Hope Overflows

Hope Overflows

Romans 15:4-13 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9 so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." 10 Again, it says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." 11 And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples." 12 And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." 13 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.

Intro: Hope is something we all need! Without hope we lose our way. Without hope we may not even care that we have lost our way. Now people put their hope in a lot of things that will let them down at some point: money, a better standard of living, getting more things, fulfilling their desires, finding the person of their dreams, and so on. People hope for a better tomorrow, for world peace, [for a Boise State national championship], and those hopes may go unfulfilled for a long time.

-What are you hoping for? Is there something you really want for Christmas? Are you hoping it won’t snow anymore this winter? Are you hoping that somehow you’ll be able to pay all your bills and have a little left over?

-Hope is foundational to our existence. So it is no wonder the Bible has something to say about it. In fact, hope is one of the central themes of the Christmas season. Many churches that celebrate Advent have a strong focus on the hope that came into the world through the birth of Jesus.

-I’d like to focus on the hope that we have in Jesus today and pray that your life will overflow with hope as you do life with Him!

1. Hope is found in God’s Word (4)

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

• Examples of Endurance in the Bible (Heb.11- Abraham, Moses, Jesus)

• Encouragement in the Bible

o God is with us! Immanuel (with us God). And since He is with us, He also said He’d never leave us or forsake us.

o This life is temporary! 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

o Jesus is coming back for us! John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Titus 2:11-13 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope-- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ

2. Hope flows through God’s Family (5-11)

• A Unified Family

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-There is no room for divisions, bickering, backbiting, hatred, or anything else that is contrary to unity in God’s family. When Paul wrote to the church at Rome, they were dealing with some unity issues (explain Jews vs. Gentiles; Edict of Claudius).

• An Accepting Family (Acceptance brings hope; Rejection brings despair!)

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

• A Serving Family

8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs