Go! And Abound in Hope Romans 15:4-7, Romans 15:13 (NLT)
Introduction
Today, we focus on a message of encouragement, endurance, unity, and hope. Our theme is "Go! And Abound in Hope." Hope is not just a fleeting feeling or a vague optimism; it is a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises. Let’s begin by reading our main texts together:
Romans 15:4-7 (NLT): "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory."
Romans 15:13 (NLT): "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."
These verses are a call to embrace the hope found in God’s Word, the unity of His people, and the power of His Spirit. Let’s unpack these truths together.
Point 1: The Scriptures Give Us Hope and Encouragement
Paul begins by reminding us that the Scriptures were written to teach us and to instil hope.
Romans 15:4 "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled."
Paul wrote this letter to a diverse Roman church composed of Jews and Gentiles. He points them to the Word of God as the foundation of their faith and unity.
The Greek word for "hope" here is elpis, meaning a confident expectation. The Scriptures are not just historical accounts but are living, breathing truths that anchor us in God’s faithfulness.
When we face trials, let us immerse ourselves in God’s Word. The stories of Abraham, Moses, David, and the promises of Christ are not just ancient tales but testimonies of God’s unchanging nature.
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
The Word of God provides direction and clarity in the darkest times.
Imagine walking a treacherous path at night. A lamp doesn’t show the whole journey, but it lights the next step. God’s Word does the same for our lives.
As John Piper says, *"The Bible is the book of hope because it contains God’s promises, and His promises are as sure as He is faithful."
Point 2: Unity Brings Glory to God
Paul’s prayer for harmony among believers emphasises the power of unity in glorifying God.
Romans 15:5-6 "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The Roman church struggled with cultural and theological differences. Paul calls them to set aside these differences for the sake of unity.
The Greek word for "harmony" is homothumadon, meaning "with one mind and purpose." Unity is not uniformity; it is diverse people working together with shared purpose.
Unity in the church reflects the unity of the Godhead. How can we seek harmony? By putting aside personal preferences and prioritising God’s mission.
John 17:21 "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."
Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, knowing it would be a powerful testimony to the world.
Think of an orchestra. Each instrument is unique, but when they play together in harmony, the result is beautiful music. The church is God’s orchestra.
Francis Chan once said, *"Unity is not about agreeing on everything; it’s about focusing on Jesus."
Point 3: The Source of Hope is God Himself
Finally, Paul directs our attention to God as the ultimate source of hope, joy, and peace.
Romans 15:13 "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."
Paul’s benediction is both a prayer and a proclamation, reminding believers that their hope is Spirit-empowered.
The phrase "overflow with confident hope" conveys abundance. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just fill us; He causes hope to spill over into every area of our lives.
Are you relying on your own strength or on the Spirit’s power? True hope comes not from circumstances but from God’s unchanging character.
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Trusting in God renews our strength and lifts us above life’s challenges.
Picture a reservoir being filled by a spring. No matter how much water is drawn, it remains full because the source is constant. God’s Spirit is that ever-flowing spring in our lives.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, *"Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind."
Conclusion:
Paul’s words in Romans 15 remind us that hope is rooted in God’s Word, nurtured by unity, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As we "Go! And Abound in Hope," let us remember that our lives are a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Call to Action:
Spend time daily in Scripture to anchor your hope in God’s promises.
Seek unity within the church, demonstrating God’s love to a watching world.
Trust the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy, peace, and hope, even in challenging times.
Invitation to Faith:
If you have not experienced the hope that comes from knowing Jesus, I invite you today to place your trust in Him. He is the source of all hope, and through Him, you can find peace, joy, and eternal life.
