Celebrating Faithfulness and Hope in Christ
Summary
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Today, we remember and celebrate the life of William Robbins, a man whose faithfulness was evident in every aspect of his life—his family, his service to his country, his work, and most importantly, his walk with God. William’s life was marked by steadfast love, devotion, and a quiet strength that brought joy to those around him. His faithfulness was not just a trait, but a testimony—a living witness to the hope and assurance found in Christ.
William’s love for his family was unwavering. In every photograph, every memory, his joy was contagious, and his love for Bonnie and his family was the anchor of his life. He was a man who did not hesitate to express his love, reminding us all of the importance of telling those around us how much we care. His service to his nation was marked by honor and commitment, and his work in the community reflected a heart eager to help and serve others.
Yet, as we gather, we are reminded that our hope is not in this world alone. The Scriptures assure us that death is not the end, but a transition for those who trust in Christ. Jesus has conquered death, and because He lives, so does William. The grief we feel is real, but it is not without hope. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus, showing us that He understands our pain and offers us comfort. But He also declared, “I am the resurrection and the life,” promising eternal life to all who believe.
Death is inevitable for all, but it is not victorious over those who are in Christ. The choice before each of us is both inclusive and exclusive: the gift of salvation is offered to all, but it must be received personally through faith in Jesus. William made that choice as a young boy, and his life bore the fruit of that decision until the day his faith became sight. Today, we celebrate not just a life well-lived, but a victory won through Christ—a victory that is available to all who trust in Him.
Key Takeaways
- Faithfulness is a living testimony. William’s life reminds us that true faithfulness is not just about consistency, but about reflecting the steadfast love of God in every relationship and responsibility. Our faithfulness, like his, can be a source of joy and encouragement to others, pointing them to the faithfulness of Christ. [50:32]
- Expressing love is a spiritual discipline. The simple act of telling those around us that we love them is not trivial—it is a reflection of Christ’s command to love one another. In a world that often encourages emotional reserve, we are called to be open with our affection, knowing that love is the mark of true discipleship. [51:21]
- Grief is real, but hope is greater. Jesus validated our tears by weeping at the tomb of Lazarus, showing that sorrow is a natural part of loss. Yet, He also offers a hope that transcends grief—a hope rooted in His resurrection and the promise of eternal life for all who believe. [01:01:21]
- Death is inevitable, but not victorious. The reality of death confronts every person, regardless of status or achievement. Yet, for those in Christ, death is not the end but the beginning of eternal life, and its sting has been removed by Jesus’ victory on the cross. [56:49]
- Salvation is a personal and urgent choice. The gift of eternal life is offered freely to all, but it must be received through repentance and faith in Jesus alone. This choice is both inclusive—available to everyone—and exclusive—found only in Christ. The simplicity of the gospel is that anyone who confesses and believes will be saved. [01:04:22]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:45] - Remembering William Robbins’ Life
[22:57] - William’s Service and Community Impact
[50:32] - The Mark of Faithfulness
[51:21] - Faithfulness to Family and the Power of Love
[52:34] - Faithfulness to Country and Assurance of Hope
[54:47] - Trusting God in Suffering
[55:42] - The Purpose of Memorials and the Hope of Resurrection
[56:49] - The Reality and Universality of Death
[57:45] - The Consequence of Sin and the Gift of Eternal Life
[59:26] - God’s Compassion and the Comfort of Christ
[01:01:21] - Jesus’ Compassion in the Face of Death
[01:02:48] - The Victory of Christ Over Death
[01:04:22] - The Inclusive and Exclusive Choice of Salvation
[01:06:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living Hope and Faithfulness in Christ
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### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:3-9
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, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
2. John 11:25-26, 35
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” ... Jesus wept.
3. Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Peter 1:3-9, what does Peter say is the source of our “living hope”?
2. According to the sermon, what word best described William Robbins’ life, and how was this seen in his relationships? [[50:32]]
3. In John 11, how does Jesus respond to the grief of Mary, Martha, and the others at Lazarus’ tomb? What does this show us about Jesus’ character?
4. What does Romans 8:28 say about God’s purpose in our suffering and trials? How did William’s life reflect this trust? [[54:47]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says William’s faithfulness was a “living testimony.” What does it mean for someone’s faithfulness to point others to Christ? [[50:32]]
2. Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb, even though He knew He would raise him. What does this teach us about how God views our grief and pain? [[01:01:21]]
3. The sermon mentions that expressing love is a spiritual discipline. Why might it be important to openly express love to those around us, especially in light of Jesus’ command? [[51:21]]
4. The message says that death is inevitable but not victorious for those in Christ. How does the resurrection of Jesus change the way Christians view death? [[01:02:48]]
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### Application Questions
1. William was described as faithful in every area of his life—family, work, service, and faith. Which area of your life do you feel called to grow in faithfulness right now? What is one step you can take this week? [[50:32]]
2. The sermon encouraged us to tell people we love them and not to hold back our affection. Is there someone in your life you need to express love or appreciation to? What’s stopping you, and how can you overcome that? [[51:21]]
3. Jesus validated our tears by weeping at Lazarus’ tomb. When have you experienced grief, and did you sense God’s comfort? How can you offer comfort to someone else who is grieving? [[01:01:21]]
4. The message said, “Death is inevitable, but not victorious.” How does this truth affect the way you think about your own mortality or the loss of loved ones? [[56:49]]
5. The sermon made clear that salvation is a personal and urgent choice. Have you personally made the decision to trust in Jesus? If not, what questions or hesitations do you have? If yes, how does this assurance shape your daily life? [[01:04:22]]
6. William’s life was a source of joy and encouragement to others. Who in your life needs encouragement right now, and what is one practical way you can be a source of hope or joy to them this week? [[50:32]]
7. The message reminded us that God works all things for good for those who love Him. Can you think of a difficult situation in your life where you have seen God bring about good? How might you trust Him in your current challenges? [[54:47]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for the hope we have in Christ, for the example of faithfulness in William’s life, and ask for help to live out these truths in our own relationships, griefs, and daily choices.
Devotional
Day 1: Living Hope Through Christ’s Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives believers a living hope and an imperishable inheritance, even in the midst of trials and grief. This hope is not based on circumstances but on the unchanging promise of God, who guards and sustains His people through faith until the final revelation of salvation. Even when we cannot see Jesus, we are called to love Him, trust Him, and rejoice with inexpressible joy, knowing that the outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls. [20:45]
1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV)
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, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to cling to the living hope of Christ’s resurrection, even when you cannot see the outcome?
Day 2: God’s Faithfulness and the Call to Love
Faithfulness is demonstrated not only in our relationship with God but also in our love for family and others, reflecting the love of Christ who said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another. Expressing love openly and faithfully strengthens relationships and brings joy, just as Jesus modeled perfect love and called us to do the same. Letting others know you love them is a powerful testimony and a way to honor God’s design for family and community. [51:21]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally express your love and appreciation to today, following Christ’s example of faithful love?
Day 3: The Victory of Christ Over Death
Death is inevitable for all, but through Jesus Christ, death is not victorious; He has defeated death and removed its sting, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him. The reality of death should not bring despair to believers, but rather a celebration of Christ’s victory and the assurance that those who die in Christ are fully healed and alive with Him. This truth transforms our grief into hope and our mourning into praise, knowing that Jesus has overcome the grave. [56:49]
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (ESV)
When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection: How does the victory of Christ over death change the way you view your own mortality or the loss of loved ones?
Day 4: The Compassion and Comfort of Jesus
Jesus deeply understands our grief and pain, offering compassion and comfort in our times of loss, as seen when He wept at Lazarus’s tomb and promised to prepare a place for His followers. He validates our tears and assures us that, though we grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope, for He has prepared an eternal home for us. His presence brings peace that surpasses understanding, and His promise of resurrection gives us hope that transcends death. [01:01:21]
John 11:25-26, 35 (ESV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” … Jesus wept.
Reflection: In what area of your grief or pain do you need to invite Jesus’ compassion and comfort today?
Day 5: The Simple and Exclusive Choice of Faith in Christ
The gift of salvation is available to all, but it must be personally received by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection; it is both an inclusive offer and an exclusive path, for only through Christ can we inherit eternal life. This choice is simple—confess and believe—and God promises to save all who do so, washing them clean and granting them eternal life. The assurance of salvation is not based on our works but on the finished work of Jesus, and this promise is for everyone who will receive it. [01:04:22]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Reflection: Have you personally made the choice to trust in Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection? If not, what is holding you back from making that decision today?
Quotes
To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. In this year he's choice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. [00:19:43] (43 seconds)
I said to one of the family members, I will not say I'm sorry for your loss because we did not lose Will Robbins. We know exactly where he's at this morning. We know exactly who he's with this morning. We know exactly that he is completely and ultimately and finally and eternally healed. He's in a place where there's no more tears, there's no more sadness, there's no more heart problems. He's been given a brand new heart and a brand new body. And we absolutely can rejoice in that today. The two little ones are down here, and you all couldn't see this, but I could. And they were dancing during that song. [00:53:26] (37 seconds)
And that is so important. Don't internalize your feelings. If you have a friend or loved one that you love, tell them that you love them. It's okay. Guys, no one's going to think any less of you for loving people. Because as I read the Bible, I see that Jesus Christ was the most loving person who ever lived. [00:52:14] (20 seconds)
The Bible says that the wages of our sin is death. Death, but, one of those great conjunctions in the Bible, conjunction, junction, but, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [00:58:09] (17 seconds)
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