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The hope of the righteous will be gladness

Text: Proverbs 10:22-32
24 February 2008

(I) THE VITAL NECESSITY OF HAVING “HOPE”

1. It is vital to survival

2. It is the antidote to despair and helplessness

(II) THE ANGUISH OF HOPELESS DESPAIR

1. Copious tears

“My tears have been my food day and night…” Psalm 42:3

2. Cast down feelings

“Why are you cast down, O my soul?And why are you disquieted within me?…” Psalm 42:5

“O my God, my soul is cast down within me…” Psalm 42:6

3. Taunts that bring great pain

“As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me,While they say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’ ” Psalm 42:10

(III) THE POWER OF HOPE

1. The hope of joy

“The hope of the righteous will be gladness…” Proverbs 10:28

2. The hope of an everlasting foundation

“…But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.” Proverbs 10:25

3. The hope of strength

“The way of the LORD is strength for the upright…” Proverbs 10:29

4. The hope of steadfastness

“The righteous will never be removed…” Proverbs 10:30

(IV) HOPE IN THE MIDST OF TRIBULATION

“…and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.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 5:2-5

1. Commencing with “hope”

a) There is joyous hope of the glory of God ( Romans 5:2 )

b) Hope enables one to cope with tribulation ( Romans 5:3 )

i) Tribulation produces perseverance

ii) Perseverance produces character

2. Continuing with an even deeper sense of hope

“…and character, hope.” Romans 5:4

3. Concluding with experiencing God’s love

Through exercising hope, we experience in deeper reality the love of God poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit!

IF THERE IS ONLY ONE BLESSING- CHOOSE HOPE