Revelation of Hope Romans 15, 1 John 1, Proverbs 24, Matthew 6, 1 Corinthians 15 1

Opening Verse 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain:faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 2

Background Introduction: Hope. It helps you get up in the morning, In our sinful world, the Bible gives us hope. It gives us hope of a better world and a better life. Is there more to hope than that? Is there a "hope" element for life right now, right here? Let's jump into our lesson and find out more! 3

Background What is Hope What does it mean to you 4

Background Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen." This is not what the Bible means by hope. The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown (Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1, 7). Hope is a fundamental component of the life of the righteous (Proverbs 23:18). Without hope, life loses its meaning (Lamentations 3:18; Job 7:6) and in death there is no hope (Isaiah 38:18; Job 17:15). The righteous who trust or put their hope in God will be helped (Psalm 28:7), and they will not be confounded, put to shame, or disappointed (Isaiah 49:23). The righteous, who have this trustful hope in God, have a general confidence in God's protection and help (Jeremiah 29:11) and are free from fear and anxiety (Psalm 46:2-3). 5

I. Hope in History A. Read Romans 15:1-3. Romans 15:1-3 (NIV) 15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. 6

I. Hope in History In Romans 15:1-3. What obligation do the strong have towards the weak? 1.Can you give me an example of this? 7

I. Hope in History B. Read Romans 15:4. (NIV) 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 8

I. Hope in History In Romans 15:4. 1.What hope do these verses give us about our weaknesses? 9

I. Hope in History In Romans 15:4. 1.When we are strong we are to help others because of the example of Jesus. But, more fundamentally, this teaches us God's attitude of being strong for us. He believes the strong should "bear with" the failings of the weak, and that is His attitude towards us! That gives us hope in our weakness. 10

I. Hope in History Q. In what way do we " bear with the failings " of the weak? 11

I. Hope in History On what can we base this conclusion? 12

I. Hope in History Paul directs us to the Bible (v4). Over and over again we see the heroes of the Bible show weaknesses. God works with them through those weaknesses. That gives us hope. 13

I. Hope in History The New Testament idea of hope is the recognition that in Christ is found the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises (Matthew 12:21, 1 Peter 1:3). Christian hope is rooted in faith in the divine salvation in Christ (Galatians 5:5). Hope of Christians is brought into being through the presence of the promised Holy Spirit (Romans 8:24-25). It is the future hope of the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6), the promises given to Israel (Acts 26:6-7), the redemption of the body and of the whole creation (Romans 8:23-25), eternal glory (Colossians 1:27), eternal life and the inheritance of the saints (Titus 3:5-7), the return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14), transformation into the likeness of Christ (1 John 3:2-3), the salvation of God (1 Timothy 4:10) or simply Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1). 14

I. Hope in History Hope is a "confident expectation" ! 15

II. Hope in Forgiveness A. Read 1 John 1:8-10 (NIV) 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 16

II. Hope in Forgiveness A. In 1 John 1:8-10. How many are without sin? B. How does sin make you feel? 17

II. Hope in Forgiveness 1 John 1:8-10. How many are without sin? (None!) 1.How does sin make you feel? Sin has stages. At first we enjoy it. (Why would we sin if we did not like it?) Later, we see the harm it does, we realize that it displeases God, and guilt sets in. Most likely sin does not end up the way we thought it would and we end up feeling rotten inside. 18

II. Hope in Forgiveness 2.Will God forgive us from our sins? 3. Is it hard to accept that we are forgiven? 19

II. Hope in Forgiveness 2.Will God forgive us from our sins? This verses says He will. Is it hard to accept that we are forgiven? It makes us so grateful. And, yes, if the sin is serious enough, it is hard sometimes to truly accept forgiveness. We feel unworthy. 20

II. Hope in Forgiveness 3.The text (v9) says God is "faithful and just" and will forgive us. What is "just" about God's forgiveness? 21

II. Hope in Forgiveness 3.The text (v9) says God is "faithful and just" and will forgive us. What is "just" about God's forgiveness? It seems very "unjust" that Jesus suffered and died for my sins instead of me! This word "just" connotes God's righteousness. God is faithful to His nature of helping us - the weak - by dying for our sins. 22

II. Hope in Forgiveness Lets Read Luke 15:17-20 23

II. Hope in Forgiveness The Fathers Far-Reaching Grace Often this parable focuses on the son. But what of the father? Did he hurt? Did he have hope? 24

II. Hope in Forgiveness The parable of the prodigal son points us to the truth that because of Jesus Christ we are forgiven even before we return. While this does not give us a license to sin (Romans 6:1-2), it does give us reason to celebrate. Our Father is waiting to welcome us home. 25

II. Hope in Forgiveness The certainty of this blessed future is guaranteed through the indwelling of the Spirit (Romans 8:23-25), Christ in us (Colossians 1:27), and the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:26). Hope is produced by endurance through suffering (Romans 5:2- 5) and is the inspiration behind endurance (1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:11). Those who hope in Christ will see Christ exalted in life and in death (Philippians 1:20). Trustworthy promises from God give us hope (Hebrews 6:18-19), and we may boast in this hope (Hebrews 3:6) and exhibit great boldness in our faith (2 Corinthians 3:12). By contrast, those who do not place their trust in God are said to be without hope (Ephesians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13). 26

II. Hope in Forgiveness Ephesians 2:12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 27

II. Hope in Forgiveness Hope is a "confident expectation" ! 28

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom A. Read Proverbs 24:13-14. 13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. 14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. 29

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom A. Read Proverbs 24:13-14. I thought I would also include the verse that says sweetness is good for you! Q. What is like honey for the soul? 30

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom A. Wisdom 31

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom 1.Why is wisdom so good for us? 2.Is the converse true, that if you have no hope you are not wise? 32

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom 1.Why is wisdom so good for us? It gives us hope. It makes life sweeter. 33

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom B. Read Proverbs 24:15-16. 15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; 16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. 34

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom B. Read Proverbs 24:15-16. Why do you think the text mentions the righteous man falls "seven times?" Seven is the perfect number. It seems to me this is a perfect calamity - a complete disaster. 35

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom 1.Why does the righteous man rise again? 36

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom 1.Why does the righteous man rise again? Because this is a continuation of the discussion about hope. A righteous man rises after a perfect calamity because he has hope. A wise man believes in God and trusts in Him. That gives him the ability to move forward after disaster. Knowing that he is not alone. 37

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom In addition 24:15-16. The malicious actions of a wicked man are futile. Seven is the number of completion ( 6:31 ; 9:1 ; 26:16, 25 ; Mt 18:21 ). If the righteous falls until he is utterly down, maybe even dead, he will still get up... Into ruin could also be translated by means of evil. The righteous and the wicked get their just rewardssometimes in this life but certainly in eternity. 24:17-18. 38

III. Hope in the Gift of Wisdom Hope is a "confident expectation" ! 39

IV. Hope in times of Trouble Along with faith and love, hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:13), and love springs from hope (Colossians 1:4-5). Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit (Romans 12:12; 15:13). Paul attributes his apostolic calling to the hope of eternal glory (Titus 1:1-2). Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believers to purify themselves in this life (Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 3:3). 40

IV. Hope in times of Trouble 1 John 3:3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hopethe appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 41

IV. Hope in times of Trouble A. Read Psalms 33: 12-15 B. Read Psalms 33:16-17. 42

IV. Hope in times of Trouble Psalms 33:12-15 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind;from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earthhe who forms the hearts of all,who considers everything they do. 43

IV. Hope in times of Trouble Read Psalms 33:16-17. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 44

IV. Hope in times of Trouble A. Read Psalms 33:16-17. Does this sound right to you? This seems just the opposite of what we just learned. 45

IV. Hope in times of Trouble 33:11-12 The LORDs plans stand firm forever. Are you frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthyhis intentions never change. The Bible promises that whatever is good and perfect comes to us from the Creator who never changes (James 1:17). When you wonder if there is anyone whom you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. Let him counsel you. 46

IV. Hope in times of Trouble 33:16, 17 Warhorse refers to military strength. Because God rules and overrules every nation, leaders should never put their trust in their physical power. Military might is not the basis for our hope. Our hope is in God and in his gracious offer to save us if we will trust in him. 47

IV. Hope in times of Trouble Read Psalms 33:18-22. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. 48

IV. Hope in times of Trouble 33:18, 19 This is not an ironclad guarantee that all believers will be delivered from death and starvation. Thousands of Christian saints have been beaten to death, whipped, fed to lions, or executed (Romans 8:35, 36; Hebrews 11:32-40). God can (and often does) miraculously deliver his followers from pain and death; although sometimes, for purposes known only to him, he chooses not to. When faced with these harsh realities, we must focus on the wise judgments of God. The writer was pleading for Gods watchful care and protection. In times of crisis, we can place our hope in God. 49

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Revelation of Hope Romans 15, 1 John 1, Proverbs 24, Matthew 6, 1 Corinthians 15 1