Hope The news of this world can seem gloomy, at times. Still, there is good in this world! With this lesson, we will examine some things that provide HOPE for the Christian!

Reasons for Hope (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Hope Definition of Word Used in Scripture: Noun: “favorable and confident expectation” Verb: King James Version often translates “to trust” (Vine’s) Modern Definition of English Word: Noun, (1) a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen (2) a feeling of trust. Verb, (1) want something to happen or be the case.

Do Not Put Your Hope in… Your own wisdom: Pr 29:20 What seems smooth or intellectual: 1 Cor 4:6; Col 2:8; 1 Tim 6:20 False doctrine(s) or an apathetic spirit: Jer 17:13; Col 1:23; Heb 3:6; 6:11 The idea that we can put off what needs to be done now: Eccl 9:4; Isa 38:18

Hope in God Hoping in God will lead to blessing: Jer 17:7, 29:11, 31:17 Perseverance & character lead to true hope in His glory: Rom 5:2, 4-5 Joy and peace are found in believing: Rom 15:13 Enables one to preach with boldness: 2Cor 3:12 Instills a serious attitude in looking forward to the ultimate revealing of Christ: Tit 2:13; 1 Pet 1:13, 21 God provides hope in ALL things: 1 Tim 1:1

The Power of the Resurrection For what David had hope: Cf. Ps 16:8-11; Acts 2:26b An earnest expectation: Tit 1:2; Heb 3:6, 6:19 What we must preach: Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7 Grants more to look forward to: Rom 8:24-25; Tit. 3:7 Causes one to rejoice, in tribulation: Rom 12:12; 1 Cor 15:19; Phil 1:20 Hope comes from the Scriptures: Rom 15:4; Col 1:5 Leads to LIVING Christ’s way: Col 1:27; 1Pet 1:3

Hope in Spiritual Brethren Contributes toward peaceful resolution of conflict: 1 Cor 13:13 Produces desire to be with others: 1 Cor 16:7; 1 Tim 3:14; 2 Jn 1:12; 3 Jn 1:14 Instills confidence in brethren to do the right thing(s): 2 Cor 1:7 Allows Christians to think the best of each other: 2 Cor. 10:15 Seeing brethren do good instills more hope: 1 Thess 2:19-20

God’s Plan of Salvation Jesus died for the whole world: Rom 15:12 Hope to obtain righteousness by faith: Gal 5:15 Hope that others, too, grow in faith: Eph 1:18 Without Christ, one has no real hope: Eph 2:12; 1 Thess 4:13

Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (NKJV)

Reasons for Hope (Ephesians 4:4-6)