The Power Of Hope

The Power of Hope

Key Verses: For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25

Romans 8:12-25

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Memory Verses on Hope: We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in You. Psalm 33:20-22

Hope is mentioned six times in our reading and implied three others times in this short passage of Scripture.

1. Creation was subjected to frustration […] by the will of the One who subjected it, in hope. V.20

2. We wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. V.24

3. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. V.25

HOPE IS POWERFUL WHEN…

1. It focuses on Christ.

a. No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame […]Psalm 25:3

b. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

2. It stands on the promises of God.

a. Guide me inYour truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5

b. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. Psalm 119:49

3. It helps us to look beyond our present struggles.

a. There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

4. It helps us to see possibilities.

a. But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. Psalm 71:14

5. It helps us to persevere.

a. JOB 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

b. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24

6. It gives helps us to feel secure.

a. JOB 11:18 You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

HOPE CHEST… Place things in your “hope chest” you hope for in Christ.

1. _____________________________.

2. _____________________________.

3. _____________________________.

4. _____________________________.

5. _____________________________.

6. _____________________________.

INVITATION TO RESPOND: A “Hope Chest” has been placed on the altar for anyone who would like to place what they are hoping for in Christ in it. Example: I’m hoping for a son or daughter to come to faith in Christ.

* Since these "Hope Chest Items" are given anonomously, it fres the pastor to pray over them during his perosnal prayer time each day.

PRAYER OF HOPE:

JOB 6:8 "Oh, that I might have my request,

that God would grant what I hope for […].”