Over the last year, we’ve discussed our hope, inheritance, and power. This is based on Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1. He wants to help all Christians understand their status, i.e., who we are in Christ and what that means for how we live (wisdom). He also prays that the Spirit will help us achieve a deeper, more profound understanding of what we have in Christ.
I. Hope
A. Ephesians 1:18: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the
of his calling, ,
Hope is the Christian’s attitude toward the future.
Hope believes in what God has yet to do.
B. The certainty of our hope:
C. Romans 5:1–2: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the
. D. Colossians 3:3–4: For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also
with him in glory.
Certainty. Destiny. You … appearing with him in glory.
This leads to unparalleled and unmitigated joy.
II. Inheritance
A. Why did Jesus die?
B. Galatians 1:4: who gave himself for our sins to
us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.
Your salvation was to deliver you out of this world.
Rescue means “delivered.”
C. What has He given us?
- 1 Peter 1:3–4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is
, undefiled, and , kept in heaven for you.
III. Power
A. We are in the “in-between.” How do we get through?
B. Ephesians 3:16: I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with
in your inner being through his Spirit,
God wants to strengthen you to manifest virtue and holiness through your speech and action.
He wants to strengthen you to take the battle to Satan.
C. And note that it is the Spirit’s job to fill your heart with confidence, trust, and assurance.
Ephesians 3:16: I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his
, God will power you through!
**IV. As We Close…
A. You have Hope. You have an Inheritance. You have Power … to get you through all the way home.
B. The hope you have in Christ, a hope that is not just wishful thinking but a confident expectation of God’s promises.