2. Hope Colossians 1:5

3. The Nature of Hope  Definition of hope: The expectation of something desired Desire + expectation = hope  A contrast: Hope is the joyful expectation of something good Fear is the dreadful expectation of something bad  Hope always looks ahead (Rom. 8:24- 25; Heb. 11:1)

4.  Hope is associated with other important principles  One of the “big three” (1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thess. 1:3)  Hope without faith is vain {empty} (1 Cor. 15:14, 17-19)  The source of all hope - - “of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Col. 1:5)

5. The Main Object of Hope  Eternal life  Only possible in Christ (Col. 1:27)  Hope in a bodily resurrection (Acts 24:15)  An example and promise (1 Cor. 6:14)  An eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-9)

6. Some Benefits of Hope  Stability (Heb. 6:17-20)  Confidence (2 Cor. 3:12)  Direction (Col. 1:23)  Meaning (1 Peter 3:15)  Enthusiasm (Phil. 1:12; 4:13)