Hope Everybody wants some sense of hope The future is better and brighter with hope Hope Some people have no hope Eph. 2:12 1 Thess. 4:13 1 Cor. 15:19 Faithful Christians have hope – the only hope

The Christian’s Hope

The Christian’s Hope The Fact of Hope The Fact of Hope

The Fact of Hope Can know: I am a child of God (Rom. 8:16) Can see: I am pleasing to God (1 John 3:19-24) Can make: my calling & election sure (2 Pet. 1:5-10) Can have: hope of eternal life Titus 1:2 – “in hope of eternal life” Titus 2:13 – “looking for the blessed hope” Titus 3:7 – “become heirs according to the hope” Heb. 6:11 – “full assurance of hope” Col. 1:5 – “hope which is laid up for you in heaven” John 14:1-3 – “I will come again and receive you”

The Christian’s Hope The Fact of Hope The Nature of Hope

+ = Desire Expectation Hope The Nature of Hope What hope is: “Favorable and confident expectation” (Vines) “(to anticipate, ususally with pleasure); expectation” (Strongs) “To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence” (dictionary.com) Desire Expectation + = Hope

The Nature of Hope What hope is: Looks toward the unseen future (Rom. 8:24) A living hope (1 Pet. 1:3) In contrast to temporal – earthly (ultimately fails) Alive – not idle Real – produces something within us

The Nature of Hope What hope is: Looks toward the unseen future (Rom. 8:24) A living hope (1 Pet. 1:3) An Inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4) Word used in LXX (Deut. 15:14; 19:10) for Canaan “Incorruptible” (undying, enduring, not perish, not decay) “Undefiled” (unstained, unsoiled, not ruined) “Does not fade away” (never loses beauty or worth)

The Nature of Hope What hope is: Looks toward the unseen future (Rom. 8:24) A living hope (1 Pet. 1:3) An Inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4) Approval and honor from God (1 Pet. 1:7) “Praise” – approval as faithful servant – commended “Honor” – crown, robe, reward “Glory” – of heaven, exaltation

The Nature of Hope What hope is: Looks toward the unseen future (Rom. 8:24) A living hope (1 Pet. 1:3) An Inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4) Approval and honor from God (1 Pet. 1:7) Salvation of souls (1 Pet. 1:9) “End” = aim – goal Eternal salvation

The Christian’s Hope The Fact of Hope The Nature of Hope The Basis of Hope The Basis of Hope

The Basis of Hope Resurrection of Christ ( 1Pet. 1:3) Heart / core of Christianity Ultimate proof of Jesus & Bible Raised for our salvation (Heb. 9:12; Rom. 4:25) He is the “first fruits” (1 Cor. 15:20)

The Basis of Hope Resurrection of Christ ( 1Pet. 1:3) The grace of God (Tit. 3:5, 7 ; Eph. 2:5, 8) Not because we deserve it Sometimes act as though it is based upon merit “If anybody will go to heaven, he will” “I don’t think I’m good enough” My assurance is not based upon my feeling like I am good enough! When we look at things we’ve done – sins for which we have been forgiven…it must be by grace!

The Basis of Hope Resurrection of Christ ( 1Pet. 1:3) The grace of God (Tit. 3:5; Eph. 2:5, 8) Knowing I am doing what is right Not based upon feeling Knowing names is written in heaven (Lk. 10:20) Knowing life agrees with word (Rom. 8:16) Knowing doing what pleases God (1 Jno. 3:22) Why knowledge is so important If my “knowledge” is wrong – false assurance If my knowledge is correct – true assurance

The Basis of Hope Resurrection of Christ ( 1Pet. 1:3) The grace of God (Tit. 3:5; Eph. 2:5, 8) Knowing I am doing what is right My Diligence (2 Pet. 1:5-10) Key: “giving all diligence” (do best you can) Not based upon perfection

The Christian’s Hope The Fact of Hope The Nature of Hope The Basis of Hope The Function of Hope The Function of Hope

The Function of Hope Patient (1 Thess. 1:3) Rejoice (Rom. 12:12) Bold (2 Cor. 3:12) Not Sorrow as others (1 Thess. 4:13) Anchors the soul (Heb. 6:11, 19) Live holy (1 Pet. 1:3, 15-16; 1 Jno. 3:3)

The Christian’s Hope The Fact of Hope The Nature of Hope The Basis of Hope The Function of Hope The Misconceptions of Hope The Misconceptions of Hope

The Misconceptions of Hope “Eternal Security” (Once saved always saved) Can fall from grace (Gal. 5:4) Fearful of judgment (Heb. 10:26-29) Can wander from truth – death (Jas. 5:19-20)

The Misconceptions of Hope “Eternal Security” (Once saved always saved) “Imputed Righteousness” (God doesn’t see sin)

Imputed Righteousness Calvinism: Christ R. of Christ transferred Us

God Sees Perfect Righteousness of Christ Sin Inst. Music Adultery Error

Imputed Righteousness Calvinism: Bible: Christ Nothing in Rom. 4 about the righteousness of Christ Righteousness imputed = own Sin imputed = own If Righteousness = R. of Christ – then sin = sin of Christ R. of Christ transferred Us

The Misconceptions of Hope “Eternal Security” (Once saved always saved) “Imputed Righteousness” (God doesn’t see sin) Continuous Cleansing (Automatic forgiveness) “Even as we sin” – like a windshield wiper Acts 8:22 – repent & pray (not automatic) 1 John 1:9 – cleansing as continuous as confession!

The Misconceptions of Hope The Christian’s Hope The Fact of Hope The Nature of Hope The Basis of Hope The Function of Hope The Misconceptions of Hope