Anchoring Our Hope in the Kingdom of God
Summary
In this season of Advent, we are reminded of the hope that Jesus brings into our lives. The biblical definition of hope, derived from the Greek word "ellipsis," signifies a confident expectation of the future, distinct from mere wishing. This hope is foundational to our faith, influencing our thoughts, actions, and emotions. It is crucial to differentiate between hope and wishful thinking, as the former is rooted in the promises of God and the latter in our desires.
Hope is a guiding force in our lives, shaping our expectations and decisions. When our hope is misplaced in people, circumstances, or even our own understanding of what God should do, we risk disappointment and despair. True hope is anchored in Jesus and His kingdom, which He inaugurated with His birth, life, death, and resurrection. This kingdom is not a distant future reality but a present and active force in the world, bringing healing, freedom, and transformation.
The kingdom of God is advancing powerfully, despite appearances to the contrary. It is not a passive or shrinking entity but one that is explosively growing and impacting lives worldwide. Our challenge is to align our perspective with this truth, seeing the world through the lens of God's kingdom rather than the often discouraging narratives around us. This requires a shift in our focus, from external circumstances to the internal reality of God's presence and power.
As we navigate this season, we are called to cultivate a perspective of hope, recognizing that we are part of a kingdom that is ever advancing. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God and His promises. By placing our hope in Jesus and His kingdom, we find stability and strength to face life's challenges with confidence and joy.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding True Hope: Biblical hope is a confident expectation rooted in God's promises, distinct from mere wishing. It shapes our thoughts, actions, and emotions, guiding us through life's uncertainties. By aligning our hope with God's truth, we find stability and purpose. [58:36]
2. The Kingdom's Present Reality: Jesus' arrival marked the beginning of His kingdom on earth, a present and active force bringing healing and transformation. This kingdom is not a distant future reality but a powerful presence in our lives today. [01:12:48]
3. Aligning Our Perspective: Our perspective on the kingdom influences our actions and emotions. By focusing on God's advancing kingdom rather than external circumstances, we cultivate a mindset of hope and confidence. [01:20:53]
4. The Power of a Good Eye: In Hebrew culture, having a "good eye" meant being generous and outward-focused. Our actions reflect our perspective; a hopeful outlook leads to generosity and blessing others. [01:25:47]
5. Living in the Age of the Kingdom: We are part of an ever-advancing kingdom, despite appearances. By trusting in God's promises and aligning our lives with His truth, we participate in His transformative work in the world. [01:30:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [50:15] - Christmas Giving Fund
- [52:07] - Youth Christmas Party
- [53:26] - Christmas Hope Event
- [58:36] - Defining Hope
- [59:08] - The Importance of Hope
- [01:00:49] - Misplaced Hope
- [01:01:52] - Losing Hope
- [01:03:21] - The Season for Hope
- [01:04:49] - The Arrival of Jesus
- [01:05:55] - Placing Hope in Jesus
- [01:07:21] - The Kingdom's Power
- [01:12:48] - The Kingdom's Present Reality
- [01:14:08] - Advancing Kingdom
- [01:20:53] - Aligning Our Perspective
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Hope in the Advent Season
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:4 - "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called."
2. Matthew 9:35 - "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness."
3. Luke 4:16-21 - Jesus reads from Isaiah and declares the fulfillment of the prophecy, marking the arrival of His kingdom.
Observation Questions:
1. How does the biblical definition of hope differ from the common use of the word "wish"? [58:36]
2. What actions did Jesus perform in Matthew 9:35 that demonstrate the presence of His kingdom?
3. In Luke 4:16-21, what specific mission does Jesus declare, and how does it relate to the concept of hope?
4. According to the sermon, what are some examples of misplaced hope, and what are the consequences of such misplacement? [01:00:49]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the biblical concept of hope as a "confident expectation" influence a believer's daily life and decisions? [59:08]
2. What does it mean for the kingdom of God to be a present reality, and how should this understanding affect a believer's perspective on current world events? [01:12:48]
3. How can aligning one's perspective with the advancing kingdom of God lead to a mindset of hope and confidence? [01:20:53]
4. In what ways does having a "good eye" reflect a hopeful outlook, and how does this perspective manifest in actions towards others? [01:25:47]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you placed your hope in something or someone other than Jesus. What was the outcome, and how can you redirect your hope towards Him? [01:01:52]
2. How can you actively participate in the advancing kingdom of God in your community, and what steps can you take to align your actions with this mission? [01:14:08]
3. Consider the narratives you consume daily (news, social media, etc.). How can you shift your focus to see the world through the lens of God's kingdom rather than discouraging narratives? [01:20:53]
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel a lack of hope. How can you invite God's presence and promises into that situation to cultivate hope? [01:30:17]
5. How can you develop a "good eye" by being more generous and outward-focused in your daily interactions? What specific actions can you take this week to bless others? [01:25:47]
6. In what ways can you remind yourself of the unchanging nature of God and His promises when facing life's challenges? [01:04:49]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to place their hope in Jesus and His kingdom during this Advent season? [01:42:23]
Devotional
Day 1: True Hope as Confident Expectation
Hope, as defined in the biblical context, is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. This hope is foundational to our faith, influencing our thoughts, actions, and emotions. It is crucial to differentiate between hope and wishful thinking, as the former is anchored in the certainty of God's promises, while the latter is based on our desires. When we align our hope with God's truth, we find stability and purpose, guiding us through life's uncertainties. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God and His promises. [58:36]
Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you have been relying on wishful thinking rather than true hope. How can you shift your focus to God's promises in this area today?
Day 2: The Kingdom's Present Reality
The arrival of Jesus marked the beginning of His kingdom on earth, a present and active force bringing healing and transformation. This kingdom is not a distant future reality but a powerful presence in our lives today. Despite appearances to the contrary, the kingdom of God is advancing powerfully, impacting lives worldwide. Our challenge is to align our perspective with this truth, seeing the world through the lens of God's kingdom rather than the often discouraging narratives around us. By focusing on the kingdom's present reality, we cultivate a mindset of hope and confidence. [01:12:48]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you recognize and participate in the present reality of God's kingdom in your daily life?
Day 3: Aligning Our Perspective with God's Kingdom
Our perspective on the kingdom influences our actions and emotions. By focusing on God's advancing kingdom rather than external circumstances, we cultivate a mindset of hope and confidence. This requires a shift in our focus, from external circumstances to the internal reality of God's presence and power. When we align our perspective with God's truth, we find stability and strength to face life's challenges with confidence and joy. This alignment allows us to see the world through the lens of God's kingdom, bringing healing, freedom, and transformation. [01:20:53]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally shift your focus from external circumstances to the internal reality of God's presence in your life today?
Day 4: The Power of a Good Eye
In Hebrew culture, having a "good eye" meant being generous and outward-focused. Our actions reflect our perspective; a hopeful outlook leads to generosity and blessing others. When we have a hopeful perspective, we are more inclined to be generous and outward-focused, reflecting the nature of God's kingdom. This generosity is not just about material giving but also about sharing hope, love, and encouragement with those around us. By cultivating a "good eye," we participate in God's transformative work in the world, bringing healing and blessing to others. [01:25:47]
Proverbs 22:9 (ESV): "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can demonstrate generosity and a "good eye" to someone in your community today.
Day 5: Living in the Age of the Kingdom
We are part of an ever-advancing kingdom, despite appearances. By trusting in God's promises and aligning our lives with His truth, we participate in His transformative work in the world. This participation is not passive but active, as we engage with the world around us through the lens of God's kingdom. As we navigate this season, we are called to cultivate a perspective of hope, recognizing that we are part of a kingdom that is ever advancing. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God and His promises. [01:30:17]
Hebrews 12:28 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's advancing kingdom in your daily life, and what steps can you take to align your actions with His truth?
Quotes
Sometimes we put all of our hope in our expectations of what we think God is supposed to do. Unfortunately, all of these things will fail us sooner or later. And if this happens enough times, we can actually lose hope altogether. [01:01:52] (20 seconds)
It's the season because since Jesus came 2,000 years ago, it's been the season for hope. It's a great time to have carved out to remind us that there's a season for hope. [01:04:49] (14 seconds)
It's not that we can't ever expect something of some other situation or some other person, but our hope, our ultimate hope, has to firmly be in Jesus and his kingdom. [01:06:49] (14 seconds)
The kingdom of God is a kingdom that isn't just thoughts. It isn't just truth. It is actual power to make change in this physical world. It's power to heal. It's power to forgive. [01:12:48] (24 seconds)
Not only has Jesus established his kingdom, it is advancing and has been from jump. You know, we are less than a hundred, actually, it's less than this now. I think it's down to like 60 years. We are less than a hundred years from having a Bible in every known language. [01:14:08] (23 seconds)
The idea here is that the kingdom is forcefully advancing, explosively advancing, and explosive people are taking hold of it. [01:17:56] (13 seconds)
We must cultivate a perspective that our kingdom is advancing. See, this is, this is what, this is one of the things we have to wrap our mind around when it comes to, like, scripture. [01:20:53] (12 seconds)
If you have a good eye. If you have a good eye, what you do is the proof of what kind of eye you had. You're generous and you help others. If you look at the world and see that it is a world that there is provision in, that you have enough, that God is going to bless you, that God wants to use you to provide to others. [01:25:47] (30 seconds)
Are you excited about being part of a kingdom that is ever advancing? Or have you grown apathetic due to the lie that God isn't really on the move, at least not here, at least not with you? [01:30:17] (14 seconds)
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