Young Adults' Group

Hope In God

by Pastor Mark
December 28, 2023

Ending the year with hope

All too quickly, we come to the end of another year. This year has turned out to be another difficult and troubling one. The world faces many adverse circumstances…wars, weakening economies, disasters and more. Some of us are facing our fair share of difficulties, such as work problems, job loss, unexpected health challenges or troubling family situations. These problems can cause our hearts to complain, be upset or be deeply distressed. We can feel a sense of hopelessness with thoughts of giving up. Yet, can we still find hope as we end 2023? The answer is an absolute “Yes!” The Apostle Paul taught his fellow brethren in Rome about being full of hope in God.

Hope in God

1. Hope when it seems contrary

“Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”” (Romans 4:18)

1. Paul used Abraham as a wonderful example of having faith and hope in God.
2. God promised that Abraham would be a father of many nations even though he had no children.
3. What God said would be contrary to human understanding and Abraham struggled.
4. Nevertheless, he did believe in God, who gives life to the dead…he knew how seemingly impossible it was for Sarah and him to have a child in their old age.
5. He believed in God, who calls those non-existent things as though they do (Romans 4:17).
6. Abraham, contrary to hope, in hope believed.
7. Even if our situation seems contrary to hope, let us in hope believe.

2. Hope as a product

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3,4)

1. Hope is not something that appears out of nowhere.
2. It is to be cultivated as we go through the tribulations of life.
3. We learn through tribulation that it produces perseverance, which produces character. Through character, we can find hope.
4. Let us not be afraid to go through the tribulations of life.

3. Hope does not disappoint

“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 5:5)

1. Hope is not wishful thinking but a reality and certainty.
2. Hope does not disappoint as it is faith that will always be realised…no matter what.
3. God’s love has been poured out into our lives through His salvation, blessings and more.
4. Let us be assured that we have certainty of hope in the Lord and His promises.

4. Hope of the glory of God

“Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

Our hope is something that brings about rejoicing. We have hope in the glory of God…which is the glory of all eternity. We will experience the glory of eternal life in the future. Let us not focus on the things of the earth that do not last. Let us rejoice that we have received the grace of God and the hope of everlasting life with Him in heaven. Let us be challenged to have tremendous hope in the Lord and His promises as we enter 2024.

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