The Christian’s Hope Romans 8:24-25
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
The Basis of Hope Because God cannot lie – Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18
Titus 1:1-2 “ Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, {2} in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. ”
Hebrews 6:17-18 “ Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. ”
The Basis of Hope Because God cannot lie – Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18 Because Christ was raised from the dead – 1 Corinthians 15:19-20; Romans 1:1-4
1 Corinthians 15:19-20 “ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. {20} But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ”
Romans 1:1-4 “ Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God {2} which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, {3} concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, {4} and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. ”
The Basis of Hope Because God cannot lie – Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18 Because Christ was raised from the dead – 1 Corinthians 15:19-20; Romans 1:1-4 Because of the gospel assurance offered by witnesses of the resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:5-8
1 Corinthians 15:5-8 “ And that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. {6} After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. {7} After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. {8} Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. ”
The Results of Hope Hope Protects Us – 1 Thessalonians 5:8
1 Thessalonians 5:8 “ But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. ” Our hope protects us from the despair with which the Devil would assault us.
The Results of Hope Hope Protects Us – 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Hope Purifies Us – 1 John 3:3
1 John 3:3 “ And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. ” A constant awareness of the hope that lies within us is a deterrent to sin!
The Results of Hope Hope Protects Us – 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Hope Purifies Us – 1 John 3:3 Hope Stabilizes Us – Hebrews 6:19-20
Hebrews 6:19-20 “ This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, {20} where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. ” Hope gives us stability and confidence amidst the storms of life.
The Objects of Hope We hope for Eternal Life – The ominous certainty of death makes us long for a better existence where death has no power! (cf. Titus 1:1-2)
Titus 1:1-2 “ Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, {2} in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. ”
The Objects of Hope We hope for Eternal Life – The ominous certainty of death makes us long for a better existence where death has no power! (cf. Titus 1:1-2) We hope for Glory – 1 Peter 1:3-5
1 Peter 1:3-5 “ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, {4} to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, {5} who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ”
The Objects of Hope We hope for Eternal Life – The ominous certainty of death makes us long for a better existence where death has no power! (cf. Titus 1:1-2) We hope for Glory – 1 Peter 1:3-5 We hope to See Jesus – 1 John 3:2; Colossians 3:4
1 John 3:2 “ Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. ”
Colossians 3:4 “ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. ”
Hope is Essential “ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. ” (Romans 8:25) “ He who testifies to these things says, ‘ Surely I am coming quickly. ’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! ” (Revelation 22:20)