Embracing Eternal Hope During Advent's Dual Promise
Summary
Summary:
Good morning, church. As we enter the Advent season, we reflect on the profound significance of this time. Advent, meaning "coming" or "arrival," is not just about looking back at the birth of Jesus, but also anticipating His return. The first Advent, which we celebrate at Christmas, is a fulfilled promise, a historical event where Christ came, lived a sinless life, and brought redemption. However, the Bible also speaks of a second Advent, the Parousia, when Christ will return, and we will be in His presence.
This season, we light the Advent wreath, starting with the candle of hope, also known as the prophecy candle. Hope, as defined by the world, is often tied to expectations and desires for certain outcomes. Yet, biblical hope is deeply rooted in the promises of God, given amidst trials and suffering. From Genesis 3, where the first gospel is proclaimed, to the over 300 prophecies of Christ's first coming, and the 1,845 references to His second coming, we see a tapestry of hope woven through Scripture.
The tension we live in today is between these two Advents. We often tie our hope to earthly outcomes, but God calls us to an eternal perspective. Our hope should not be in temporary solutions but in the eternal promise of Christ's return. This is a hope that does not disappoint, for it is anchored in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with Him.
As we journey through Advent, let us shift our focus from earthly expectations to the eternal hope found in Christ. The manger, the cross, the resurrection, and the promise of His return are all interconnected. This Advent, may we find hope not in what we desire God to do now, but in the assurance of His eternal promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Dual Nature of Advent: Advent is a time to remember both the first coming of Christ and anticipate His second coming. The first Advent is a fulfilled promise, while the second Advent is a future hope. This duality reminds us to live with an eternal perspective, looking forward to the Parousia, where we will be in God's presence. [08:53]
2. Hope in the Midst of Trials: Biblical hope is not just a feeling of expectation but a deep assurance rooted in God's promises. Throughout Scripture, prophecies of Christ's coming were given during times of suffering, teaching us that true hope is found in God's faithfulness, not in our circumstances. [18:05]
3. The Tension Between Two Advents: We live in the tension between Christ's first and second coming. This tension challenges us to shift our hope from earthly outcomes to eternal promises. Our hope should be anchored in the assurance of Christ's return and the eternal life He offers. [24:15]
4. The Eternal Perspective of Hope: Earthly hopes can disappoint, but hope in Christ is incorruptible and eternal. By focusing on the resurrection and the promise of His return, we find a hope that transcends our present struggles and assures us of our future with Him. [35:17]
5. The Interconnectedness of Christ's Work: The manger, the cross, the resurrection, and the second coming are all part of God's redemptive plan. Understanding this interconnectedness helps us see the full picture of hope that Advent offers, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective. [32:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:07] - Introduction to Advent
- [08:53] - Understanding the Two Advents
- [10:34] - Advent Wreath and Candle Lighting
- [18:05] - Hope in Prophecy
- [20:02] - The Significance of Prophecies
- [22:01] - Prophecies in Ezekiel and Jeremiah
- [24:15] - The Tension of Hope
- [25:49] - Earthly vs. Eternal Hope
- [27:18] - Hope in God’s Presence
- [28:40] - Living Hope Through Christ
- [32:13] - The Interconnectedness of Christ’s Work
- [33:52] - Shifting Perspective to the Eternal
- [35:17] - The Promise of Resurrection
- [36:12] - Embracing Eternal Hope
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Advent and Hope
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:15
2. Romans 15:4
3. 1 Peter 1:3-5
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the two Advents mentioned in the sermon, and how are they different from each other? [08:53]
2. How does the sermon describe the biblical definition of hope compared to the worldly definition? [18:05]
3. According to the sermon, what role do prophecies play in understanding the hope of Christ's coming? [20:02]
4. What does the sermon say about the interconnectedness of the manger, the cross, and the second coming of Christ? [32:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of living in the tension between the two Advents challenge believers to shift their focus from earthly to eternal hope? [24:15]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that biblical hope is rooted in God's promises rather than in our circumstances? [18:05]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of the prophecies about Christ's second coming, and why are they more numerous than those about His first coming? [20:02]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between the first Advent, the cross, and the second Advent in terms of God's redemptive plan? [32:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you placed your hope in an earthly outcome. How did that experience compare to placing your hope in God's eternal promises? [25:49]
2. The sermon mentions the tension between earthly and eternal hope. How can you practically shift your focus from temporary solutions to the eternal promise of Christ's return in your daily life? [24:15]
3. How can the understanding of biblical hope, as described in the sermon, help you navigate through current trials or suffering you may be experiencing? [18:05]
4. The sermon highlights the interconnectedness of Christ's work from the manger to the cross and beyond. How does this perspective influence your understanding of the Advent season? [32:13]
5. Consider the prophecies about Christ's second coming. How do they impact your anticipation and preparation for His return? [20:02]
6. In what ways can you incorporate the message of hope from the sermon into your interactions with others during this Advent season? [28:40]
7. How can you use the Advent season as an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and align your expectations with His eternal promises? [33:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Dual Nature of Advent
Advent is a season that invites believers to reflect on the dual nature of Christ's coming. The first Advent, celebrated at Christmas, marks the historical event of Jesus' birth, fulfilling God's promise of redemption. However, Advent also points forward to the second coming, the Parousia, when Christ will return to establish His eternal kingdom. This duality encourages Christians to live with an eternal perspective, balancing the joy of the fulfilled promise with the anticipation of future hope. By understanding both Advents, believers are reminded to focus on the eternal presence of God, rather than temporary earthly concerns. [08:53]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the anticipation of Christ's return into your daily life, shifting your focus from temporary concerns to eternal promises?
Day 2: Hope in the Midst of Trials
Biblical hope is distinct from worldly hope, as it is deeply rooted in the promises of God rather than in desired outcomes. Throughout Scripture, prophecies of Christ's coming were often given during times of suffering, teaching believers that true hope is found in God's faithfulness. This hope is not merely a feeling of expectation but a deep assurance that God will fulfill His promises, regardless of current circumstances. By anchoring hope in God's word, believers can find strength and encouragement even in the midst of trials, knowing that God's faithfulness endures. [18:05]
"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." (1 Peter 1:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life are you currently facing trials, and how can you actively place your hope in God's promises rather than in the resolution of your circumstances?
Day 3: The Tension Between Two Advents
Believers live in the tension between Christ's first and second coming, a space that challenges them to shift their hope from earthly outcomes to eternal promises. This tension is a reminder that while the world offers temporary solutions, true hope is found in the assurance of Christ's return and the eternal life He offers. By embracing this tension, Christians are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the promises of God rather than the fleeting nature of earthly desires. This perspective allows believers to navigate life's challenges with a hope that does not disappoint. [24:15]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one earthly desire or outcome you are currently hoping for, and how can you begin to shift your focus to the eternal promises of God?
Day 4: The Eternal Perspective of Hope
Earthly hopes can often lead to disappointment, but hope in Christ is incorruptible and eternal. By focusing on the resurrection and the promise of His return, believers find a hope that transcends present struggles and assures them of their future with Him. This eternal perspective encourages Christians to look beyond their immediate circumstances and trust in the unchanging nature of God's promises. By anchoring their hope in Christ, believers can experience a peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that their future is secure in Him. [35:17]
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, allowing the hope of Christ's return to influence your thoughts and actions?
Day 5: The Interconnectedness of Christ's Work
The manger, the cross, the resurrection, and the second coming are all integral parts of God's redemptive plan. Understanding this interconnectedness helps believers see the full picture of hope that Advent offers, encouraging them to live with an eternal perspective. Each aspect of Christ's work is a testament to God's love and faithfulness, providing a foundation for hope that is both historical and future-oriented. By recognizing the unity of Christ's work, believers are inspired to live in anticipation of His return, confident in the promises of God. [32:13]
"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding the interconnectedness of Christ's work deepen your appreciation for God's redemptive plan, and how can this understanding influence your daily walk with Him?
Quotes
Advent is a season of time four weeks before Christmas. It's the four Sundays before Christmas where we march through the scriptures and we march through what God's word has said about the coming of the sun incarnate in the birth of Jesus that we celebrate on Christmas. Advent is a word that means the coming or the arrival. [00:09:04] (25 seconds)
The Parousia is another word that also means coming or arrival, but it means a little bit differently because in it, in that Advent, it is also the presence of God fully manifested in our lives. Because the second Advent describes when Christ comes again. And when Christ. Comes again, we will be with him in his presence. Amen. [00:10:34] (32 seconds)
This first week's candle is oftentimes called the candle of hope. It is the hope candle. It is tied. It is tied to the prophetic picture that God laid out from the beginning of the Bible all the way through. to the coming of Christ so it's also called the prophecy candle prophecy candle and hope candle are are two ways that that's said in the bible in the old testament there are over 300 prophecies that pointed to Christ's coming and his incarnation where he came and we celebrate Christmas from it. [00:13:32] (42 seconds)
The second coming of Christ is the most dominant theme in scripture outside of salvation. The first dominant theme beginning from Genesis and going all the way to Revelation is the redemptive plan of God for his people in salvation. The second most dominant theme that is talked about in the Bible is the second coming of Christ. That's pretty significant. [00:21:20] (23 seconds)
Jeremiah 29, 11 is a verse that says this. It says, for I know the thoughts, some translations say plans, for I know the thoughts or plans that I think or have towards you, says the Lord. They're thoughts of peace and not evil to give you a future and a hope. And while I'm not against us understanding that God does have a hope and God does have a future for us in this life that we live in, the context in the middle of that was the people of God were in exile. [00:23:44] (30 seconds)
The tension. Because just like in the Bible, there is a tension in a time frame between the first coming, the first advent, the coming of Christ, and the second coming, and 300 prophecies that pointed to his first coming, and 1 ,845 prophecies pointing to his second coming is designed so that while we live in the tension between the two, can have hope. But here's our problem. We tie our hope to an earthly expectation of an outcome, when God's promising an eternal expectation of an outcome. [00:24:48] (42 seconds)
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