Our Solid Hope

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see…”

(Heb. 11:1)

Christian Hope Is In Christ (Objective)

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… draw

near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he

who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10)

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… draw

near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he

who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10)

• In his life, words, death, resurrection, return• Confidence: “bedrock belief” “bold assurance” • In his life, words, death, resurrection, return• Confidence: “bedrock belief” “bold assurance”

Christian Hope Enters Us (Subjective)

“…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col.1:27b) “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col.1:27b)

• “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)• “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself…” (1John 3:3) purity, maturity, complete•The Truth in us serves as a purifying power

• “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)• “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself…” (1John 3:3) purity, maturity, complete•The Truth in us serves as a purifying power

Enemy Wants To Distract Our Faith In The Hope

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me’.” (James 1: 13)

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me’.” (James 1: 13)

• God does not tempt us to sin, Satan does.• He cannot alter the objective truth that brings us Hope, so he assaults our faith in that hope.• If we let him he uses “…lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…” (1 Jn.2:16)• These become distractions and if allowed diminish our faith in the Divine Hope given by God.

• God does not tempt us to sin, Satan does.• He cannot alter the objective truth that brings us Hope, so he assaults our faith in that hope.• If we let him he uses “…lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…” (1 Jn.2:16)• These become distractions and if allowed diminish our faith in the Divine Hope given by God.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick …” (Proverbs 13: 12a)

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick …” (Proverbs 13: 12a)

• That is the enemies goal but God … • That is the enemies goal but God …

… Wants To Strengthen Our Faith In This Holy Hope

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the

testing of your faith develops perseverance…” (James 1:2)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the

testing of your faith develops perseverance…” (James 1:2)

• God cannot strengthen what Christ has already done because it is totally perfect. But he can strengthen our faith in what is totally complete in order to mature our faith. • God does not tempt but he uses the trials of this life to refocus our faith on Divine Hope. He reveals to us the emptiness within the pride of life, the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the flesh.

• God cannot strengthen what Christ has already done because it is totally perfect. But he can strengthen our faith in what is totally complete in order to mature our faith. • God does not tempt but he uses the trials of this life to refocus our faith on Divine Hope. He reveals to us the emptiness within the pride of life, the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the flesh.

… Wants To Strengthen Our Faith In This Holy Hope

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking

anything.” (James 1:4)

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking

anything.” (James 1:4)

• Perseverance is the very thing that we need in temptation. But perseverance is strengthened by our faith in the incomparable Hope of Christ.• We are mature when the things of this world have little strength against our devotion to Christ.• “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less than Jesus Blood And His Righteousness.” (He is the solid Rock for our hope to rest)

• Perseverance is the very thing that we need in temptation. But perseverance is strengthened by our faith in the incomparable Hope of Christ.• We are mature when the things of this world have little strength against our devotion to Christ.• “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less than Jesus Blood And His Righteousness.” (He is the solid Rock for our hope to rest)