In fact we will see that “hope” plays a role in many other Christian virtues, and the path to biblical “hope” is none other than path to the person of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, “hope” is the essential trait of collective Christian behavior and thought while we wait for the return of our Lord.
Observations & Conclusions:
The substance of hope:
1. Faith
2. Unity
3. Praise
The source of hope:
1. The Bible
2. Endurance & Encouragement
3. Joy & Peace
The scope of hope:
1. Hope in Jesus Christ
2. Hope by the Holy Spirit
3. Hope to glorify God the Father
– hope glorifies God in community
– hope glorifies God for His mercy
– hope is the fuel of worship
Application:
Worship while you wait
If you find you this difficult…
1. Increase your competency in the Word of God
2. Increase your dependency on God
3. Increase your intimacy with Jesus Christ
Ephesians 4:4-6
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Romans 8:22-25
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Hebrews 6:17-20
“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.
Romans 5:5
“And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”