let us examine 5 blessings that are in christ (ephesians 1:3)
Introduction:
1. In this verse Paul pronounced a blessing upon God. 2. God certainly deserves this blessing because He provides all spiritual blessings in His Son. 3. The same apostle teaches us how to get into Christ to gain access to these blessings (Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:3-4). 4. Our lesson is based on the information presented in Romans 8:18-39. 5. As we study these verses, "let us examine 5 blessings that are in Christ." Discussion: I. (vs.18-25) FIRST, THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST HAVE "HOPE"
A. Several statements identify this hope -- "eternal life." 1. Vs.18 mentions "the glory which shall be revealed in us." 2. Vs.23 mentions "the redemption of our body." B. Let us consider some information given in Romans 8 concerning "hope." 1. (vs.24a) "We are saved by hope." a. We have identified the "hope" under consideration -- "eternal life." b. Do we have it now? 1) No, if we had it now, we would not have to wait for it. 2) "Hope" is based on the future -- it relates to things we cannot actually see at the present time. 3) God has promised eternal life, but He will not give it until the judgment. 4) We have to be patient while we wait for our hope to become a reality. 2. As we wait for our hope to become a reality, we will be tested. a. There are some unpleasant things in this life that we must endure. 1) (vs.22) The whole creation groans and travails in pain. 2) (vs.23) Christians groan within themselves. b. We must not allow these things to overcome us. c. They may make us "groan," but we must not allow them to defeat us. 3. If we maintain our hope, we will be able to face unpleasant experiences with "patience." C. "Hope" helps us to remain faithful to the Lord so we can receive the reward He has promised (Revelation 2:10). II. SECOND, THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM TWO GREAT SOURCES
A. (vs.26-27) The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of those who are in Christ. B. (vs.34) Christ also intercedes on behalf of those who are in Him. III. (vs.28-30) THIRD, THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST KNOW THAT GOD WORKS PROVIDENTIALLY FOR THEIR GOOD
A. Please note that this blessing is only available to certain ones. B. Many Bible characters illustrate this Bible principle (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Noami and Ruth, Esther, etc). C. These men and women trusted God to take care of them (Hebrews 11:13-16). IV. (vs.31-33) FOURTH, THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST HAVE PROTECTION
A. (vs.31) "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Hebrews 13:5b-6) B. (vs.32) Since God gave His Son for us, won't He provide the things we need? C. (vs.33) Since God has justified us, who can possibly charge us with anything?
V. (vs.35-39) FIFTH, THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM DIVINE LOVE
A. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of Christ? B. Can anyone or anything separate us from the love of God? Conclusion:
1. Romans 8:18-39 is a special text of Scripture. 2. It shows how those who are in Christ enjoy special blessings, including hope, intercession from the Holy Spirit and Christ, God's providential working for good, protection, and love from Christ and His Father. 3. When we get into Christ, we gain access to these blessings.
