Believer's Hope(5)

2 Cor. 4:1-18:5:1-10

I. Personal Hope - 4:1-7

A. Problem: Ashamed of Christ -hid the gospel from the lost. Satan has blinded people to the truth.

B. Preaching - vs5 -Not preaching self-

preaching Christ -Paul a servant/slave to Christ.

C. Perception vs 6 - Christ the light of the world shines in our hearts. Revealing truth of God’s word.

D. Power - vs7 Without God we are nothing.

II. Power of Hope 4:8-10

A. Persecution - problems, troubles, disappointments- cannot give up.

B. Person- having the marks of a Christian - Gal. 6:17

Galatians 6:17 ESV

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

Promise - vs 14 God will raise us up

Purpose - suffering is for a reason - see Rom. 8:28

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Power strength to carry on

Patience : endurance - our reward will be worth our sufferings.

III, Purpose of Hope - 5:1-10

1 Cor. 15:51

1 Corinthians 15:51 ESV

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Portion - God has given a guarantee of heaven through the Holy Spirit

Pleasure - enjoyment of serving Christ

Personal Judgement- stand at the judgement seat of Christ.

Rewards: The Presence of God along with a hosts of friends.

Pleasure