Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're diving into a Scripture that I know is going to speak to your heart. It's a verse that encapsulates the spirit of our Christian walk, and paints a beautiful picture of hope, patience, and the promise of what's to come.

The verse is Romans 12:12, and it says,

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Now, that's a powerful command, isn't it? It's threefold, and each part is as important as the next.

As Charles Spurgeon once said, "Hope itself is like a star - not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity."

Let's bow our heads in prayer before we delve into this verse together.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time together, to learn and grow in Your Word. We ask for open hearts and minds as we explore the depth of hope, the strength in patience, and the promise of Your plans for us. Guide our conversation, Lord, and let our understanding be deepened by Your wisdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So let's unpack this verse together, church.

Be Joyful in Hope

Being joyful in hope is a profound concept that we, as Christians, are called to embrace. It's not just about being happy when things are going well, but about finding joy in the anticipation of what God has promised us. It's a joy that is rooted in faith, in the assurance that God's promises are true and will come to pass.

Hope in the Bible: We're not talking about a wish or a desire for something to happen. Biblical hope is a confident expectation, a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown. It's a hope that is grounded in the character of God, in His love, His faithfulness, and His power.

Being joyful in this kind of hope: We can have a deep, abiding joy even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It means that we can rejoice in the face of adversity, not because we enjoy suffering, but because we know that our hope in God is not in vain. We know that He is working all things together for our good, and that gives us a reason to be joyful.

What kind of joy?: This joy is not a superficial happiness that comes and goes with our circumstances. It's a deep-seated joy that is rooted in our relationship with God. It's a joy that comes from knowing that we are loved by God, that we are saved by His grace, and that we have a future with Him that is secure.

A positive outlook on life: We can look at the challenges we face, not as obstacles that are meant to defeat us, but as opportunities for growth and for the demonstration of God's power. We can look at the uncertainties of the future, not with fear and anxiety, but with excitement and anticipation for what God is going to do.

Cannot manufacture on our own: It's a fruit of the Spirit, a gift that God gives us as we walk with Him and trust in Him. It's a joy that is nourished by the Word of God, by prayer, and by fellowship with other believers.

Not always easy: There are times when the trials of life can seem overwhelming, and it can be hard to see beyond our present circumstances. But that's when we need to remind ourselves of God's promises, of His faithfulness, and of His love for us. That's when we need to choose to rejoice in hope, to cling to the joy that comes from knowing that our hope in God is not in vain.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you found joy in hope, even in a difficult situation. How did God help you through this and how did it affect your faith?

The Power of Patience

The power of patience in affliction is a call to endurance, to perseverance, and to a steadfastness that is only possible through the strength of our Lord ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO