Anchoring Our Hope in Jesus This Advent Season
Summary
As we embark on the Advent season, we are reminded of the profound hope that is central to our faith. This hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a powerful force that sustains us through life's uncertainties. In John chapter one, we see the embodiment of hope in the person of Jesus Christ. The passage invites us to reflect on what we are truly hoping for and whether our hopes are anchored in the eternal promises of God.
Hope is fragile yet incredibly powerful. It is often tied to time, as we wait for outcomes in our lives, whether it's a job opportunity, a health report, or academic success. Proverbs 13:12 warns us that hope deferred makes the heart sick, highlighting the delicate nature of hope. Yet, in this Advent season, we are called to place our hope in something far greater than our circumstances—Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
The story of Philip and Nathanael in John chapter one illustrates the transformative power of hope found in Jesus. Philip, an ordinary man, is called by Jesus to follow Him. Despite his doubts and ordinariness, Philip experiences the goodness of the Lord and invites Nathanael to "come and see" Jesus. This invitation is a powerful reminder that our hope is not in our abilities or circumstances but in the person of Jesus Christ.
As we navigate our lives, we must ask ourselves if the words of Jesus bring us hope. Are we allowing His words to shape our identity and guide our actions? Jesus speaks tenderly to our souls, offering us a hope that transcends our understanding. In a world filled with cynicism and disappointment, we are called to be bearers of hope, inviting others to experience the love and grace of Jesus.
Finally, our hope must reside solely in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the ladder between heaven and earth, the one who bridges the gap and offers us communion with God. As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, let us place our hope in Jesus, the hope of glory, and invite others to taste and see His goodness.
Key Takeaways:
- Hope is fragile yet powerful, often tied to time and circumstances. In this Advent season, we are reminded to anchor our hope in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's promises. [40:04]
- The story of Philip and Nathanael shows that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Our hope is not in our abilities but in the transformative power of Jesus. [42:44]
- The words of Jesus bring hope and shape our identity. In a world filled with disappointment, we are called to be bearers of hope, inviting others to experience the love and grace of Jesus. [46:52]
- Our hope must reside solely in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the bridge between heaven and earth, offering us communion with God and the assurance of His promises. [58:02]
- As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, let us place our hope in Jesus, the hope of glory, and invite others to taste and see His goodness. [01:00:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to Advent
[02:30] - Overview of Advent Themes
[05:15] - Community Engagement and Giving
[10:00] - The Fragility and Power of Hope
[15:30] - Hope in the Advent Season
[20:00] - The Story of Philip and Nathanael
[25:45] - The Call to Follow Jesus
[30:00] - The Role of Ordinary People
[35:00] - The Words of Jesus and Our Identity
[40:04] - The Gospel as Our Sole Hope
[45:00] - Invitation to Experience Jesus
[50:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:43-51
- Proverbs 13:12
- Psalm 34:8
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 1:43-51, how does Jesus call Philip, and what is Philip's immediate response? What does this tell us about the nature of Jesus' invitation? [41:14]
2. According to Proverbs 13:12, what happens when hope is deferred? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the fragility of hope? [13:12]
3. In the sermon, how is the story of Philip and Nathanael used to illustrate the power of hope in Jesus? [42:44]
4. What does Psalm 34:8 encourage believers to do, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about experiencing the goodness of the Lord? [42:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the relationship between hope and time, and why is this significant for believers during the Advent season? [13:12]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of ordinary people in God's plan, as seen in the story of Philip and Nathanael? [42:44]
3. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "come and see" in the context of inviting others to experience Jesus? What does this imply about the nature of evangelism? [50:33]
4. According to the sermon, how do the words of Jesus shape our identity and bring hope? What does this mean for believers living in a world filled with disappointment? [46:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your hope was deferred. How did it affect you, and how can you anchor your hope in Jesus during similar situations in the future? [13:12]
2. The sermon emphasizes the power of ordinary people in God's plan. Identify one area in your life where you feel ordinary. How can you allow God to use you in extraordinary ways in that area? [42:44]
3. Consider the phrase "come and see" as an invitation to others. Who in your life can you invite to experience the love and grace of Jesus, and what practical steps can you take to extend that invitation this week? [50:33]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of letting Jesus' words shape our identity. What specific words or teachings of Jesus resonate with you, and how can they guide your actions and decisions this week? [46:52]
5. In what ways can you be a bearer of hope in your community, especially during the Advent season? Identify one specific action you can take to share hope with someone who is struggling. [46:52]
6. Reflect on the concept of Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth. How does this understanding impact your relationship with God, and how can it influence your daily life? [58:02]
7. The sermon calls believers to prepare their hearts during Advent. What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to focus on Jesus as the hope of glory? [01:00:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Anchored in Eternal Promises
Hope is a powerful force that sustains us through life's uncertainties, but it is fragile and often tied to time and circumstances. During the Advent season, we are reminded to anchor our hope in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's promises. This hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a profound assurance that transcends our current situations. Proverbs 13:12 warns us that hope deferred makes the heart sick, yet in Christ, our hope is secure and eternal. As we navigate the challenges of life, we are called to place our trust in Jesus, the Messiah, who embodies the hope we long for. [40:04]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel your hope is fragile? How can you intentionally anchor that hope in the eternal promises of Jesus today?
Day 2: God Uses the Ordinary for the Extraordinary
The story of Philip and Nathanael in John chapter one illustrates that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Philip, an ordinary man, is called by Jesus to follow Him, and despite his doubts, he experiences the transformative power of Jesus. This narrative reminds us that our hope is not in our abilities but in the power of Jesus to work through us. As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to see ourselves as vessels through which God's extraordinary plans can unfold, regardless of our perceived limitations. [42:44]
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you feel ordinary or inadequate? How can you invite Jesus to work through you in those areas to accomplish His extraordinary purposes?
Day 3: The Words of Jesus Shape Our Identity
In a world filled with cynicism and disappointment, the words of Jesus bring hope and shape our identity. We are called to be bearers of hope, inviting others to experience the love and grace of Jesus. As we allow His words to guide our actions and shape who we are, we find a hope that transcends our understanding. This hope is not based on our circumstances but on the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. As we reflect on His words, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and the hope we have in Him. [46:52]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: How do the words of Jesus currently shape your identity? What is one specific way you can let His words guide your actions today?
Day 4: The Gospel as Our Sole Hope
Our hope must reside solely in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the bridge between heaven and earth, offering us communion with God and the assurance of His promises. As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, we are reminded that our ultimate hope is found in the gospel. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging truth of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us. As we reflect on the gospel, we are invited to place our hope in Jesus, the hope of glory, and to share this hope with others. [58:02]
"For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father." (Ephesians 2:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you placed your hope in things other than the gospel? How can you refocus your hope on the gospel of Jesus Christ today?
Day 5: Inviting Others to Taste and See His Goodness
As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, we are called to place our hope in Jesus, the hope of glory, and invite others to taste and see His goodness. This invitation is a powerful reminder that our hope is not just for ourselves but is meant to be shared with others. As we experience the love and grace of Jesus, we are encouraged to extend that invitation to those around us, inviting them to experience the transformative power of His goodness. [01:00:06]
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the goodness of Jesus? How can you intentionally invite them to "taste and see" His goodness this week?
Quotes
"Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. This ordinary man invites others to come to Jesus. And if you believe that you're just ordinary today, let me tell you what you can do. You can invite another to join Jesus." [00:43:05] (15 seconds)
"Do the words of Jesus bring you hope today? Do the words of Jesus bring you hope today? So what are you hoping in? Think of that. And then when Jesus speaks, does that actually change what you're hoping in?" [00:46:26] (14 seconds)
"Let the words of Jesus this morning speak to your souls this morning. Steal your heart. It's Advent. Hope in Jesus and listen. Hope in Jesus and listen to the words of our Lord." [00:51:59] (24 seconds)
"Does your hope reside solely in the gospel of Jesus? Watch this. Jesus answered him, because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree when you were actually communion with God. Do you believe?" [00:56:30] (14 seconds)
"Where do we get our hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ? You see, Jesus is more than clairvoyant. Jesus isn't some kind of parlor trick that he just kind of reads your palm in some ways and knows exactly what was happening to you." [00:57:58] (15 seconds)
"You may feel like God's not close. You may feel like God's not near. You may feel like God is not in control. But I will tell you, through the gospel of Christ, there is movement. There is movement from heaven to earth, right?" [01:00:38] (16 seconds)
"From heaven to where that ladder is to earth. The only one who can do that is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Where is your hope in, church? Your hope is westover. Jesus Christ of Nazareth." [01:01:50] (19 seconds)
"Somebody invited me to Jesus. They said, come and see. If you're here and you don't know Jesus, I'm going to do the same thing. Come and see." [01:03:13] (13 seconds)
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