Climbing Mount Hope: A Journey of Faith
Summary
In our journey of growing in hope, we liken it to climbing a mountain, which we call Mount Hope. This climb is not easy, and often, hope can seem distant, especially when we are at the base of the mountain, feeling dry, downcast, and in turmoil. Last week, we explored Psalm 42, where David found hope in God despite his struggles. He spoke honestly to God and challenged his own soul, affirming the truths about God’s steadfast love and salvation. This week, we delve deeper into how we can come into a relationship with God where we can confidently say, "He is my God and my salvation." This relationship is made possible through Jesus Christ, as highlighted in Colossians 1:27, which speaks of "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Christianity is fundamentally about a relationship with Jesus Christ, a living person who shares His life with us. To be a Christian is not merely to adhere to a creed or pursue a moral life, but to engage in a personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship is characterized by Christ dwelling within us, as illustrated by the analogy of a man seeking a doctor, emphasizing the importance of seeking Jesus personally rather than settling for secondhand knowledge or experiences.
The presence of Christ in us is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer. The Holy Spirit is distinct from us, yet He works within us, renewing our minds and transforming us from the inside out. This indwelling presence of Christ through the Spirit is what gives us hope, even when we feel inadequate to live the Christian life on our own.
The hope we have in Christ is both a present reality and a future promise. We live in the tension between the "already" and the "not yet," experiencing the beginnings of transformation now while anticipating the fullness of glory to come. This hope is not just for the future; it is a living hope that sustains us today. We are called to believe in Jesus, enjoy the blessings we have in Him now, and anticipate the glorious future He has promised.
Key Takeaways:
- Honest Communication with God: Like David in Psalm 42, we are encouraged to speak honestly to God about our feelings and struggles. This openness allows us to find hope in God's unchanging nature and His promises, even when we feel distant or discouraged. [02:09]
- Personal Relationship with Jesus: Christianity is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not just knowledge or moral living. This relationship is characterized by Christ dwelling within us, offering us hope and transformation. [06:34]
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, dwells within believers, working to renew and transform us. This indwelling presence is what enables us to live the Christian life and gives us hope for the future. [13:38]
- Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet: We live in the tension between what we have now in Christ and what we will fully experience in the future. This tension is a source of hope, as we anticipate the glory that is to come. [22:58]
- Anticipating Future Glory: Our hope in Christ is not just for this life but extends into eternity. We are promised a future where we will see and share in Christ's glory, experiencing joy and fulfillment beyond our current understanding. [33:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Mount Hope
- [01:09] - Starting at the Bottom
- [02:09] - Honest Communication with God
- [04:00] - Relationship with God through Jesus
- [05:13] - Christ in You: The Hope of Glory
- [06:34] - Personal Relationship with Jesus
- [07:14] - Spurgeon's Illustration
- [09:28] - Seeking Jesus Personally
- [10:08] - Christ Dwelling Within
- [12:20] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [14:00] - Distinction and Indwelling
- [16:49] - Hope for Every Believer
- [18:09] - The Hope of Glory
- [22:58] - Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet
- [28:08] - Practical Applications for Growing in Hope
- [33:38] - Anticipating Future Glory
- [35:01] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Climbing Mount Hope
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:27
- Psalm 42:5
- John 15:4-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In Colossians 1:27, what does Paul describe as "the hope of glory"? How does this relate to the concept of Christ dwelling within believers? [04:52]
2. According to Psalm 42, how does David express his feelings of being downcast and in turmoil? What does he do to find hope in God? [01:25]
3. In John 15:4-5, what does Jesus mean when He says, "Abide in me, and I in you"? How does this relate to the idea of a personal relationship with Jesus? [11:05]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer? What is the significance of the Holy Spirit being "with you" and "in you"? [13:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for a Christian to have a personal relationship with Jesus, as opposed to merely following a set of beliefs or moral guidelines? How does this relationship provide hope? [06:34]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of seeking Jesus personally, rather than relying on secondhand knowledge or experiences? What might this look like in a believer's life? [09:28]
3. The sermon mentions living in the tension between the "already" and the "not yet." How does this tension affect a believer's daily life and hope in Christ? [22:58]
4. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers enable them to live the Christian life and experience transformation? What role does the Holy Spirit play in renewing the mind and heart? [16:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God, like being at the base of Mount Hope. How did you find hope in God's promises during that time? What steps can you take to speak honestly to God about your current struggles? [02:09]
2. Consider your personal relationship with Jesus. How can you deepen this relationship beyond just knowledge or moral living? What practical steps can you take to seek Jesus personally this week? [09:28]
3. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers. In what areas of your life do you feel the need for transformation? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas? [16:28]
4. How do you currently experience the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" in your faith journey? What practices can help you live in this tension with hope and anticipation for the future glory promised in Christ? [22:58]
5. The sermon encourages believers to enjoy the blessings they have in Christ now. What are some specific blessings you can identify in your life today? How can you cultivate gratitude and joy for these blessings? [30:33]
6. Think about the future glory promised to believers. How does this promise influence your perspective on current challenges and struggles? What can you do to keep this hope alive in your daily life? [33:38]
7. Identify one person in your life who might be seeking hope. How can you share the hope you have in Christ with them this week, either through words or actions? [09:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Honest Communication with God
In times of struggle and despair, it is essential to communicate honestly with God, just as David did in Psalm 42. When we feel dry, downcast, or in turmoil, expressing our true feelings to God can be a source of hope. This openness allows us to connect with God's unchanging nature and His promises, even when He seems distant. By challenging our own souls and affirming the truths about God's steadfast love and salvation, we can find renewed hope and strength. [02:09]
Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: Think of a specific struggle you are facing today. How can you honestly express your feelings about this struggle to God in prayer?
Day 2: Personal Relationship with Jesus
Christianity is not merely about adhering to a set of beliefs or living a moral life; it is fundamentally about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is characterized by Christ dwelling within us, offering hope and transformation. Engaging with Jesus personally, rather than relying on secondhand knowledge or experiences, is crucial for a vibrant faith. This personal connection with Jesus is what sustains us and brings true fulfillment. [06:34]
John 15:4 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek a deeper personal relationship with Jesus today, beyond just knowledge or routine practices?
Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, dwells within every believer, working to renew and transform us from the inside out. This indwelling presence is distinct from us, yet it empowers us to live the Christian life and gives us hope for the future. The Holy Spirit's work in our lives is a source of strength and encouragement, enabling us to overcome feelings of inadequacy and to grow in our faith. [13:38]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's renewing power today, and how can you invite Him to work in that area?
Day 4: Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet
As believers, we live in the tension between the "already" and the "not yet," experiencing the beginnings of transformation now while anticipating the fullness of glory to come. This tension is a source of hope, as it reminds us of the glorious future that awaits us. We are called to enjoy the blessings we have in Christ now, while also looking forward to the complete fulfillment of His promises. [22:58]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen."
Reflection: How can you embrace the tension of living in the "now" while anticipating the "not yet" in your daily life?
Day 5: Anticipating Future Glory
Our hope in Christ is not just for this life but extends into eternity. We are promised a future where we will see and share in Christ's glory, experiencing joy and fulfillment beyond our current understanding. This anticipation of future glory should inspire us to live with hope and purpose today, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and will be overshadowed by the joy to come. [33:38]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (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."
Reflection: What specific aspect of the future glory promised in Christ excites you the most, and how can this anticipation shape your actions and attitudes today?
Quotes
No matter how low or discouraged you may feel there is hope for you and for every person in in God hope in who he is Hope in what he has done and hope in what he will do and we looked last time at some strategies for growing in hope the first was to speak honestly to God. [00:01:51]
You don't need to feel close to God in order to speak to him you can tell God exactly what you feel and you can do this with complete confidence because there is nothing that you can tell him that is beyond his understanding his understanding the Bible says no one can fathom. [00:02:19]
Christianity at its heart is a relationship with a living person you share your life with this person and this person shares his life with you to be a Christian in other words is more than believing a Creed to be a Christian is more than pursuing the ethic of a good life. [00:05:27]
A Christian is someone who comes to believe in Jesus a person who comes in faith to Jesus and a person who therefore receives from Jesus it's personal see Spurgeon uh gives an illustration of a man who heard about a doctor uh who had specialized in treating the condition from which the man suffered. [00:06:37]
Don't settle dear friend for knowing that other people have hope in Jesus don't settle for knowing what the Bible says about how you can find Hope don't settle for knowing about Jesus or even believing that hope is possible for you Jesus said come to me come to me it's very personal. [00:09:05]
The Holy Spirit Jesus says will be with you that preserves a distinction you are not the Holy Spirit the holy spirit is not you and of course that is why it is possible for a person who is indwelt by the holy spirit of God still at times to speak or act in a way that is foolish or even sinful. [00:15:04]
The Holy Spirit actually works in you Renewing Your Mind changing you from the inside out molding and shaping and directing your will giving you strength that you did not have before and would not have otherwise producing within you the good fruit of faith hope and love. [00:16:19]
When Christ lives in you when he is present and active in and through his holy spirit he will give you an ability that you did not have before and that you would not have otherwise so here is a wonderful wonderful Prospect and promise when you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:17:17]
Christ in you the hope of glory now let's think first then about this marvelous word glory and Jesus gave this marvelous prayer to the father made this marvelous prayer to the father on the night that he was betrayed and it's a prayer not only for his disciples then but also for us. [00:18:01]
Christians live in this tension between what we have now and what we will have one day when we see Christ we live in the tension to put it in way of the already and they're not yet and the process that's going to end in you reflecting the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ that process has already begun. [00:23:07]
Already he says we affirm that God has revealed himself we really do know God because he's made himself known in Christ but not yet do we know God as he knows us that's why we live with many Mysteries and so many unanswered questions the already and they're not yet. [00:24:59]
If Christ is in you your best life lies ahead of you you're in an Al together different position you have Living Hope listen to how the David describes it in the Psalms he says to God in your presence is fullness of joy and at your right hand that are Pleasures forever more. [00:33:06]
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