Go! And Live In The Overflow Of Hope - Romans 15:13 Series

Go! And Live in the Overflow of Hope - Romans 15:13

Introduction: Hope in a Hopeless World

We live in a world desperate for hope. Every day, the news bombards us with stories of war, suffering, division, and despair. People search for hope in wealth, relationships, careers, and entertainment—only to find that these things ultimately fail to satisfy.

But as followers of Jesus Christ, we have an unshakable hope. Not a vague wish or fleeting optimism, but a certain, confident expectation rooted in God Himself.

Romans 15:13 (NLT) declares: "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

This verse is a powerful declaration of what it means to live in the overflow of hope. Today, we will unpack this verse in its full depth, exploring what it means to Go! And Live in the Overflow of Hope.

1. Go! And Live in the Overflow of Hope—Because God is the Source of Hope

Paul begins his prayer by identifying the true source of hope:

"I pray that God, the source of hope..." (Romans 15:13a, NLT)

The Greek word used for hope here is ??p?? (elpis), which means confident expectation. Biblical hope is not mere wishful thinking—it is a certainty grounded in God’s promises.

Hope in God, Not in Circumstances

Many people place their hope in temporary things, but the Bible directs us to hope in God alone:

Psalm 62:5 (NLT) – "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him."

The Psalmist reminds us that hope is not found in people or possessions, but in God Himself.

Lamentations 3:24 (NLT) – "I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’"

Even in the darkest moments, Jeremiah found hope in the Lord’s unchanging character.

Stop looking for hope in things that will fail—place your hope in God!

Remind yourself daily: God is the source of my hope!

Pray like Paul: "Lord, fill me with hope as I trust in You!"

A lamp cannot shine unless it is plugged into a power source. Likewise, we cannot shine with hope unless we stay connected to God, the source of hope.

Max Lucado writes: "Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming ending."

2. Go! And Live in the Overflow of Hope—Because God Fills You with Joy and Peace

Paul continues:

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him..." (Romans 15:13, NLT)

The joy and peace Paul speaks of are not human emotions—they are supernatural gifts from God!

Understanding Biblical Joy and Peace

Joy (?a?? – chara) is deep, abiding gladness that comes from God’s presence, not from circumstances.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT) – "Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"

Peace (e????? – eirene) is inner tranquility from knowing God is in control.

John 14:27 (NLT) – "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

True joy and peace do not depend on your situation—they come from trusting in God!

If you lack joy and peace, check your trust—are you relying on God or yourself?

Declare: "God’s joy and peace are mine because I trust in Him!"

A person lost at sea panics—until they see a rescue boat coming. The moment they trust the rescuer, peace floods their heart. Trusting Jesus brings joy and peace in the storm.

Charles Spurgeon said: "The very essence of our faith is joy and peace in believing."

3. Go! And Live in the Overflow of Hope—Through the Power of the Holy Spirit

Paul concludes:

"Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13b, NLT)

The word overflow means to abound beyond measure. God does not give us just enough hope—He causes it to overflow!

The Holy Spirit—The Source of Overflowing Hope

Acts 1:8 (NLT) – "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere."

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly in hope!

Galatians 5:22 (NLT) – "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace..."

Hope is a result of the Spirit’s work in us.

If your hope is running low, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you anew!

Stay connected to God through prayer, worship, and the Word.

Let your hope overflow into the lives of others—share the Good News!