The God Of Hope Series

Romans 15:8-13

THE GOD OF HOPE

Paul begins this chapter, Romans 15:4 “…whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Christian “Hope” is rooted deeply in “Faith.” Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Before you can have hope, you must have faith! (Faith is for today – Hope is for tomorrow). Faith in Christ is placing your trust in Him, it is a relationship of trust. I commonly ask you to place your trust in Jesus. Hope is that trust extended into the future, extended toward tomorrow. It’s not blind optimism but it is expectation that He will never leave you, He will never forsake you. Because you have faith in in Word! I may go through a trial today and my faith says that I am not alone. There may be another trial tomorrow, but my hope says that just as He is with me now; He will be with me tomorrow. Hope is the opposite of despair. And Paul is teaching us today that we need to encourage one another in the faith with the Word of Truth that they might have hope! Paul makes his case for hope by using the Old Testament Scriptures to show the Jews that God has opened the door of salvation for all mankind. Colossians 1:26 “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” (2 Samuel 22:50 / David’s Song)

10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” (Deuteronomy 32:43 / Moses’ Song)

11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” (Psalm 117:1)

12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in Him the Gentiles will hope.” (Isaiah 11:10)

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.

I. The Author of Hope (the God of Hope) –

The Bible tells us here that God is the giver of hope. Many people live a life that is in a rut. They do the same things in the same way every day of their lives. But God said in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Peter said, “He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” 1Peter 1:3

II. The Attributes of Hope (fill you with all Joy & Peace) –

Paul uses two words in this verse to describe the characteristics of hope. These two things – Joy and Peace, are what all men are seeking. Mankind has exhausted fortunes and spent countless years seeking these two things. But, they cannot be bought, borrowed or bargained! They can only be found in Jesus. He is the God of Hope; He is the source of Joy and Peace. Yet, these attributes are the personal possession of every person who has put their trust in Jesus.

1. Joy – When we think of joy, we immediately think of happiness. But, real joy is more than that. Happiness is affected by our circumstances. When all the situations in life please us, we are happy. When there are problems, then we are unhappy. But Joy! Real joy cannot be touched by the circumstances of life! Real joy is a sovereign gift of God! It is one of the fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22. You and I will not always be happy as we go through life, but we can always have joy! Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice”, Philippians 4:4. Paul isn’t saying that we should always be happy, he is saying that there should always be the joy of the Lord in our hearts because of our relationship with Jesus. FYI: Paul was in prison when he wrote those words! Our circumstances change, but the Lord remains the same! Peter says, that He gives us “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (1 Peter 1:8).

2. Peace – The Christian Hope is characterized by “peace.” This is a word that means “to join together.” It is the exact opposite of the word worry which means “to pull apart.” The life that is filled with the Lord’s best is a life that is not pulled apart by worry, but it is one that rests in the promises and power of God. It does not concern itself with which may happen, it merely leaves the choice in the hand of God knowing that He will work it out. When we have peace we truly believe Romans 8:28 “that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Jesus promised us that He would give us peace, John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you”. He gave us Peace with God when He died on Calvary’s Cross, Romans 5:1. He gave the Peace of God when he rose from the grave! Philippians 4:7.