prayer our own. Pray for God to open the eyes of your heart, to flood you with His light and give you a deeper understanding of His love, purpose, and power.
If you’re here and you’ve not yet made Jesus your Lord and Saviour, today is your invitation. God loves you, He values you, and He has a purpose for your life. Will you receive His gift of salvation today? Place your trust in Jesus, and let Him transform your heart and life.
