Explore Your Faith Teaching Series -
Explo-16 ©
OUTLINE
Introduction
In
a previous study, we examined the concept of covenant and its implications for
us as the people of God, under the NEW Covenant, with Christ as mediator. We then examined the concept of
‘Authority’ and its place in our lives as covenanted people.
This
study explores the biblical concept of Hope,
which springs out of our covenant
relationship (which,
as we have already seen, has been sealed by the death of Christ).
The
study examines and differentiates between the secular and biblical meanings of
hope.
Hope
is different from believing, but exists because
of it.
The
study explores why and how the Christian’s hope is sure, and how it enables the believer in the present life.
If
you don’t have biblical hope, you are
lost! We will see see why in this study.
As in previous sessions, let’s remember that we are not
simply concerned with an intellectualizing of concepts, but an understanding
that enables a practical outworking in our lives! Simplicity is the key!
What is ‘hope’? Is it necessary? What is biblical hope?
Where does it reside? Is it the same as ‘believing’? These are some of the
questions that we will be answering in this session.
Hope (generally) appears to be a psychological necessity.
Without it, we would never be able to envisage the future. It is something that resides in man without
his even trying to understand why he entertains it! In other words, it appears
to be a ‘natural’ inclination. In this
general sense, hope can often be something that is an illusion, an imagining
that is desperate, or feeble, or even futile (wishful thinking!).
In general, it is legitimate to see ‘hope’ as a future
expectation, even if it be illusory! (For example, the hope of being rewarded
makes ‘work’ worthwhile). Very often, current circumstances or even human
endeavours, reliance on possessions or human capabilities condition hope. When
we consider ‘hope’ in this secular form, it is easy to see why the world does
not regard ‘hope’ as a virtue!
So what makes Biblical Hope different?
The essential difference is really in its source.
When the Bible talks about ‘hope’, it is not talking
about wishful thinking. Many say, “I hope to have (something)” when what they really mean is “I wish to have (something).” Therefore, it
is important to get a good grasp of what hope means to the Christian.
Hope can be defined as ‘a desire of something good, with a
certain expectation of obtaining it’. Biblical hope is certainty, not ‘probability’.
Hope is real because it is founded on faith in the factual content of the gospel, which is:
1. Jesus was delivered to death on account of our sins;
2. Jesus was buried;
3. Jesus was
raised from the dead on the third day
(as the Scriptures foretold);
4. We are
reckoned righteous by believing these
facts (i.e., no longer condemned).
It is on this basis (faith) that we have HOPE.
Biblical hope becomes possible when there is belief
in the living God who acts and intervenes in human life and who can be trusted
to keep his promises.
Hope isn’t the same as ‘believing’; but hope stems from
it! (E.g., Abraham’s hope that Sarah
would give birth to a son, despite their situation). Biblical hope is therefore
inseparable from, but not the same as, faith in God. Biblical Hope is the certain
expectation of the future reality of God’s blessings, based upon the
reflection of the activities of God’s faithful actions, as revealed in the
Scriptures.
Hope resides in the mind.
Jesus never explicitly taught his disciples about ‘hope’;
rather, he taught them not to be anxious about the future because that future
was in the hands of a loving Father. He explicitly and consistently taught
about ‘believing’.
(Think about the resurrection of Jesus in the context of
‘hope’; see 1 Pe. 1: 13, 21;
1 Cor. 15:19; Eph.
1:18).
What does hope hold for the believer? (In other words, what
do we hope for?)
2.
Being
Christ’s disciple carries with it the hope of sharing in his glory ((Eph.
1:18); this is already stored up in heaven (Col.
1:5) and will be realized when the Lord is revealed (1
Pet. 1:13).
3. Things not seen (Heb.
11.1)
That is, future blessings / events God has in store for believers (Rom.
4:18-21),
Which include:
1. Righteousness (Gal.
5:5): b). Salvation (1
Thess. 5:8) c); Resurrection of the dead (Acts
24:15); d) redemption of bodies (Rom.8:
23, 24); e). Eternal life (Jn.17:
3) and f). The return of Jesus (Rev.
22:20).
How can the Christian be SURE in his hope?
Because God’s promises are sure (1
Pe. 1:21)
·
Because of
the work being done in us in
preparation for Christ’s return (Philip. 1:6).
How does hope enable the believer right now? (Is it worth
having?)
1.
Helps the
believer to be satisfied with the temporary (momentary) and fleeting joys of
this life (Heb. 13:14).
2.
Provides
the stimulus (urge) to live a pure life (1
Jn. 1: 2-3) and enables cheerful suffering (i.e., encourages
patience, steadfastness etc., Rom.
5:3-5).
·
We can
rejoice even in suffering (Rom.5: 4; Acts
16:19-25) and in the liberation that all creation will enjoy from
bondage to decay (Rom. 8:20).
·
We can
rest perfectly secure in the knowledge of Christ and in his promise to come
back for us. We have an anchor (Heb.
6:19).
Conclusion:
Consider this
IF ONLY FOR THIS LIFE WE HAVE HOPE IN
CHRIST, WE ARE TO BE PITIED MORE THAN ALL MEN (1 COR. 15:19).
Remember faith and hope go together; they
are inseparable. When you have faith, you have hope and vice
versa. In fact, they are bound together
with love, which “covers all”.
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