This week’s sermon resources:

Summary:

“Hope Through Despair”

Ephesians 1:15-23

The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a past event—it’s the foundation for present hope. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (and us) is that we’d grasp the "hope to which [God] has called [us]" (Ephesians 1:18). In a world of despair (sickness, injustice, financial ruin) or misplaced hope (wealth, politics, romance), the resurrection offers plot armor: a guaranteed future where death loses. The Holy Spirit, the "deposit" of this hope (Ephesians 1:14), empowers us to live differently—rejecting despair, reorienting misplaced hopes, and carrying light to others in their darkness.

Key Themes:

·        The Resurrection’s Present Power
Easter isn’t just a Sunday celebration; it’s a Monday-through-Friday reality (Ephesians 1:19-20).

·        Misplaced Hope = Despair Deferred
Wealth, achievement, and politics can’t defeat death—they’re "vain hope" (Psalm 33:17).

·        The Spirit’s Power Within Us
The same power that raised Jesus now works in us to transform fear into hope (Ephesians 1:19-20).

·        Hope as Mission
Like Mary announcing Jesus’ resurrection, we’re sent to bring hope to tombs (STI testing story, 29:33).

· Main Text: Ephesians 1:15-23 (Paul’s prayer for hope and revelation).

· Supporting Passages:

o   Psalm 33:16-22 (Vain hope vs. God’s unfailing love).

o   John 20:11-18 (Mary’s encounter with the risen Jesus).

o   Romans 8:11 (Spirit’s resurrection power in us).

1.     "The Eyes of Your Heart" (Ephesians 1:18)
Where have you seen God’s hope break into your despair? 4:13

2.    Misplaced Hopes
What "vain hopes" (career, relationships, politics) compete for your trust? 17:09

3.    Plot Armor Living
How does knowing the resurrection’s guaranteed ending change your daily struggles? 20:06

4.    Bringing Hope to Tombs
Who in your life needs you to "be Mary" and bring them resurrection hope? 30:05