Embracing the Hope, Inheritance, and Power of a Believer

The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:18-19b, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” In this passage, Paul highlights three important aspects: the Hope of His Calling, the Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance in the Saints, and the Surpassing Greatness of His Power toward Believers.

Life can sometimes feel devoid of purpose, leaving us with questions like, “Why am I here?” and “What does this all mean?” In our quest for answers, we often seek distractions to silence the questioning within us. However, Paul’s letter to the newly founded church in Ephesus reminds us that the question of “Why” does have an answer. It’s not a simplistic response like “Because God.” Instead, Paul prays that their spiritual hearts would be enlightened to know the Hope of His Calling.

The Hope of His Calling

The Hope of His Calling refers to the purpose and future that Jesus has given us. Jesus came to open up the world to God and to reveal the “Why” of life. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He paid our debt and gave us the assurance of a future beyond this earthly life. The sending of the Holy Spirit guarantees that life. As believers, we no longer have to fear what comes after death. We can approach life’s questions with open hearts and eyes, knowing that we have direct access to the One who created everything.

The Calling Jesus gave us is to spread this life-changing message to the world and lead lives that are pleasing to God. Our hope goes beyond a future in heaven; it encompasses a present purpose to make a difference in the lives of others. We are called to share the Good News and guide others towards a life that pleases God. This calling comes with responsibilities, but it also brings great fulfillment and joy as we participate in God’s redemptive work.

The Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance in the saints

In Ephesians 1:18-19a, Paul wanted the Ephesians to understand that there is more to be gained than just heaven itself. As believers, we receive an inheritance through our relationship with Jesus Christ. This inheritance is not based on our own efforts, but on the work of Jesus. We are the beneficiaries of everything He accomplished—His glory becomes our inheritance.

Paul uses the analogy of children looking at their parents and wondering about their inheritance. As children, we may not fully grasp the connection between our parents’ love for us and what we will receive from them. Similarly, we may not fully comprehend the richness of our inheritance in Jesus Christ. This inheritance is a result of Jesus’ work, and it includes the blessings and privileges of being part of God’s family.

Our inheritance in Jesus goes beyond material possessions or earthly wealth. It encompasses the immeasurable riches of God’s glory. Through our relationship with Him, we gain access to His wisdom, strength, and love. We are heirs of His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. As we walk in the riches of His inheritance, we experience the fullness of life and the deep satisfaction that comes from being united with our Creator.

The Surpassing Greatness of His Power toward Believers

Paul’s encouragement to the Ephesian church was that they were not powerless. They were not left to their own devices, but they had access to a power greater than themselves. God, the highest power, had sent them the Holy Spirit to dwell within them. The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or an energy; He is a person who empowers believers in both the physical and spiritual realms. The surpassing greatness of His power is at work in us.

Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to control our minds and bodies. He enables us to overcome sin, temptation, and worldly distractions. In our weakness, He gives us strength. In our doubts, He gives us faith. In our fears, He gives us courage. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live victoriously and to navigate the challenges of life.

This power is not limited to our personal lives. The Holy Spirit equips us to impact the world around us. He empowers us to share the message of salvation, to bring healing and restoration, and to make a difference in the lives of others. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us as believers.

What does this passage mean for us today?

This passage from Ephesians is not just a historical account or a theological concept. It is a message of encouragement for us today. Paul’s intention was to strengthen and uplift believers in Jesus Christ, helping them understand their future and embrace their present.

As believers, we have a hope that goes beyond this earthly life. We have a purpose and a calling to make a difference in the world. We are heirs of the immeasurable riches of God’s glory, experiencing the fullness of life in Him. We are not powerless, for we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to live out our calling and navigate the challenges we face.

3 Ways to develop encouragement from this passage:

1. Seek God’s perspective

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:18-19a (NASB1995)

Seek God’s enlightenment to understand His calling and the riches of His inheritance.

Meditate on Ephesians 1:18-19a and ask God to enlighten the eyes of your heart. Pray for a deeper understanding of the hope, riches, and power that He has bestowed upon you.

2. Embrace your purpose

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NASB1995).

Embrace your purpose as a witness for Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Recognize that you have a unique calling to share the Good News and make a difference in the lives of others. Find ways to actively engage in spreading the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

3. Rely on the Holy Spirit

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (NASB1995).

Rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power to overcome worldly desires and live a life that pleases God. 

Cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. Seek His guidance, surrender to His leading, and rely on His power. Allow Him to empower you to live a life that pleases God and impacts those around you.

Take heart and find encouragement in the truth of this passage. You are not alone in your journey. God has a purpose and a calling for your life. He has equipped you with His Spirit, the surpassing greatness of His power. You have access to the immeasurable riches of His glory, not just in the future, but also in the present.

In times when life feels purposeless, remember that your hope is not in the circumstances or the fleeting things of this world. Your hope is rooted in Jesus Christ, His calling, and His promises. Seek His perspective and allow Him to enlighten the eyes of your heart. Trust that He has a plan and a purpose for your life, even when you can’t see it clearly.