Embracing Hope: Trusting in God's Promises

 

Summary

In today's reflection, I delved into the profound concept of hope, especially for those who find it challenging to envision a brighter future. Often, people offer well-meaning prayers for a vivid picture of a better future, but I find myself unable to embrace such visions. This isn't due to a lack of faith but rather an acknowledgment of the uncertainty of life and the limitations of our understanding. Hope, as described by Dallas Willard, is the anticipation of good not yet here, intertwined with joy. The New Testament emphasizes that we are saved by hope and that we rejoice in it, even when we cannot see it.

Historically, hope was not always seen as a virtue. In the Greco-Roman world, particularly among the Stoics, hope was viewed as a moral weakness. They believed in focusing on what one could control, primarily one's inner life, and detaching from what was beyond control. However, Jesus introduced hope as a primary virtue, grounded in faith and reality. Faith is not a blind leap but a confidence rooted in what God has already done for us.

Romans 5 speaks powerfully about hope, stating that through faith in Christ, we have peace with God and access to grace. This grace is evident in the world around us, from the smallest bird to the beating of our hearts. We boast in the hope of God's glory and even in our sufferings, knowing they produce endurance and character. This hope assures us that all will be well, even when we struggle to see it.

J.R.R. Tolkien, in his writings, explored a theory of courage, emphasizing the beauty of choosing good regardless of the outcome. This resonates with the Christian understanding of hope and courage, where the ultimate victory is not in earthly success but in faithfulness to God. The disciples, despite their doubts, were called to go forth and spread the message of hope. Today, whether your hope is abundant or you struggle to see beyond the present, know that God's presence and goodness are deeper than anything this world offers. We serve a God of hope, and in Him, we find our strength.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hope Beyond Circumstances: Hope is not about envisioning a perfect future but about trusting in the goodness that is yet to come, even when we cannot see it. It is deeply connected to joy and is a vital part of our faith journey. [01:44]

2. Historical Perspective on Hope: In ancient times, hope was often seen as a weakness, but Jesus transformed it into a primary virtue. This shift highlights the power of hope in the Christian faith, grounded in the reality of God's promises. [02:27]

3. Faith and Reality: Faith is not a blind leap but a confidence rooted in reality. Just as we trust in everyday things like cars and light switches, our faith in God is based on His past actions and promises. [04:31]

4. Endurance Through Suffering: Romans 5 teaches that suffering produces endurance, which in turn builds character. This process strengthens our hope, reminding us that all will be well, even when we cannot fully grasp it. [06:12]

5. Courage in the Face of Uncertainty: True courage is choosing to serve the good, regardless of the outcome. This aligns with the Christian call to faithfulness, where hope and courage are intertwined in our journey with God. [08:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Personal Reflections on Hope
- [01:44] - Understanding Hope
- [02:27] - Historical Views on Hope
- [03:21] - Stoic Philosophy and Hope
- [04:14] - Hope and Faith Connection
- [05:12] - Romans 5 and Hope
- [06:12] - Suffering and Endurance
- [07:04] - Tolkien's Theory of Courage
- [08:18] - Courage and Goodness
- [09:27] - Disciples' Courage and Doubt
- [10:38] - Embracing God's Presence
- [11:08] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Concept of Hope

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 5:1-5 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 5:1-5, what is the relationship between suffering, perseverance, character, and hope?
2. How does the sermon describe the historical view of hope in the Greco-Roman world, particularly among the Stoics? [02:27]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of faith and its connection to reality? [04:31]
4. How does the sermon use J.R.R. Tolkien's theory of courage to illustrate the Christian understanding of hope? [08:18]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that hope is intertwined with joy and faith in the Christian life? [01:56]
2. How does the transformation of hope into a primary virtue by Jesus challenge the Stoic philosophy of detachment? [02:27]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of past experiences in shaping our faith and hope? [04:59]
4. How does the example of the disciples' courage and doubt in the face of uncertainty relate to the concept of hope? [10:07]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to envision a hopeful future. How did you navigate that period, and what role did your faith play? [01:44]
2. The sermon mentions that hope is not about envisioning a perfect future but trusting in the goodness to come. How can you practice this kind of hope in your daily life? [01:44]
3. Consider the Stoic philosophy of detachment from things beyond our control. How can you balance this with the Christian call to hope and trust in God's promises? [02:40]
4. Romans 5:3-4 speaks about suffering producing perseverance and character. How have you seen this process unfold in your own life or the lives of others?
5. J.R.R. Tolkien's theory of courage emphasizes choosing good regardless of the outcome. Can you identify a situation where you need to apply this kind of courage in your life? [08:18]
6. The sermon highlights the disciples' courage despite their doubts. How can you find strength in your faith even when you experience doubt? [10:07]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and goodness in your life, especially during challenging times? [10:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in Unseen Goodness
Hope is not about envisioning a perfect future but about trusting in the goodness that is yet to come, even when we cannot see it. It is deeply connected to joy and is a vital part of our faith journey. Hope, as described by Dallas Willard, is the anticipation of good not yet here, intertwined with joy. The New Testament emphasizes that we are saved by hope and that we rejoice in it, even when we cannot see it. This perspective encourages believers to find joy in the present moment, trusting that God's goodness will manifest in ways beyond our understanding. [01:44]

"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 of your life where you struggle to see God's goodness? How can you choose to trust in His unseen goodness today?


Day 2: The Transformation of Hope
In ancient times, hope was often seen as a weakness, but Jesus transformed it into a primary virtue. This shift highlights the power of hope in the Christian faith, grounded in the reality of God's promises. The Greco-Roman world, particularly among the Stoics, viewed hope as a moral weakness, focusing instead on what one could control. However, Jesus introduced hope as a primary virtue, grounded in faith and reality. This transformation underscores the strength and resilience found in hope, as it is rooted in the promises and faithfulness of God. [02:27]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: How has your understanding of hope changed over time? What steps can you take to embrace hope as a strength in your life today?


Day 3: Faith Rooted in Reality
Faith is not a blind leap but a confidence rooted in reality. Just as we trust in everyday things like cars and light switches, our faith in God is based on His past actions and promises. This understanding of faith encourages believers to see it as a rational and grounded trust in God's character and His work in the world. By reflecting on God's past faithfulness, we can build a confident faith that is both practical and deeply spiritual. [04:31]

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God's faithfulness. How can this memory strengthen your faith in His promises today?


Day 4: Strength Through Suffering
Romans 5 teaches that suffering produces endurance, which in turn builds character. This process strengthens our hope, reminding us that all will be well, even when we cannot fully grasp it. The journey through suffering is not without purpose; it is a refining process that deepens our character and fortifies our hope. By embracing this perspective, believers can find meaning and strength in their trials, trusting that God is at work in their lives. [06:12]

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is a current challenge you are facing? How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for growth in endurance and character?


Day 5: Courage in Faithfulness
True courage is choosing to serve the good, regardless of the outcome. This aligns with the Christian call to faithfulness, where hope and courage are intertwined in our journey with God. J.R.R. Tolkien's theory of courage emphasizes the beauty of choosing good regardless of the outcome, resonating with the Christian understanding of hope and courage. This perspective encourages believers to act with integrity and faithfulness, trusting that their efforts are meaningful in God's eyes. [08:18]

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area where you need to act courageously today? How can you rely on God's presence to guide and strengthen you in this action?

Quotes


dallas willow renovation of the heart we're coming to wonderful words and days to come about love and joy and peace now he talks about hope hope is anticipation of good not yet here that's hope it's anticipation of good inseparable from joy we are saved by hope we rejoice in hope if we hope for what we do not see with perseverance we wait eagerly for it those are all statements from the bible [00:01:50]

one of the remarkable changes brought by jesus and his people into the ancient world concerned the elevation of hope into a primary virtue hope was not well regarded by the greco-roman world it turns out in the ancient world generally particularly among the stoics hope was regarded as actually kind of a moral weakness they said the main dividing line in life is what's the stuff i can control and what's the stuff i cannot control [00:02:20]

dallas goes on hope is closely related to faith faith is confidence grounded in reality faith is not a wild leap so often in our day people think of uh believing in something by faith as the opposite of believing in something by reason not at all it is confidence and we all have to live with confidence in certain things cars we drive light switches we flip chairs that we sit in doctors we get examined by it's the same kind of faith it's grounded in reality [00:04:21]

therefore since we're justified by faith in christ we have peace with god no more war between us and what is good through whom we have gained access by faith into the grace in which we now stand this scene that little bird right there those trees my heartbeat my this is all grace from god we boast in the hope that word again of the glory of god all of this goodness and love that makes my life possible is what i have to look forward to one day be redeemed [00:05:16]

we boast in our sufferings because sufferings produce endurance and endurance produce character now i know this to be true that thought that all will be well all will be well all manner of things will be well i can hardly go there but i know it is true that i find a presence in my sufferings and there is a goodness beneath it and that's part of what i want to share with you in this that is very deeply meaningful to me [00:05:58]

tolkien actually said that one of the big reasons one of the main reasons why he wrote the lord of the rings was to convey an idea what he called a theory of courage tolkien and lewis were both very strong christians they also loved northern writings north mythology and there was tolkien said a theory of courage in those writings that was he said in fact their great contribution to humanity that he wanted to show in its true light [00:06:35]

that true courage that theory of courage is that for those who are valiant they continue to strive for what is good because victory or evil have nothing to do with right or wrong and because even if in the end forces that are hostile or even evil should prevail that could not force a hero to switch sides and the beauty of someone choosing to serve the good regardless of how the outcomes look is part of what tolkien wanted this show in lord of the rings [00:08:07]

and i think of the disciples with jesus made me think about there's quite a famous disciple who's often kind of looked down on his name is thomas and in john the 11th chapter when jesus says he's going to go to judea where the people are going to kill him thomas says let us go to judea with him that we may die with him and maybe that's the true theory of courage maybe he was maybe he was the most valiant and heroic of all the disciples [00:09:27]

in the gospel of matthew in the final chapter the very last word we have to describe the disciples before jesus gives them the great commission and tells them to go the very last verb that describes them we're told that disciples worship him on the mountain but some doubted but some doubted but some doubt it resurrection yeah i guess can't go there can't go there if those are the ones that he says go [00:09:59]

if you can't go there there is a life and a goodness and a presence of god that is available to you and to me that is deeper than anything this world has to offer we follow yet the god of hope [00:10:52]

we serve him we go there see you next time thanks for joining us there are emails that go along with each episode and if you'd like to receive those you can go to become new dot me subscribe and there you can also sign up to receive daily text alerts we'll see you next time [00:11:08]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 25, 2022. Do you have any questions about it?

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