Christ in You, the Hope of Glory

Text: Colossians 1
8 April 2018

The plan of God

1. It was once a “mystery”

“The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations,”   Colossians 1:26
a. It was once hidden but was waiting to be revealed
b. From ages and from generations

2. It has been revealed

“But now has been revealed to His saints.”   Colossians 1:26
a. Revealed already
b. All can know this mystery

3. The plan was for this mystery to be given to all

a. To the Jews
i. The ancient Jews always thought the Messiah was only meant for them
ii. They never thought that the Gentiles would have the same salvation
b. To the Gentiles
“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles”   Colossians 1:27
i. God’s sovereign will was to include Gentiles in His plan of salvation
ii. God’s plan has always been for Christ to be given to all

The presence of Christ in us

“Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”   Colossians 1:27

1. The concept of the presence of Christ

a. Conceptually, Christ is in us
b. But it has to be reality to us also

2. The centrality of Christ in dwelling within us

a. He lives in us and manifests Himself in us individually.
b. Among us
c. He becomes the centre of our life and ministry.
A powerful hope for the future
“Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”   Colossians 1:27

1. Hope for the Gentiles

“And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”   Romans 15:12
a. Christ would be King …not only for Israel but also for the Gentiles
b. He would reign over the Gentiles
c. He would be their hope also
d. We can abound in hope…with joy and peace

2. Hope for this present life

a. As Christ is in us, we hope concerning our life and ministry
b. We have hope every day

3. Hope for life beyond

a. Hope laid up in heaven
“Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,”   Colossians 1:5
b. Heaven is a glorious place that we can look forward to as believers
c. Our hope should be in heaven
d. Look ahead to life beyond this earth