Becoming Catalysts of Hope in Christ

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we are called to be more than mere attendees in the house of God; we are summoned to become an army for Christ. This transformation is not just for the sake of numbers but to be a beacon of hope to those who are yet to encounter the love and salvation found in Jesus Christ. Our mission is clear: to help the helpless find Jesus, to nurture their faith, and to see hope multiplied in their lives. This is not a passive calling but an active engagement in the spiritual battle for souls.

As we delve into Romans 15, we are reminded that God is the source of all hope. It is through trusting Him that we are filled with joy and peace, becoming catalysts for hope in a world that desperately needs it. Embracing challenges is part of our journey, and we must be willing to adapt and change for the sake of the Gospel. This may involve discomfort, such as not sitting in our usual spot, but it is a small price to pay for the advancement of God's kingdom.

The early church, as depicted in Acts 6, faced challenges as it grew. Discontent and discrimination arose, but they did not allow these issues to hinder their mission. Instead, they adapted, creating new systems and structures to ensure that everyone was cared for. This is a model for us as we too must be willing to change and become more effective in ministry.

Our church has experienced growth, and with it, challenges such as seating capacity, parking issues, and the need for more life group leaders. These are signs that we must not become complacent but instead, rise to the occasion. We are moving to two services to accommodate growth, not for the sake of having a large congregation, but to reach more people with the hope of Jesus.

We are reminded of the importance of hope in our lives. Hope is not a wishful thought but a confident expectation in God's promises. It is essential for our well-being and is the antidote to despair. As we multiply hope, we are not just improving lives here on earth but pointing people to the eternal hope found in Christ.

In conclusion, we are called to be catalysts of hope, to embrace challenges, and to be part of the change necessary for the Gospel to spread. Our prayer is that God will fill us with His joy and peace so that we can overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward with confidence, trusting in God's strength to fulfill the mission He has entrusted to us.

Key Takeaways:

- God is the source of all hope, and it is through trusting Him that we are filled with joy and peace. As we become filled, we overflow with hope, impacting those around us. This overflow is not by our own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to be effective witnesses for Christ. [15:50]

- Embracing challenges is a necessary step in our spiritual growth and the expansion of God's kingdom. Just as the early church faced growing pains and adapted, we too must be willing to change our methods while remaining steadfast in our mission. This adaptability is a testament to our trust in God's guidance and provision. [18:16]

- Multiplication of hope is not an option but a command from God. From the Great Commission to the example of the early church, we are called to spread the Gospel and bring hope to the hopeless. This multiplication is not just about increasing numbers but about transforming lives with the message of Jesus Christ. [09:43]

- The church is not a closed community but one that exists for those who are not yet part of it. Our mission is to reach out to the lost and offer them the hope found in Christ. This outward focus is what drives us to expand our capacity and welcome more people into the family of God. [24:16]

- Hope is vital for our well-being and is rooted in a confident expectation of God's promises. As we share this hope with others, we are not only improving their current circumstances but also pointing them to the eternal hope found in a relationship with Jesus. This is the ultimate goal of our mission to multiply hope. [12:13]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 15:13 (NIV) - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
2. Acts 6:1-7 (NIV) - "In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.' This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 15:13, what are the results of trusting in God? How does this relate to the concept of hope?
2. In Acts 6:1-7, what problem did the early church face as it grew, and how did they resolve it?
3. What does the sermon suggest is the reason for the church's growth and the challenges that come with it? [18:51]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us overflow with hope? [15:15]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God is described as the "source of all hope" in Romans 15:13? How does this shape our understanding of hope?
2. How did the early church's response to their challenges in Acts 6 serve as a model for modern churches facing growth and logistical issues? [21:51]
3. The sermon mentions that multiplication of hope is not optional but a command from God. How does this align with the Great Commission and the example of the early church? [09:43]
4. What does it mean to be a "catalyst of hope" as described in the sermon, and how can this concept be applied in our daily lives? [27:16]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by challenges. How can you trust in God to fill you with joy and peace in those moments? [14:41]
2. The early church adapted to growth by appointing new leaders. Are there areas in your life or church where you need to adapt or change to better serve others? [21:51]
3. How can you actively participate in multiplying hope within your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share hope with someone in need. [09:43]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not becoming complacent. What steps can you take to ensure you are continually growing in your faith and service? [20:39]
5. Think about the concept of being a "catalyst of hope." What practical steps can you take to create positive change in your environment without fundamentally changing who you are? [27:16]
6. How can you support the church's mission to reach more people with the hope of Jesus? Consider volunteering for a new role or inviting someone to church. [24:16]
7. The sermon mentions the need for more life group leaders. If you are not currently leading a group, what might be holding you back, and how can you overcome those barriers? [19:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God Fills Us with Hope
Hope is not a mere feeling; it is a state of being that is cultivated through a deep trust in God. When individuals place their trust in God, they are filled with an abundance of joy and peace, which naturally overflows into hope. This hope is not self-generated but comes from the Holy Spirit's power within us. As believers trust in God's promises and His character, they become reservoirs of hope, not just for themselves but for those around them. This hope is contagious and serves as a testament to God's faithfulness, encouraging others to seek the same joy and peace found in a relationship with Christ. [15:50]

"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. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV

Reflection: How can you actively place your trust in God today to become a vessel of hope for those around you?

Day 2: Embrace Challenges for Kingdom Growth
Growth in God's kingdom often comes with challenges that require believers to adapt and change. Just as the early church in Acts 6 overcame obstacles by implementing new structures, today's church must also be willing to embrace change for the sake of the Gospel. This may mean stepping out of comfort zones, altering traditions, or finding innovative ways to minister to others. Such adaptability demonstrates a reliance on God's guidance and a commitment to the mission He has given. By embracing these challenges, believers can ensure that the church remains effective and responsive to the needs of its growing community. [18:16]

"And they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." - Acts 6:6-7 ESV

Reflection: What is one change you can make in your personal spiritual practices to better adapt to the needs of your growing faith community?

Day 3: Commanded to Multiply Hope
Multiplying hope is not merely a suggestion but a divine command. Believers are instructed to follow the Great Commission, spreading the Gospel and bringing hope to those without it. This multiplication goes beyond increasing church attendance; it involves changing lives with the transformative message of Jesus Christ. By actively participating in this mission, believers fulfill their purpose and extend the reach of God's kingdom, offering eternal hope to every soul they encounter. [09:43]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'" - Mark 16:15-16 ESV

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the hope of the Gospel with this week, and how will you approach them?

Day 4: The Church's Mission Beyond Its Walls
The church exists not only for its members but also for those who are yet to join its ranks. The mission of the church is to reach out and offer the hope found in Christ to the lost. This outward focus drives the church to expand its capacity, welcoming more individuals into God's family. By doing so, the church becomes a true reflection of God's love and grace, inviting everyone to experience the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus. [24:16]

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." - Luke 19:10 ESV

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to make your church more welcoming to newcomers?

Day 5: Sharing Hope Improves Well-being
Hope is essential for well-being, providing individuals with a confident expectation in God's promises. This hope is not just for temporary comfort but points to the eternal hope found in a relationship with Jesus. As believers share this hope with others, they not only improve the present circumstances of those they encounter but also guide them towards the ultimate hope of salvation. This act of sharing hope is a critical aspect of the believer's mission, reflecting the heart of God for His creation. [12:13]

"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." - Romans 15:13 ESV

Reflection: How can you demonstrate the hope that is within you to someone who is struggling with despair this week?

Quotes

1) "Our church is the only organization in the world that is here for the people that aren't here yet. It's for those who don't have hope and need to find it, so closing our doors is not an option." [24:16] (Download)

2) "Multiplication is not optional. When God created man and woman, the first words He said were 'be fruitful and multiply.' This is about populating the Earth with people who would have a relationship with Him and worship Him." [06:09] (Download)

3) "Hope is essential for life. It's not just hope for Hope's sake, so people can have a good life here. It's the eternal hope that we need to focus on, that Jesus is the ultimate hope." [12:13] (Download)

4) "We need to trade in our being overwhelmed for being overflowing so that we can multiply hope at home, in our community, and around the world." [16:27] (Download)

5) "Multiplication will make us a catalyst. It will make us a catalyst of hope while we're multiplying hope. We don't change fundamentally who we are, but we're creating change all around us." [27:16] (Download)

6) "I pray that God, the source of all hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." [15:15] (Download)

7) "The early church faced challenges as it grew, but they adapted, creating new systems and structures to ensure that everyone was cared for. This is a model for us as we too must be willing to change and become more effective in ministry." [21:51] (Download)

8) "Hope is not a wishful thought but a confident expectation in God's promises. It is essential for our well-being and is the antidote to despair." [12:49] (Download)

9) "Our mission is clear: to help the helpless find Jesus, to nurture their faith, and to see hope multiplied in their lives. This is not a passive calling but an active engagement in the spiritual battle for souls." [28:32] (Download)

10) "Embracing challenges is part of our journey, and we must be willing to adapt and change for the sake of the Gospel. This may involve discomfort, but it is a small price to pay for the advancement of God's kingdom." [29:50] (Download)

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 06, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?