Embracing Hope: A Journey Beyond Despair

 

Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the profound themes of hope and despair, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's writings. We delved into the idea that hope is not merely wishful thinking or escapism but a vital theological virtue that propels us to look beyond the present world to the eternal. This forward-looking perspective is not meant to detach us from the world but to empower us to make meaningful contributions to it. Historically, those who have had their minds set on heaven have often been the ones to effect significant change on earth, as their focus on the eternal gave them the strength and vision to transform the present.

We also examined the paradox that many of the greatest goods in life, such as health, happiness, and even diversity, cannot be achieved by making them our primary goals. Instead, they are byproducts of pursuing something greater. This concept challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and consider what transcendent goals we are aiming for in our lives.

Mark Nelson shared insights on the nature of belief and doubt, using the metaphor of a chain of belief versus concentric circles. The chain metaphor, where each belief is a link, can lead to despair if one link breaks. In contrast, the concentric circles model allows for flexibility and resilience, as changes in peripheral beliefs do not necessarily affect the core. This approach encourages us to place our most essential beliefs, such as those found in the Apostles' Creed or centered on Jesus, at the core of our faith.

Ultimately, the conversation invites us to embrace hope as a guiding force, to seek the eternal, and to allow our lives to be shaped by a vision that transcends the immediate and the temporal.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hope as a Theological Virtue: Hope is not escapism but a vital virtue that encourages us to look beyond the present world to the eternal. This perspective empowers us to make meaningful contributions to the world, as those who focus on the eternal often effect significant change on earth. [03:33]

2. The Paradox of Pursuing Goods: Many of life's greatest goods, such as health and happiness, cannot be achieved by making them our primary goals. Instead, they are byproducts of pursuing something greater, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities and aim for transcendent goals. [09:54]

3. Belief and Doubt: The metaphor of a chain of belief can lead to despair if one link breaks. Instead, adopting a model of concentric circles allows for flexibility and resilience, as changes in peripheral beliefs do not necessarily affect the core. [14:36]

4. The Nature of Longing: Our deepest longings often point to something beyond this world, suggesting that we were created for a transcendent purpose. This longing can be a source of hope, as it indicates the existence of something greater that fulfills our desires. [06:59]

5. Centering on Jesus: Placing Jesus at the core of our beliefs provides a stable foundation that can withstand changes in peripheral beliefs. This focus on a person rather than propositions offers a resilient and enduring faith. [15:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:03] - Introduction to the Setting
- [02:54] - Discussing Hope and Despair
- [03:33] - C.S. Lewis on Hope
- [04:57] - The Challenge of Wanting Heaven
- [06:22] - Yearning for the Eternal
- [07:31] - Impact of Heavenly Focus
- [09:08] - Paradox of Pursuing Goods
- [10:12] - The Paradox of Hedonism
- [11:43] - Understanding Heaven
- [12:33] - Opposite of Hope: Despair
- [13:28] - The Weasel of Despair
- [14:36] - Concentric Circles of Belief
- [15:57] - Centering on Jesus
- [16:12] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
2. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
3. Romans 8:24-25 - "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, how does C.S. Lewis describe the role of hope in a Christian's life? [03:33]
2. What examples from history were given to illustrate the impact of focusing on the eternal? [04:01]
3. How does the metaphor of a chain of belief differ from the concentric circles model discussed in the sermon? [14:36]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of our deepest longings and their connection to the eternal? [06:59]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of hope as a theological virtue challenge the common perception of hope as mere wishful thinking? [03:33]
2. In what ways might the pursuit of transcendent goals lead to the byproducts of health and happiness, according to the sermon? [09:54]
3. How does the concentric circles model of belief provide resilience in the face of doubt and change? [14:36]
4. What implications does the sermon suggest about placing Jesus at the core of our beliefs? How might this affect our faith journey? [15:57]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when focusing on a transcendent goal led to unexpected positive outcomes in your life. How can you apply this principle to a current challenge? [09:54]
2. Consider the metaphor of the chain of belief versus concentric circles. How might adopting the concentric circles model change the way you approach doubts or questions about your faith? [14:36]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel a deep longing. How might this longing point to a greater purpose or calling beyond the immediate? [06:59]
4. How can you actively cultivate hope in your daily life, especially in situations that seem filled with despair? [03:33]
5. What steps can you take to ensure that Jesus remains at the core of your beliefs, especially when faced with challenges to your faith? [15:57]
6. Reflect on the historical examples given in the sermon. How can you draw inspiration from these examples to make a meaningful contribution to your community or the world? [04:01]
7. How can you balance the pursuit of earthly goals with the focus on the eternal, as suggested in Matthew 6:33? What practical changes might this require in your daily priorities?

Devotional

Day 1: Hope as a Vision Beyond the Present
Hope is not merely wishful thinking or escapism but a vital theological virtue that encourages us to look beyond the present world to the eternal. This forward-looking perspective empowers us to make meaningful contributions to the world. Historically, those who have had their minds set on heaven have often been the ones to effect significant change on earth, as their focus on the eternal gave them the strength and vision to transform the present. By embracing hope, we are invited to see beyond our immediate circumstances and to engage with the world in a way that reflects our eternal aspirations. [03:33]

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?" (Romans 8:24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can shift your focus from immediate concerns to a more eternal perspective? How might this change your actions today?


Day 2: The Paradox of Pursuing Greater Goods
Many of life's greatest goods, such as health and happiness, cannot be achieved by making them our primary goals. Instead, they are byproducts of pursuing something greater. This concept challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and consider what transcendent goals we are aiming for in our lives. By focusing on higher, more meaningful pursuits, we often find that the things we desire most come to us naturally. This paradox invites us to look beyond the surface and to seek deeper, more fulfilling objectives that align with our values and beliefs. [09:54]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one goal you are currently pursuing. Is it a primary focus or a byproduct of a greater pursuit? How can you realign your priorities to focus on what truly matters?


Day 3: Resilience in Belief Through Concentric Circles
The metaphor of a chain of belief can lead to despair if one link breaks. Instead, adopting a model of concentric circles allows for flexibility and resilience, as changes in peripheral beliefs do not necessarily affect the core. This approach encourages us to place our most essential beliefs, such as those found in the Apostles' Creed or centered on Jesus, at the core of our faith. By doing so, we create a stable foundation that can withstand challenges and doubts, allowing us to grow and adapt without losing our central convictions. [14:36]

"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." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your core beliefs. Are there peripheral beliefs that you hold too tightly? How can you focus more on your core beliefs to build a resilient faith?


Day 4: Longing for the Transcendent
Our deepest longings often point to something beyond this world, suggesting that we were created for a transcendent purpose. This longing can be a source of hope, as it indicates the existence of something greater that fulfills our desires. By acknowledging and embracing these longings, we open ourselves to the possibility of a deeper connection with the divine and a more profound understanding of our purpose in life. This awareness can guide us in our spiritual journey and inspire us to seek fulfillment beyond the material and the immediate. [06:59]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is a deep longing you have that seems unfulfilled? How might this longing point you toward a greater purpose or connection with God?


Day 5: Centering on Jesus for a Stable Foundation
Placing Jesus at the core of our beliefs provides a stable foundation that can withstand changes in peripheral beliefs. This focus on a person rather than propositions offers a resilient and enduring faith. By centering our lives on Jesus, we are invited to build our faith on a relationship that is dynamic and transformative, rather than on static doctrines. This relational approach to faith encourages us to grow in love, understanding, and commitment, providing a solid base from which to navigate the complexities of life. [15:57]

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make Jesus the center of your daily life today? What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him?

Quotes


Hope is one of the theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the Eternal world is not, as some Modern people think, a form of escapism or wishful thinking but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we're to leave the present world as it is. [00:03:33]

If you read history, you will find the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought the most of the next. The apostles themselves who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great ones who built up the Middle Ages, the English evangelicals who abolished the slave trade all left their mark on Earth precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. [00:03:49]

It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you get Earth thrown in so to speak; aim at Earth and you will get neither. It seems a strange rule, but something like it can be seen at work in other matters. [00:04:21]

Health is a great blessing, but the moment you make Health one of your main direct objects, you start becoming a crank and imagining there is something wrong with you. You are only likely to get health provided you want other things more: food, games, work, Fun, open air. [00:04:41]

Most of us find it very difficult to want Heaven at all except in so far as Heaven means meeting again our friends who have died. One reason for this difficulty is that we have not been trained; our whole education tends to fix our minds on this world. [00:05:01]

Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own heart, would know that they do want and want acutely something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. [00:05:21]

We have these desires, these yearnings in us that we almost don't even recognize. We don't even know what they're for. For him, that was a pointer that yes, there is something not of this world that is meant to be our heart's desire, that we were created for. [00:06:09]

The Christians who have made the most difference were the ones whose sights were not set completely on this world, that their eyes were set on Heaven, their minds were set on Heaven. We do think about it. I think it is easy to find fault with or poke holes in the kind of childish pictures of Heaven. [00:08:00]

You can't get health if health is the main thing you want. You can't save civilization if your main goal is saving civilization. I thought also about diversity and inclusivity. We talk about that a lot in these days. Anytime there was a real powerful fresh outpouring of the spirit on the church, one of the markers of that has been the breaking down of barriers. [00:09:08]

The hedonists classically thought that happiness was the great good and the thing that we all do strive for and should strive for. But it was very quickly pointed out that if you single-mindedly make your decisions so as to achieve the greatest happiness possible for yourself, you are very unlikely to achieve it. [00:10:15]

A better way of thinking about it is to drop the separate Links of chain picture and substitute for something like concentric circles, circles within circles extending outward. What's important is at the center. The next most important things are in the next ring, and so on and so forth. [00:14:36]

You can change things in the outer Rings, the peripheral beliefs, without necessarily affecting things in the inner Rings. The things you have at the core will be largely immune from change when you change your beliefs in the outer rings. [00:15:08]

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Transcript
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