How can we daily live out the hope mentioned in Colossians 1:27? A Rich Hope Defined - “to whom God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) - Hope is not wishful thinking; it is the living, indwelling presence of Jesus Himself. - “Christ in you” points to a present reality; “the hope of glory” points to a guaranteed future. Both shape every ordinary day. Why This Hope Matters Every Day - Identity: Because Christ lives in you, you are already accepted, adopted, redeemed (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 8:15). - Security: Nothing can sever this union (John 10:28-29). - Purpose: His life in you propels good works He prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). - Witness: A hopeful life draws questions from a watching world (1 Peter 3:15). Practices That Unleash the Hope Within 1. Begin each morning by acknowledging Christ’s indwelling. • “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) 2. Feed your mind Scripture that spotlights your future glory. • Read Colossians 3:1-4; meditate on the phrase “your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” 3. Pray expectantly. • Ask the Spirit to display Christ’s character in today’s conversations, tasks, and trials. 4. Practice thankfulness. • List evidence of God’s faithfulness; gratitude stirs hope (Psalm 103:2). 5. Speak hope aloud. • Encourage family, coworkers, and friends with reminders of God’s promises (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Serve someone in Jesus’ name. • Acts of love make the invisible Christ visible (Matthew 5:16). 7. Anchor your perspective in eternity. • When setbacks arise, rehearse 2 Corinthians 4:17-18—today’s troubles are “momentary and light” compared with the coming glory. Words of Scripture to Keep Close - Romans 15:13 — “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - 1 Peter 1:3 — “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - Titus 2:13 — “while we await the blessed hope—the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” - Hebrews 10:23 — “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” - 1 John 3:3 — “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” When Hope Feels Distant - Admit it to the Lord; He already knows (Psalm 62:8). - Recall past deliverances (Lamentations 3:21-23). - Invite a trusted believer to remind you of truth (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). - Sing hymns or worship songs that exalt Christ’s victory (Acts 16:25). - Rest in the Spirit’s intercession when words fail (Romans 8:26-27). Putting It All Together Today Christ in you guarantees glory ahead and power now. Set your mind on that reality each morning, nourish it with Scripture and prayer, display it through gratitude and service, and guard it with fellowship and worship. Live boldly; the hope of glory already lives within you. |
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