Rejoicing in Hope

 

Romans 12:10-12 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”

 

Theologian and Pastor RC Sproul wrote that the Apostle Paul distills the essence of the Christian life when he says, “Rejoice in your hope,” since our joy is vested in the future that God promises for His people. Our joy as strangers and sojourners in this valley of tears is that God has prepared a place for us—a better world that will be consummated at Christ’s return. Paul’s use of the word hope isn’t the way we use the term today to refer to things that are uncertain. He and the other biblical authors talk about hope that is certain, hope that cannot fail, and hope that will never disappoint or embarrass you. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” The New Testament calls hope the anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:19). Why? What is it that makes it certain? The answer is God’s sure promises and the demonstration of His faithfulness in the history of Israel, in the lives of the Apostles, and, most clearly, in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

 

In an article by Ed Vitagliano of the American Family Association, he states that the Enemy (the sinful flesh, the unbelieving world and the devil) harasses and taunts the Christian today, so hope needs an ally in the battle  against despair. Hebrews 11:1 proclaims, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The word “substance” in this Scripture verse is the Greek word “hypostasis”, meaning the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution confidence, firm trust, assurance. Faith is the foundation for the things that are expected. Faith says, “Almighty God, who is good, loving, full of compassion, mercy and grace has promised it”, so upon such solid ground hope is able to stand firm attacks of the Enemy and the weight of our circumstances. If our hope abounds in us, we will be able to endure any situation that may arise, our hearts filled with joy and peace. 

 

1 Peter 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”

 

Pastor D. James Kennedy states that if Christ had not come, there would be no sure hope of eternal life. For Christ has brought life and immortality to light. Only He can give the blessed assurance of everlasting life. If Christ had not come, then the dark and dank tomb would be the end of each and all. There would be no hope beyond the grave. Jesus brought us an absolute certainty: "I am the resurrection and the life … Because I live, you shall also live." Only in Christ is there the substance of things hoped for; the assurance and certainty of everlasting life.

 

Psalm 33:20-22 “We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord for our hope is in you alone.” Rejoice in hope!

 

In Christ, Brian