Marked as Possession
Tim Keller | October 16, 2011
Overview
The book of Ephesians is essentially about the church. Before Paul shows what the church is, he lays a foundation for who the church is made up of. Here, he first gives an amazing picture of how to become a Christian, how to live as a Christian, and what it means to be a Christian. This sermon shows that being a Christian means three things: truth, hope, and glory.
Outline
Ephesians 1:11–16
Paul’s words in Ephesians help us understand what Christianity is all about. They show us what it means to be a Christian, how it shapes our lives, and why this identity is so important. Even for those who aren’t Christians, it offers valuable insights into truth, hope, and glory.
1. Truth
Being a Christian starts with accepting the gospel of salvation. This isn’t about what we do, but what we believe. The gospel tells us about real events – mainly what God did to save us. So, to be a Christian, we need to believe and understand this truth. We should only question ethical teachings after we’ve looked at the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection and His claims.
2. Hope
In the Bible, hope isn’t about uncertainty. Instead, it’s a strong belief that guides how we live, based on what we think will happen in the future. For example, two people may face the same situation, but if they expect different outcomes, they’ll react differently. So, how we see the future can either light up our lives or cast a shadow over them, affecting how we deal with challenges and find our purpose.
3. Glory
Glory in Christianity means understanding our worth as God’s precious creation, which lets us stop worrying about what others think of us. We’re encouraged to focus on the future promise of being made new again and the wonderful change that will free the world from its faults. This world is just a small part of a much bigger picture, and our relationship with God and the glory we look forward to should be our main concern.
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