Do Not Despair, With God There is Always Hope!

A number of years ago researchers performed an experiment to see the effect hope has on those undergoing hardship. Two sets of laboratory rats were placed in separate tubs of water.

The researchers left one set in the water and found that within an hour they had all drowned. The other rats were periodically lifted out of the water and then returned. When that happened, the second set of rats swam for over 24 hours. Why? Not because they were given a rest, but because they suddenly had hope!

Those animals somehow hoped that if they could stay afloat just a little longer, someone would reach down and rescue them. If hope holds such power for unthinking rodents, how much greater should is effect be on our lives.
-Today in the Word, May, 1990, p. 34

Alexander Pope, the English poet who lived from 1688-1744, penned the famous words, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast..." Considering that we are just starting a new year, I would say that these are timely words! After all, what could be more uplifting than to have a fresh start, or a clean slate?

Many see this time of the year as a good opportunity to set new goals, and change old habits. However, as with every upside, there is a downside, as well. What is it? It is the feeling of hopelessness and despair. This is the dreary flipside of the cheery feeling of hope.

Whether on the battlefield or at the sickbed of a loved one, no words in the English language are more devastating than, "There is no hope." Dante, in The Inferno, said the sign over the gate to hell reads, "Abandon all hope ye who enter here." Pretty grim examples of hopelessness, right? You are absolutely right! But, do not despair...

Of all people who are living, the Christian is the only one who has true hope. It's true! (See Romans 15:4; and Romans 15:13) This is why, in today's message, I would like to present and analyze the hope of the Christian. Let's start with some foundational information in regards to "hope."

What is the definition of "hope"? The dictionary defines hope as "desire accompanied by expectation or or belief in fulfillment. (Webster's 7th New Collegiate Dictionary) According to Scripture, hope is an integral part of one's faith (Hebrews 11:1). Moffat, in translating Hebrews 11:1, said, "Now faith means we are confident of what we hope for, convinced of what we do not see."

Hope is linked with faith because faith is the ground of our hope and hope is the object of our faith (1 Corinthians 13:13).In other words, this hope is for those who have faith. It is:

1. A hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7)
2. A hope of salvation ( 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Romans 8:24-25)
3. A hope laid up in heaven (Colossians 1:5)
4. A hope of resurrection from the dead (Acts 23:6)
5. The hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23) Here we are talking about the hope of fulfillment of all the promises presented in the gospel.
6. The hope of His calling (Ephesians 1:18; 4:4) This is the prospect before those who respond to His call in the gospel.

This "hope" that we have been discussing thus far, is:
a) Good (2 Thessalonians 2:16)
b) Blessed (Titus 2:13)
c) Living (1 Peter 1:3)
d) Glorious (Colossians 1:27)
e) Sure (Hebrews 6:19)
f) Steadfast (Hebrews 6:19)
g) The anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19)

So why do we hope? What pushes us when we begin to falter? What driving force presses us forward, when all we want to do is give up? Again, "Why do we hope?" How about these reasons! First, because God, who cannot lie, promised it (Titus 1:2). He is "the God of hope" (Romans 15:13). He "confirmed it by an oath" (Hebrews 6:17-19). It was given through God's grace (2 Thessalonians 2:16). And secondly, because of Jesus! He is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1). Because of His resurrection, we also have hope for the resurrection (1 Peter 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20).

So who can have this hope? For starters, those who are in Christ can have it (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Out of Him there is no hope (Ephesians 2:12)! Next, those who can have have this hope are those whom Christ is in (Colossians 1:27). We know that Christ lives in the Christian (Galatians 2:20).

In addition, there are those who have been begotten (1 Peter 1:3). Those who are born of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5). Finally, there are those who are justified (Titus 3:7), such as one who is justified by faith (Romans 5:1; Galatians 3:24), and one who is justified by the blood of Jesus (Romans 5:9).

The Bible tells us that those who have this hope must: purify themselves (1 John 3:3); rejoice in their hope (Romans 12:12); remain steadfast (Hebrews 6:18-19; Romans 5:3-5); wait (Galatians 5:5); be righteous (Galatians 5:5); have boldness of speech (2 Corinthians 3:12); and be ready to answer anyone regarding it (1 Peter 3:15)!

In conclusion, God has given the hope of eternal life to those who live faithfully. Therefore, never let us give up hope. Instead, let us lay hold on life eternal!

Prayer:

O Lord, in Whom is our hope, remove far from us, we pray Thee, empty hopes and presumptuous confidence. Make our hearts so right with Thy most holy and loving heart, that hoping in Thee we may do good; until that day when faith and hope shall be abolished by sight and possession, and love shall be all in all. Amen

God bless you,

Shannon