Young People's Group

The Hope of Your Calling

by Mitchell Tan
September 25, 2019

FINDING KNOWLEDGE THROUGH ENLIGHTENMENT

One thing that we should pray for when it comes to understanding salvation is enlightenment. The apostle Paul had taken the time to explain how wonderful the Lord’s salvation is. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. And yet, it was not easy for all to fully understand. Thus, Paul took time to pray for the Ephesians.

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know …”
Ephesians 1:18

He prayed for enlightenment so that the Ephesians would have understanding and knowledge of the things of salvation and His spiritual blessings. The word “know” is the word “oida” in Greek. It means to be able to see and know spiritually.

AN ENLIGHTENED HOPE OF OUR CALLING

There were aspects of salvation that the Ephesians needed to know further. One of them was the hope of their calling.

“… What is the hope of His calling”
Ephesians 1:18

1. ASPECTS OF CALLING

A. CALLED TO SALVATION

One aspect of that calling is with reference to salvation. Those whom the Lord predestined, He called. And those He called He also justified them (Romans 8:30). This is with reference to salvation.

B. CALLED TO BE GOD’S SPECIAL PEOPLE

Another aspect of calling is to be called to be God’s people. We are called to be God’s chosen people. Paul had earlier written about how the Lord had chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before the Lord in love (Ephesians 1:4). “Chosen” and “called” go together. Peter wrote about this concerning how the Christians were “(God’s) chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that (they) may proclaim the praises of Him who called (them) out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). We have been called out of darkness to be part of His marvelous light. This is our calling too. We are meant to be a people that is holy that we may bring forth praises to Him.

2. HOPE FROM THE LORD’S CALLING

It is from understanding our calling that we can have a special sense of hope. When we can perceive and are illumined to the truths of the Lord’s calling, hope will arise in the heart. Calling is no longer theoretical. It is a hope that is alive and real. There is much hope in being part of God’s people. Paul wanted the Christians at Ephesus to learn to have this oneness of the hope of the Lord’s calling. There is one body and one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4). And it is through the Spirit that we are called in one hope of His calling. Let’s truly seek to have this special sense of hope in the Lord and in His calling. May hope arise in our heart because of salvation in Christ and in being part of His people!

Back to Article Listing