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.