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There Is One Hope
(Ephesians 4:4-6)

​Introduction:

         1. At the present time we are studying a series of lessons designed to help us know the
             truth concerning the 7 subjects listed in Ephesians 4:4-6.
         2. To know the truth on these subjects we must follow the Lord's instructions found in John 8:31-32.
         3. We have covered 2 of these subjects -- the "one body" and the "one Spirit."
         4. Today we are focusing our attention on the "one hope" mentioned in vs.4.
         5. Let us begin by showing that . . .

Discussion:

I.            THE  LORD'S  WORD  IDENTIFIES  THE  "ONE  HOPE"

         A. In some passages the Bible refers to "hope" in a general sense.
              1. In general, "hope" is the expectation of something good in the future.
              2. Illustration:
                  a. (1 Corinthians 9:10) "He that ploweth should plow in hope."
                  b. When a farmer plows, he expects to reap a harvest in the future.
         B. Ephesians 4:4 is more specific -- it mentions the "one hope of your calling."
              1. From Paul's request in Ephesians 1:18 we understand that we can know what this hope is.
              2. A number of passages identify the "one hope" as eternal life in heaven that Christ will give
                  to His faithful followers when He returns.
                  a. Colossians 1:3-5
                  b. Titus 1:1-2; 2:13

II.            THE  LORD'S  WORD  IDENTIFIES  THOSE  WHO  HAVE  THE  "ONE  HOPE"

         A. According to Ephesians 2:11-12, those who are outside of Christ have no hope
              [as illustrated by the jailer in Acts 16:25-27].
         B. Thankfully, the Lord has made it possible for us to be born again so we can have the "one hope."
              1. See Titus 3:3-7.
              2. Notice the change that took place when the jailer was born again -- he gained the "one hope"
                  that he did not have before (Acts 16:28-34).
         C. When we enter the "one body," we gain the "one hope."

III.           THE  LORD'S  WORD  IDENTIFIES  RESPONSIBILITIES  IN  CONNECTION  WITH 
               THE  "ONE  HOPE"


         A. (Romans 12:12) "Rejoicing in hope."
         B. (1 Peter 1:13) We are to prepare our minds so we can "hope to the end."
         C. (1 John 3:2-3) The "one hope" will lead us to be pure.

IV.          THE  LORD'S  WORD  IDENTIFIES  CERTAIN  BENEFITS  IN  CONNECTION  WITH 
               THE  "ONE  HOPE"


         A. See Hebrews 6:17-19
              1. The "one hope" is "an anchor of the soul."
              2. It will prevent us from drifting away.
         B. See Romans 8:18-25
              1. (vs.24) "We are saved by hope."
              2. The "one hope" will help us to exercise patience while we wait for eternal life to become a reality.

Conclusion:

         1. In general, "hope" is the expectation of something good in the future.
         2. The "one hope" is receiving eternal life in heaven when Christ returns.
         3. A small glimpse of heaven is given in Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5.
         4. See Revelation 22:14, 17.
Webmaster Gary L. Wade