Anchored in Hope: The Power of the Resurrection

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound question, "Can I have hope?" This inquiry resonates deeply in our current world, where many are grappling with anxiety, depression, and uncertainty, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic and other societal challenges. The quest for hope is not just a collective concern but a deeply personal one, as individuals navigate their unique struggles and aspirations.

Hope, by its very nature, is an expectation or desire for a certain outcome. However, the source of true hope is not found in the temporary or material aspects of life, such as the end of a pandemic, political stability, or personal achievements. Instead, it is rooted in a historical event that occurred over two thousand years ago: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is the cornerstone of Christian hope, offering a confident certainty rather than a mere wishful thinking.

The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality that unlocks hope for believers. It assures us that the promises of God are not empty or misleading, like spam emails offering false rewards. Instead, they are trustworthy and fulfilled through the resurrection. This hope is not dependent on external circumstances or human efforts but is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and promises to return.

Furthermore, the resurrection introduces the beginning of the end, heralding the coming of God's kingdom. This kingdom is not fully realized yet, but it is a present reality in the lives of believers. It offers a perspective that transcends the brokenness and fallenness of this world, reminding us that our current sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits us.

In conclusion, our hope is not in what we see but in the unseen reality of a risen Savior. This hope fills our hearts, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and assurance. As we hold onto this hope, we are reminded that it is not something we have earned but a gift purchased by Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hope Beyond Circumstances: True hope is not found in the temporary relief from life's challenges but in the eternal promise of the resurrection. This hope transcends our current struggles and offers a confident certainty rooted in Christ's victory over death. [05:02]

2. The Resurrection as the Source of Hope: The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of hope, reminding us that our faith is not based on what is seen but on the reality of Christ's resurrection. This hope is not a superstitious belief but a confident assurance in God's promises. [09:47]

3. The Kingdom of God: The resurrection marks the beginning of the end, introducing the reality of God's kingdom. This kingdom offers a perspective that transcends the brokenness of this world, reminding us that our current sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the glory that awaits us. [15:00]

4. Hope in the Unseen: Our hope is not in the visible and temporary things of this world but in the unseen reality of a risen Savior. This hope encourages us to live with patience and assurance, knowing that Christ will return for His people. [18:04]

5. The Receipt of Hope: As believers, we hold a receipt of hope, purchased by Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This hope is not something we have earned but a gift that assures us of our eternal inheritance in Christ. [20:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Introduction and Humor
- [01:21] - The Question of Hope
- [02:00] - Impact of Covid on Hope
- [02:44] - Broader Societal Concerns
- [03:19] - Personal Struggles with Hope
- [03:54] - Anxiety and Hope
- [04:31] - Definition of Hope
- [05:02] - The Resurrection as Hope
- [05:39] - The Provision of Hope
- [06:18] - Ephesians and Hope
- [07:25] - Social Media and Hope
- [09:06] - Christian Hope in the Resurrection
- [10:19] - Peter on Living Hope
- [13:03] - Historical Perspective on Hope
- [15:00] - The Kingdom of God
- [18:04] - Hope in the Unseen
- [20:23] - The Receipt of Hope
- [21:30] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Can I Have Hope?"

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:15-23
2. 1 Peter 1:3-5
3. Romans 8:18-25

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 1:15-23, what does Paul pray for the believers to understand about hope? How is this hope connected to the resurrection? [06:18]

2. In 1 Peter 1:3-5, what does Peter describe as the source of a "living hope"? How is this hope linked to the resurrection of Jesus Christ? [10:19]

3. How does the sermon describe the impact of the resurrection on the concept of hope? What analogy is used to explain the certainty of this hope? [09:47]

4. What does Romans 8:18-25 say about the current sufferings and the future glory that awaits believers? How does this passage relate to the idea of hope in the unseen? [18:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ provide a foundation for hope that is different from worldly sources of hope? Consider the implications of an "empty tomb" as discussed in the sermon. [09:47]

2. In what ways does the concept of God's kingdom, as introduced by the resurrection, offer a perspective that transcends the brokenness of this world? How does this perspective affect a believer's daily life? [15:00]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between divine promises and "spam mail" promises? What does this analogy teach about the reliability of God's promises? [12:18]

4. How does the idea of a "receipt of hope," as mentioned in the sermon, help believers understand their relationship with God and their eternal inheritance? [20:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current struggle or challenge in your life. How can the hope rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ provide you with confidence and assurance in this situation? [05:02]

2. The sermon mentions that our hope is not in visible and temporary things but in the unseen reality of a risen Savior. Identify one area in your life where you are placing hope in temporary things. How can you shift your focus to the eternal hope in Christ? [18:04]

3. Consider the analogy of "spam mail" used in the sermon. Are there any "spam mail" promises in your life that you need to let go of to fully trust in God's promises? [12:18]

4. How can the understanding of God's kingdom as a present reality change the way you view and respond to the brokenness in the world around you? [15:00]

5. The sermon discusses the idea of a "receipt of hope" that believers hold. How does this concept affect your understanding of grace and the gift of salvation? How can it influence your interactions with others? [20:55]

6. Reflect on Romans 8:18-25 and the idea that current sufferings are not worth comparing to future glory. How can this perspective help you endure difficult times with patience and hope? [18:04]

7. Identify a specific way you can share the hope of the resurrection with someone in your life who is struggling with anxiety or uncertainty. What steps can you take this week to offer them encouragement and support? [03:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Hope Beyond Circumstances
True hope is not anchored in the temporary relief from life's challenges but in the eternal promise of the resurrection. This hope transcends our current struggles and offers a confident certainty rooted in Christ's victory over death. In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, it is easy to seek hope in fleeting solutions like the end of a pandemic or personal achievements. However, these are temporary and cannot provide the lasting assurance that comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event, which occurred over two thousand years ago, is the cornerstone of Christian hope, offering a confident certainty rather than mere wishful thinking. [05:02]

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)

Reflection: What temporary sources of hope have you been relying on, and how can you shift your focus to the eternal hope found in Christ's resurrection today?


Day 2: The Resurrection as the Source of Hope
The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of hope, reminding us that our faith is not based on what is seen but on the reality of Christ's resurrection. This hope is not a superstitious belief but a confident assurance in God's promises. The resurrection assures us that the promises of God are not empty or misleading, like spam emails offering false rewards. Instead, they are trustworthy and fulfilled through the resurrection. This hope is not dependent on external circumstances or human efforts but is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and promises to return. [09:47]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?


Day 3: The Kingdom of God
The resurrection marks the beginning of the end, introducing the reality of God's kingdom. This kingdom offers a perspective that transcends the brokenness of this world, reminding us that our current sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the glory that awaits us. While the kingdom is not fully realized yet, it is a present reality in the lives of believers. It offers a perspective that transcends the brokenness and fallenness of this world, reminding us that our current sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits us. [15:00]

"And he said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.'" (Mark 9:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in bringing God's kingdom to your community today?


Day 4: Hope in the Unseen
Our hope is not in the visible and temporary things of this world but in the unseen reality of a risen Savior. This hope encourages us to live with patience and assurance, knowing that Christ will return for His people. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality that unlocks hope for believers. It assures us that the promises of God are not empty or misleading, like spam emails offering false rewards. Instead, they are trustworthy and fulfilled through the resurrection. [18:04]

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: What unseen realities of God's promises can you focus on today to strengthen your faith and hope?


Day 5: The Receipt of Hope
As believers, we hold a receipt of hope, purchased by Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This hope is not something we have earned but a gift that assures us of our eternal inheritance in Christ. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality that unlocks hope for believers. It assures us that the promises of God are not empty or misleading, like spam emails offering false rewards. Instead, they are trustworthy and fulfilled through the resurrection. [20:55]

"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects the hope and assurance you have received through Christ's resurrection?

Quotes


Covid has been this strange subject because in one sense it seems like it has been a medical anomaly but it's also created so much interpersonal conversations and global divisions in how to have this conversation. And quite honestly, it has affected people personally at a very personal level. Because of Covid, it's reported that four in ten Americans self-identify struggling with anxiety or depression. Before Covid, it was only one in ten. [00:02:00]

A question in the middle of this is, "Can we have hope?" Well, I'm here today to tell you that we can but perhaps not from the places that we have been looking. It is not in the hope of a future without masks. It is not in the hope of a future to travel without restrictions. It is not in the hope of a future where you might have the educational accomplishments that you're looking for. It is actually something quite different. [00:04:31]

Well, interestingly, it's not what's going to take place in the days ahead that'll help you. It's actually what took place in the years behind; specifically, what took place two thousand years ago in a historic event that is a better source of hope for you no matter the problem that you see or read about today or will yet experience in the future ahead, and it's the conversation about the resurrection. [00:05:02]

Friends, what we are seeing here in the text in Ephesians is this sort of, you know, verses 15 and 17, "your faith," he is praying for you. He wants them to know that God has given them wisdom. But then look at what he says there back in that text: "That you make know what is the hope to which He has called you," and he ties this hope to the reality of an empty tomb, of an empty tomb. [00:06:18]

But ironically, in the Christian life, we are putting our hope in what is absent. There is no body in the tomb. There is no one there. As the angel said to the witnesses who came, "For the one you look for, He has risen." In His absence, we find the presence of hope that what He promised He fulfilled and how that unlocks the door of hope for us. [00:09:47]

Friends, when God tells you of an invitation to hope, it's not divine spam mail. He is not trying to get you to double-click on something only to then mislead you and deceive you. He intends to deliver on every single promise He makes. He does that to the resurrection of His Son. Because there is an empty tomb, there is a filled heart with hope. [00:12:23]

This life was always meant to be transitory and just part of a larger story. What was important to the Christians was to orient one's life towards the larger story, the cosmic story, the story of eternity. They did live in this world, they did experience pain, and loved others, but the Christians of that time were called to see the story of this life as just one of the stories in which they lived. [00:13:03]

The second lesson that we want learn from the resurrection, not only that it introduces hope, secondly, secondly, we want to see that it introduces the beginning—I'm really getting my money's worth out of this chalk now—of the end. Introduces the beginning of the end. Here's what I mean by this. It is about the conversation from the Scriptures about the kingdom of God, the kingdom of God. [00:15:00]

I mean, just consider this. You look around you and you see from, well, I'm from Miami, it's where I live, and all you have to do is just get in your car and go for a drive to go, "This is a crazy world." In Miami, we communicate through our horns and not our turn signals. In fact, if we use a turn signal, you should not trust it. You should not. [00:16:04]

What Paul does here in Romans 8, he says, "Listen, we acknowledge brokenness, we see the mess, but our hope is not in what we see, politicians, friendship, social media accounts. Our hope is what we do not see but we believe; the risen Savior coming for His people again." How that encourages us. So, whether it's over the brokenness of this world, the anxiety over our future, the shame over our past, we see how God encourages us with the truth that the tomb is empty but our hearts can be full. [00:18:04]

They ask for a receipt. They want to know what you're walking out with, and what you paid for. When you're young it's great because they do like the little smiley faces for you, but when you are older, it's like, "Just swipe it, let's go." They want to make sure that what you are actually claiming belongs to you is actually yours, you paid for it. Christians, you're walking through this life eventually one day to cross the Jordan River and into the promised land with hope in your hand and in your heart, but here's the deal. You didn't pay for it; Christ did by His perfect righteousness in His life accomplishing what you and I have never done, His substitutionary death on the cross, receiving the wrath of God that we otherwise should receive ourselves, and then resurrecting from the grave three days later physically appearing to over five hundred witnesses before He ascended to the right hand of the Father where He reigns today and promises to return for you. That's a receipt of hope you hold in your hands today until He comes again. [00:20:23]

What gift there is to not only forgive us our sins through faith in Your Son but also to credit us with all the righteousness of Your Son. God, we thank You that our hope is attached to You and not ourselves or each other but we know that that's true. Help us to live in light of that today. Amen. [00:21:30]

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Transcript
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