Jesus Is Our Hope!

"There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."   -Clare Boothe Luce, United States Ambassador and author.


In reference to Jesus Christ, Paul uses a title which is very unique in the New Testament. He calls Jesus "our hope" (1 Timothy 1:1). Nowhere else is Jesus so described, other than in Colossians 1:27. Yet it came to be a precious title used by some in the early church. For example, "Be of good cheer in God the Father and in Jesus Christ our common hope" (Ignatius, To The Ephesians 21:2). "Let us therefore persevere in our hope and the earnest of our righteousness, who is Jesus Christ." ( Epistle of Polycarp 8).

The Greek word for 'hope' is elpis. It means "a confident desire and expectation." It's closely aligned with the word 'faith' (cf. Hebrews 11:1). But, in what way is Jesus 'our hope;' our basis for 'confident expectation?' That's what we'll look at in today's message.

First, Jesus is 'our hope' for forgiveness of sins! As you probably are well aware of, man has a little problem...with sin. Scripture tells us that all have sinned (Romans 3:23; cf. 1 John 1:8,10). And, that the consequences are grave (Romans 6:23).

People deal with this guilt of sin differently. Oh sure, some try to ignore it. Others seek to compensate for it by doing good works. Many look to different 'saviors' or teachers (the Law, Buddha, Mohammed, Mary). However, Jesus is our only 'hope.'

He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). In Him we have "redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7). Thus, Christians place their hope in Jesus' blood as the atonement for their sins. This may be accomplished in a couple of ways. It can be done by: believing and being baptized into Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-6); and by continuing to repent, confess, and pray (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7,9).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for salvation from the guilt of sin? Unless you believe in Him, you'll die in your sins (John 8:24)!

Secondly, Jesus is also our 'hope' for reconciliation with God! You see, we all have a longing for fellowship with God. It's something put in us by Our Creator (Acts 17:26-28). Many seek to fulfill this longing with the wrong things, such as trying to satisfy it with material things. But, such things only leave an emptiness (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Others seek to fulfill this longing in the wrong way, such as: on their own, or through some man, or man-made religion.

But, Jesus is our only 'hope." He is the only 'way' to the Father (John 14:6). And, only in Him can we really come to know God (John 14:7-9; cf. John 1:18). In Him we are reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for fellowship with God? Without Jesus, you can't have a close relationship with God (1 John 2:23; 4:15).

Thirdly, Jesus is also our 'hope' for power in holy living! People have long realized the need to live good lives.Yet, the ancient world admitted their inability to do so. Seneca, Roman Stoic philosopher said, "We hate our vices and love them at the same time."

Even the apostles described the difficulty of living godly lives. Paul described what it was like under the Law (Romans 7:21-24). He reminded Christians of the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). Peter wrote of the warfare between fleshly lusts and the soul (1 Peter 2:11).

This is precisely why Jesus is our only 'hope!' In Christ we are freed from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). In Christ we have strength to do that which is good, and turn away from evil. Additionally, He is our only 'hope' because of the Spirit of God (cf. Romans 8:11-13);  and because He is the means by which God strengthens the inner man (Ephesians 3:16, 20).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for power in holiness? In Jesus there is strength to do God's will (Philippians 4:13).

Fourth, Jesus is also our 'hope' for provision in daily living! Like you and I, people often worry about the necessities of life. They worry about their food and clothing. They desire basic contentment, with true joy and peace. This is no big news. Jesus acknowledged this concern was common among men (Matthew 6:31-32).

In daily provision, Jesus is our 'hope,' as well. His Father knows our needs (Matthew 6:32). Jesus provides the secret to God's care (Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:28-30). He also is the source to true joy and peace (cf. Philippians 4:4,6-7). In Him there is contentment, knowing that God will supply our needs (cf. Philippians 4:11-12,19).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for God's providential care in your life?  If you trust in your own riches, you cannot please God (Luke 16:13)!

Finally, Jesus is our 'hope' for victory over death! I think we can agree that the fear of death is common to mankind. I mean, people try to avoid it, or delay it. Some try to ignore death, even refusing to speak of the dead. But fortunately, Jesus is our only 'hope' here, too! He came to deliver us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). He did this by His own resurrection, and continues to do so through the promise of His coming again (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

In conclusion, Jesus is many things to those who love Him; let's make sure that He is 'our hope!' Have you made Jesus your 'hope?' If not, then you're still...in your sins; alienated from God; unable to live a truly righteous life; going through life without God's providential care; and unprepared for death, and not ready for the Judgment to follow. What are you waiting for? Why not let Jesus become your 'hope' today...?

Scripture: Ephesians 2:12; Philippians 1:20; 1 Timothy 1:1; Ephesians 4:4; Psalm 16:9; Psalm 119:166; Colossians 1:5 

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for today, and all that you do. I love you Lord, with all my heart. Amen

May God bless your day!

Jenelle