Knowing what we have

Lesson Text: Ephesians 1:18-19

Preached in Quabbin Valley on 2/1/09

Introduction:

Diamonds in Africa (story)

1. what is the hope of His calling

a. defining “hope”

i. Hope biblically is not what a young boy defined it as when he said: “Hope is wishing for something you know ain’t gonna happen.”[1]Biblical hope is an “assurance” or we might even say a “guarantee”. What is the hope of his calling?

b. heaven

i. Eternal life (Titus 1:1-2)

ii. Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Romans 6:5)

iii. New Heavens and Earth (2 Peter 3:10-13)

c. fellowship with God

i. Eternally (Revelation 21:3)

ii. The relationship we need and long for

1. Many people try and fill the hole in their heart with things like alcohol and drugs but what they truly are longing for is God.

2. what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints

a. co heirs with Christ

i. Jesus inherits everything, he is said to be the first born. That means he is the heir.

ii. We inherit everything (Romans 8:17, Titus 3:7)

iii. all spiritual blessings are ours even now (Ephesians 1:3)

1. love, joy, peace, ect

3. what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe

a. forgiveness of sins (Romans 1:16-17)

i. we were dead

ii. he made us alive

b. grace

i. getting what we don’t deserve

c. mercy

i. not getting what we do deserve

d. power to live like Christ (Philippians 4:13)

Conclusion:

Woman who lived in poverty in Ireland (Story)

Hope

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Acts 23:6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial."

Acts 24:15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.

Titus 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

Titus 3:7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Col 1:5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel,

Col 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus;

Spiritual blessing

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Titus 3:7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Power of God

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Col 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

2Th 1:11 To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power;

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

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[1]Michael P. Green. (2000). 1500 illustrations for biblical preaching. Includes indexes. (194). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.