INTRODUCTION

1. Our Faith in the Lord

a) It is precious

b) It is potentially powerful

2. Our Faith includes “Hope”

a) This is a Hope that is real

b) It will stand us in good stead

c) We must learn how Hope works in the Faith system

 

A HOPE IN HEAVEN

Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,

of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel Colossian 1:5

1. What is Hope?

a) God’s promise of Heaven

b) This is part of the Gospel message

c) This is the Word of truth of the Gospel

2. The Message of the Gospel that the Lord Jesus proclaimed included Hope

a) Hope to have Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew 4:17

b) Hope to become children of God

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” John 1:12

c) Hope to be born again of the Holy Spirit

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it,

but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8

i) This is a special work of the Spirit

ii) He brings about regeneration

iii) This is a glorious Hope

THE CULTIVATION OF OUR FAITH AND HOPE

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

5 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. Romans 5:1-5

1. God’s Salvation plan

a) We have Justification by faith

i) We stand righteous before God

ii) We are imputed with the righteousness of the Lord Jesus

b) Justification

i) Made possible by the Blood of the Lord Jesus

ii) Made available by the grace of God

iii) We have to exercise Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

2. We have Peace with God

a) The enmity caused by sin is removed

b) We are at Peace with God

3. We have Access to God

a) By faith

b) We have access to God by His grace

4. We have Hope of the glory of God

a) This is a reference to heaven

b) It is an actual place filled with the glory of God

5. In this Life

a) We may have Tribulation

b) But we need not despair

c) We can triumph over all tribulation

6. Powerful features God has given us

a) Perseverance

b) Character

c) Hope

7. Hope is Never a disappointment

a) The love of God is poured out into our hearts

b) Through the work of the Holy Spirit

 

OUR CHALLENGE

1. Check the state of our Hope in God

a) Not just Hope on earth

b) But Hope

i) In God

ii) In Heaven

2. Cultivate Hope

a) Read the Scriptures

b) Draw much strength from Hope