City Life Starter

Written by Chris Pate

The Word

[16] I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, [17] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, [18] having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.

Ephesians 1:16-19

Analysis

Paul is in prison in Rome as he wrote this letter. He had been beaten, bitten, shipwrecked, and in chains for his faith in Christ and somehow comes out of that fire not smelling like smoke. Each hardship he seemed to face just unearthed a deeper understanding of who God is and unleashed not only trials – as if that’s all that came from Paul’s life – but also triumph. He saw miracles, signs and wonders, angels, and most importantly people coming into a relationship with God that transformed their lives. What he knew and had with Christ, he sincerely wanted each believer in Ephesus and beyond to understand. That the revealing of their inheritance brought about his rejoicing, even in a lonely prison.

Application

William Randolph Hearst was an American businessman, newspaper publisher, and politician during the turn of the 19th century. He was known for his incredible collection of art and insatiable desire for the rarest of pieces to add to his collection. On one occasion he learned of a piece he greatly desired and sent his agent scouring the globe for it. After many months of searching the agent was able to hunt down this desired artwork for Hearst. He was able to bring Hearst some incredible news: this rare relic would not cost him a dime. The catch: he already owned it. It had been hidden away in his vast warehouse with many other artworks uncrated and unbeknownst to Hearst. 

This true story magnificently shares a similarity that the Apostle Paul is praying for every Christian to understand. We have a glorious inheritance given to us in the work of Christ. It wasn’t just Christ doing this for himself, but His life, death and resurrection enabled us to receive a spiritual inheritance. We are spiritual trust fund kids and most of us do not even know it. 

For many, the inheritance that Christ has given us sits in a warehouse of faulty and immature thinking. So often it collects dust, unused while we go about life defeated and powerless. We seek for more fulfillment in the wrong things while we’ve been given all we need now.  

What’s this inheritance that’s been given us you ask? Well, many things, but I believe the most important to be the very presence of God living in us through His Spirit. God is no longer in a temple or tent, but He lives in His believers as we are the temples now. His Spirit guides us, helps us, gives us wisdom and power to overcome sin and push back the darkness. We don’t have to wait for a perfect place or circumstance to have joy and our desires fulfilled, the Holy Spirit can bring that now if only we knew what we have been given. Paul knew this, and even in prison with chains, could never be truly bound again as he knew true freedom and longed for us to know this as well.

Prayer

Lord, reveal all it is that Your Son has purchased for me in relationship with You. Thank You for forgiving me, bringing peace with me and others by Your power. Let me be humble enough to ask for Your Spirit to fill me with Your life, to give me Your mind and know Your ways. Speak into my life and direct me and let me speak into others of this great hope that I have received. In Jesus’ name, by His authority and work, amen!