Anchored in Hope: Living as Ambassadors of Christ
Summary
In our journey of reimagining church, we have been delving into the core DNA of what it means to be the church. We have been exploring the scriptural foundations of our identity as believers and how we are marked by certain characteristics. Last week, we focused on grace, and today, we turn our attention to hope. Hope is not a fleeting emotion or a wishful thinking; it is a robust, biblical principle and an eternal mandate that is part of our very essence as followers of Christ.
Hope is described in Hebrews 6 as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. This is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality that has a profound impact on our lives here and now. It is an assurance that, despite the storms we face, we are firmly held by a hope that transcends our circumstances. This hope is not based on our own strength or achievements but is rooted in the fullness of grace and love found in Jesus Christ.
I shared a personal story of a time when I felt utterly hopeless, likened to a shed collapsing. In that moment of vulnerability and helplessness, I reached out for help, and it was the hope in Jesus that anchored me. This hope is not just for the moments when we feel strong and capable; it is especially for the times when we are weak and in need of something greater than ourselves.
As we carry this hope within us, we are called to be ambassadors of hope to the world. We are to be the church not just within the walls of a building but wherever we go. This means that our workplaces, our communities, and our everyday interactions are opportunities to demonstrate the hope that is within us. We are to be ready to articulate this hope to those who ask, to share the story of how Jesus has changed our lives and given us a hope that endures.
Key Takeaways:
- Hope, as described in the Bible, is an anchor for our souls, providing stability and assurance in the midst of life's uncertainties. This hope is not a passive wish but an active certainty that influences how we live our daily lives. It is a hope that is both eternal and deeply personal, shaping our identity and actions as believers. [13:32]
- We are called to be ambassadors of hope, carrying the essence of what it means to be the church into every area of our lives. This calling is not limited to our time in church gatherings but extends to every interaction and relationship we have. As ambassadors, we represent the kingdom of God, demonstrating the transformative power of hope in a world that often feels hopeless. [25:10]
- The hope we possess is not only for our own comfort but is also a treasure to be shared with others. It is the answer to the hopelessness and turmoil that many around us are experiencing. As we engage with others, we have the privilege of offering them the hope that has changed our lives, pointing them to the source of true hope, Jesus Christ. [29:31]
- Being prepared to articulate the hope we have in Jesus is a vital part of our witness as Christians. Each of us has a unique story of encountering hope in Christ, and we are encouraged to be ready to share this with gentleness and respect. Our personal testimonies can be powerful tools in leading others to discover the hope that we have found. [28:48]
- In moments of hopelessness, whether they stem from personal struggles or circumstances beyond our control, we are reminded to seek support and prayer within the community of believers. The church is a place where we can be honest about our struggles and find encouragement and strength in the hope that is ours in Christ. [31:52]
In conclusion, hope is not a concept to be merely discussed; it is a reality to be lived and shared. As we go forth from our gatherings, let us be mindful of the hope that we carry and the call to be its ambassadors in every aspect of our lives.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Anchored in Hope
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 6:18-19 (NIV)
> "We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
2. Ephesians 1:18 (NIV)
> "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."
3. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
> "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 6:18-19, how is hope described and what is its purpose for believers?
2. In Ephesians 1:18, what does Paul pray for the believers to understand about hope?
3. What does 1 Peter 3:15 instruct believers to do regarding the hope they have in Christ?
4. In the sermon, how did the pastor describe his personal experience of hopelessness and the role of hope in that situation? ([19:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of hope as an "anchor for the soul" in Hebrews 6:19 help us understand its importance in a believer's life?
2. What might Paul mean by "the eyes of your heart" in Ephesians 1:18, and how does this relate to understanding hope?
3. Why is it important to be prepared to articulate the hope we have in Jesus, as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:15? How does this preparation impact our witness to others?
4. Reflecting on the pastor's story of feeling hopeless, how can personal testimonies of hope in Christ serve as powerful tools in sharing the gospel? ([19:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Hebrews 6:19 describes hope as an anchor for the soul. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt "anchored" by your hope in Christ? How did it influence your actions and mindset during that time?
2. Ephesians 1:18 speaks of having the eyes of our hearts enlightened to know the hope we are called to. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding and awareness of this hope?
3. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to be ready to share the reason for our hope. Think of a specific person in your life who might benefit from hearing your story of hope. How can you prepare to share your testimony with them in a gentle and respectful manner?
4. The pastor mentioned that hope is especially crucial during times of weakness and vulnerability ([19:15]). Are there areas in your life where you currently feel hopeless? How can you seek support and prayer from your church community to find strength and encouragement?
5. As ambassadors of hope, we are called to carry this hope into every area of our lives ([23:15]). Identify one specific way you can demonstrate hope in your workplace, community, or family this week.
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of being ready to articulate our hope in Jesus ([28:48]). What is one specific aspect of your personal story of encountering hope in Christ that you can practice sharing with others?
7. In moments of hopelessness, the pastor encouraged seeking support within the community of believers ([31:52]). How can you create a supportive environment in your small group or church where people feel safe to share their struggles and find hope?
By engaging with these questions, we can deepen our understanding of biblical hope and learn to live it out in our daily lives, becoming true ambassadors of hope in a world that often feels hopeless.
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Anchors the Soul
Hope is not a mere wishful sentiment; it is a steadfast anchor that provides stability and assurance amidst life's uncertainties. This hope is deeply rooted in the character of God and the salvation found in Jesus Christ. It is an active certainty that influences how we live our daily lives, shaping our identity and actions as believers. This hope is both eternal and deeply personal, offering us a sense of security and purpose that can withstand any storm. It is a hope that does not disappoint because it is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. [13:32]
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ESV
Reflection: How does the hope of Christ serve as an anchor in your current life challenges?
Day 2: Ambassadors of Eternal Hope
Believers are called to be ambassadors of hope, carrying the essence of what it means to be the church into every area of life. This calling extends beyond the walls of church gatherings to every interaction and relationship. As ambassadors, we represent the kingdom of God, demonstrating the transformative power of hope in a world that often feels hopeless. This means that our workplaces, communities, and everyday interactions are opportunities to demonstrate the hope that is within us. We are to be ready to articulate this hope to those who ask, to share the story of how Jesus has changed our lives and given us a hope that endures. [25:10]
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15 ESV
Reflection: In what practical ways can you be an ambassador of hope in your daily environment?
Day 3: Sharing the Treasure of Hope
The hope we possess is not only for our own comfort but is also a treasure to be shared with others. It is the answer to the hopelessness and turmoil that many around us are experiencing. As we engage with others, we have the privilege of offering them the hope that has changed our lives, pointing them to the source of true hope, Jesus Christ. This sharing is not a task reserved for a select few but a joyous responsibility for every believer. It is through our words and actions that we can illuminate the path to hope for those who are searching. [29:31]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6 ESV
Reflection: Who in your life may be in need of hope, and how can you share the hope of Christ with them this week?
Day 4: Articulating Our Hope in Christ
Being prepared to articulate the hope we have in Jesus is a vital part of our witness as Christians. Each of us has a unique story of encountering hope in Christ, and we are encouraged to be ready to share this with gentleness and respect. Our personal testimonies can be powerful tools in leading others to discover the hope that we have found. This readiness to speak of our hope is not about having all the answers but about being authentic and transparent about our journey with Christ. [28:48]
"Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15b ESV
Reflection: What is one experience in your life where hope in Christ made a significant difference, and how can you share this experience with someone this week?
Day 5: The Church as a Community of Hope
In moments of hopelessness, whether they stem from personal struggles or circumstances beyond our control, we are reminded to seek support and prayer within the community of believers. The church is a place where we can be honest about our struggles and find encouragement and strength in the hope that is ours in Christ. It is within this community that we can bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ. The church is not just a gathering; it is a living body that thrives on mutual support and the shared hope in our Savior. [31:52]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 ESV
Reflection: How can you actively seek or offer support within your church community to strengthen the shared hope in Christ?
Quotes
"Our righteousness is in Him, and our hope depends not on the exercise of grace in us, but upon the fullness of grace and love in Him, and upon His obedience unto death." [21:52](Download | Download Cropped Video)
"I pray for you that the eyes of your heart might be enlightened to know the hope to which you're called, our glorious inheritance in Christ Jesus." [21:14](Download | )
"The hope that you carry is like treasure that you can give to someone else. It is the cure, it is the thing they need in a place in their life where they're experiencing hopelessness or turmoil." [29:31](Download | )
"Be ready to articulate the hope that you have in Jesus. Each of us has a reason for the hope that we have, be ready, be agile, be prepared to articulate the hope that you have." [30:39](Download | )
"The anchor of hope was something I was truly aware of, even through death, and it wasn't hope to live, it was just hope that Jesus had me in every way." [21:14](Download | )
"Hope can manifest only truly in a soil of hopelessness. It can only have power when you're feeling hopeless." [22:34](Download | )
"We're ambassadors of hope, and when we're out of this church environment, what does it look like to carry hope to those around us?" [26:53](Download | )
"Being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect." [28:48](Download | Download Cropped Video)
"Hope isn't a thing that happens to you when you feel hopeless; it's a thing that is in your DNA if you're the church, and you're the church if you're following Jesus." [11:42](Download | Download Cropped Video)
"We've been talking about carrying the DNA of being the church rather than doing church, which means that when we walk out from here, we're no less the church than when we walked in." [23:15](Download | Download Cropped Video)
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