Confident Hope in Ephesians Sermon

Sep 23, 2024

Ephesians Confident Hope Series - Sermon by Pastor Chris

Introduction

  • Pastor Chris introduces himself as the lead pastor at Grace City, Eugene.
  • The sermon is part of the "Ephesians Confident Hope" series.
  • The book of Ephesians focuses on establishing believers in the truth of Jesus, promoting unity and holiness.
  • The Apostle Paul wrote Ephesians to strengthen faith, promote unity, and encourage holiness.
  • First three chapters of Ephesians focus on theological understanding; the last three apply these truths to life.

Key Message

  • Confident Hope: Series title aligns with the message of hope in Ephesians.
  • Pastor Chris admits to having a "hope problem," using a guitar-playing anecdote to illustrate misplaced hope.

Hope Problems Addressed

  • Conditional Hope: Placing hope based on certain conditions being met.
  • Feelings-Based Hope: Allowing emotions to dictate the presence and strength of hope.

Biblical Context

  • Ephesians 1:15-23: Paul gives thanks for the faith of believers and prays for them to have spiritual wisdom and revelation through the Holy Spirit.
  • **Verse Analysis:"
    • Verse 16-17: Paul prays for wisdom and revelation through the Holy Spirit.
    • Verse 18: Eyes of the heart enlightened, spiritual insight.
    • Verses 19-23: Understanding God's power, the same that raised Jesus.

Hope Solution

  • Gospel Power: The same gospel power remains active today.
  • Ephesians 1:22-23: Jesus is over all things and the head of the church.
  • Eternal Perspective: Our hope should be in the eternal outcome, not earthly conditions.

Hope Calling

  • Community and Mission: Hope is to be expressed in community and shared on mission.
  • Confidence in Action: True measure of confident hope is expressing it beyond personal spaces.

Application

  • Practical Steps:
    • Shift hope from circumstantial outcomes to the person of Jesus.
    • Engage in community, embrace discipleship, and share hope.

Conclusion

  • Invitation to place hope and faith in Jesus.
  • Encouragement to identify personal hope problems and to redirect hope to Jesus.
  • Prayer for those seeking to understand and embrace this confident hope.

Call to Action

  • Live out confident hope publicly and in community.
  • Be active in discipleship and sharing the gospel.

Note: These notes summarize the key themes and messages of Pastor Chris's sermon, focusing on the concept of confident hope as discussed in Ephesians.