Our Hope of Victory Hope enables us to be diligent despite difficulties (Hebrews 6:11-12)

Many have NO HOPE The Ephesians had been “without hope” (Ephesians 2:12-13) Many die in this state (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Many have FALSE HOPE based on… Worldly achievement Psalm 49:11-12 Human strength Psalm 33:16-17; Jeremiah 3:23 Dishonorable conduct Psalm 62:10-11; Proverbs 11:7 Hypocrisy Job 8:13-14; 27:8-9 Perversions of God’s word Ezekiel 13:1-8

Real HOPE is based on… God’s Power -- demonstrated in the resurrection of Christ Ephesians 1:18-20; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 21; 1 Corinthians 15:16-20 God’s Promise Hebrews 6:17-19; Titus 1:2-3 God’s Word Colossians 1:5; Psalm 119:49, 74, 81, , 147; 130:5; 1 Peter 3:15

God has Given us Victory! “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” -- 1 Corinthians 15:57-58