sf1034 - A Prayer Of Hope (Romans 15 13)

Romans 15:13

Introduction

One of the most essential elements of life is hope.  Without hope men perish no matter what their physical condition.  The recent deaths of Heath Ledger and Brad Refro only serve to validate this truth.

Perhaps the greatest gift other than life eternal that God gives His children is hope.  This hope is based in our life in Christ.  They are inseparable, therefore when we speak of our hope, we also speak of the life we have in Christ Jesus.

1A.      The Source and Object of Our Hope – God!

God is the source of our hope

Psalms 39:7 (NASB) 7 "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.

God is the object of our hope

1 Timothy 1:1 (NASB) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

Bu wholly lean on Jesus’ name

On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.  (Edward Mots)

2A.      The Measure and Quality of our Hope

The measure of our hope

“Fill” – to be made full, to saturate

Acts 13:52 (NASB) 52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The quality of our hope

Filled with “Joy” – delight

John 17:13 (NASB) 13 "But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.

Filled with “Peace” – the peace of God

Ø      Tranquility in life based on our faith in the sovereignty of God.

Philippians 4:7 (NASB) 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

3A.      The Condition and Purpose of Our Hope

The condition of our hope is faith

Faith is the channel of blessing and hope.

Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Romans 14:23 (NASB) 23 …whatever is not from faith is sin.

The purpose of our hope is that we may abound!

“Abound” – to be over and above

4A.      The Resource of Our Hope

The ability to do anything spiritual comes from the holy Spirit

“Power” – dynamis, the power to get things done – ability not authority

John 15:5 (NASB) 5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Romans 11:36 (NASB) 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.