A Christian's Hope Romans 8: 24-25

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Debra Arnold
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1 A Christian's Hope Romans 8: 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. (NKJV) Introduction: Hope is one of the most beautiful words in the english language. The very mention of the word encourages us. Today we want to study what the Bible has to say about hope so that we can better understand it. Hope is defined as...the ground for expecting something desired. There are three elements of hope. (1) Future (2) Desire, and (3) Expectation Example: Burning up the hay baler. I expected whipping, didn't desire it. A person dying of cancer. I desire their health, don't expect it. HOPE DISTINGUISHES THE CHRISTIAN FROM THE WORLD 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (NKJV) Ephesians 2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (NKJV) 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (NKJV) I. BASIS FOR HOPE A. The character of God is a basis of our hope. Hebrews 6:18-20 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. 19 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

2 entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. (NKJV) B. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a basis of our hope. 1 Peter 1:3 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, (NKJV) Acts 2:22-24 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 "whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. (NKJV) Acts 2:31-33 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. (NKJV) C. The assurances God has given are a basis of our hope. (Assurances means the security, certainty and confidence we have based on the promises God has given us.) Hebrews 6:10-11 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, (NKJV) Colossians 1:5 (we give thanks to God, v. 3) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, Ephesians 1:13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV)

3 II. THE RESULTS OF HOPE A. Hope is protective. 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. (NKJV) B. Hope stablizes. Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, (NKJV) Ephesians 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (NKJV) Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (NKJV) Song: # 495, Sacred Selections. "We Have An Anchor" C. Hope Purifies us. Chorus: We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love. 1 John 3:2-3 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

4 Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (NKJV) D. Hope provides endurance for the Christian. Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (NKJV) III. THE OBJECT OF HOPE A. Eternal Life is the object of our hope. 1. How long is eternity? Examples. 2. There are thirty references to eternal life in the New Testament. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV) John 6:68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. (NKJV) Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 6:19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (NKJV)

5 B. Glory is the object of our hope. Glory is a condition of magnificence, spendor, or greatest prosperity; the splendor and bless of heaven. Colossians 3:4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (NKJV) 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. (NKJV) 1. Incorruptible--Ex. A new car 2. Undefiled--Ex. Children ready for church...get dirty. 3. Fades not away--ex. Corsage in the refrigerator. 4. Reserved--Ex. A reserved seat at a ballgame, concert, etc. C. Another object of our faith is to go to a place prepared for us. John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 "And where I go you know, and the way you know." (NKJV) D. To see Jesus is an object of our faith. 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. (NKJV) Colossians 3:4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (NKJV)

6 What will we say to Jesus? 1. Thank Him for His love. Fore leaving heaven and dying for me. 2. Thank Him for the Bible, His world which saves. 3. Thank Him for the Church, the called out of Jesus Christ and for dying for it. 4. Thank Him for my family and for the many joys they have given me. 5. Thank Him for the joys of heaven. Revelation 21:1-4 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (NKJV) Conclusion: What do you hope for? Do you agree that hope is a very powerful word. Ephesians 2:12-13 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (NKJV)

Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not charge them with this sin. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself;