Embracing the Active Posture of Hope in Faith

Summary

### Summary

Today's message focused on the "posture of hope" and how it shapes our spiritual journey. Many of us have been walking with Jesus for years, but sometimes we get stuck in a state of complacency, satisfied with our initial salvation experience. However, Jesus calls us to pursue more, to deepen our relationship with Him continually. Our circumstances do not define us; our posture towards God does. We explored four key postures: gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope. Each posture helps us align more closely with God's character and strengthens our spiritual life.

The posture of hope is not passive; it is active and confident, rooted in divine assurance rather than our own abilities. Just as a boxer must be ready to throw punches and not just defend, Christians must actively engage in their faith, not merely react to life's challenges. Hope is not a weak, wishful thinking but a powerful stance that propels us forward, even in the face of adversity.

We also discussed how our hope can wane when we place our trust in unreliable sources, like internet companies or even our own abilities. Instead, our hope should be firmly rooted in God's unchanging character. When we detach from God, we lose hope and strength, leading to a cycle of despair and blame.

The story of Habakkuk was used to illustrate how we can regain our hope. Habakkuk questioned God, but he also listened, wrote down God's revelations, and waited for God's timing. This process helped him shift his focus from his dire circumstances to God's eternal character. We, too, must learn to listen, write, and wait, trusting that God's character will shine through even in our darkest moments.

### Key Takeaways

1. Hope is Active, Not Passive: Hope in God is not about wishful thinking but about taking an active stance in our faith. Just as a boxer must be ready to throw punches, Christians must engage actively with their faith, not merely react to life's challenges. This active hope propels us forward and keeps us spiritually vibrant. [08:00]

2. Root Your Hope in God's Character: Our hope should be firmly rooted in God's unchanging character, not in unreliable sources like our own abilities or external circumstances. When we detach from God, we lose hope and strength, leading to a cycle of despair and blame. Reconnecting with God's character restores our hope and fortifies our faith. [10:44]

3. Listen, Write, and Wait: Like Habakkuk, we must learn to listen to God, write down His revelations, and wait for His timing. This process helps us shift our focus from our dire circumstances to God's eternal character, allowing His qualities to shine through even in our darkest moments. [51:49]

4. Hope Transcends Circumstances: Our circumstances do not define us; our posture towards God does. By adopting postures of gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope, we align more closely with God's character and strengthen our spiritual life. This alignment helps us navigate life's challenges with divine confidence. [02:48]

5. Hope is Found in God's Word: Trusting in God's Word gives us assurance and transcends the terror and pain of this world. The full gospel of Jesus provides a hope that allows us to go to bed at night with confidence, motivates us to be more aware of God's grace, and protects us from despair. [37:48]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - The Call to Deeper Faith
[02:48] - Circumstances vs. Posture
[04:15] - Posture of Gratitude
[05:51] - Posture of Authenticity
[06:46] - Posture of Praise
[07:27] - Posture of Hope
[08:00] - Active Hope, Not Passive
[10:44] - Rooting Hope in God's Character
[12:16] - Intimacy with God
[16:22] - Misplaced Trust
[19:35] - Blame and Circumstances
[22:19] - False Idols
[26:03] - Hope as a Practice
[30:17] - Christian Approach to Hope
[37:48] - Hope in God's Word
[41:01] - What Are You Hoping For?
[50:52] - Listen, Write, and Wait
[53:23] - Remembering God's Goodness

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 31:24 - "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
2. 1 Peter 1:13-14 - "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance."
3. Habakkuk 2:1-3 - "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'"

### Observation Questions
1. What are the four key postures discussed in the sermon that help align us more closely with God's character? [04:15]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between passive and active hope? [08:00]
3. According to the sermon, what happens when we place our hope in unreliable sources? [16:55]
4. What process did Habakkuk follow to regain his hope, as mentioned in the sermon? [51:49]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the posture of hope, as described in the sermon, differ from wishful thinking? [08:00]
2. Why is it important to root our hope in God's unchanging character rather than in our own abilities or external circumstances? [10:44]
3. What does it mean to "listen, write, and wait" in the context of regaining hope, and how can this process shift our focus from our circumstances to God's eternal character? [51:49]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the impact of detaching from God on our hope and strength? [12:54]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt hopeless. How might adopting an active posture of hope have changed your response? [08:00]
2. Identify an area in your life where you have placed your hope in unreliable sources. How can you begin to root your hope in God's character instead? [16:55]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope. Which of these postures do you find most challenging to maintain, and why? [04:15]
4. How can you practice "listening, writing, and waiting" in your daily life to strengthen your hope in God? Share a specific example of how you might implement this process. [51:49]
5. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by your circumstances. How did your posture towards God influence your experience? What can you do differently next time to align more closely with God's character? [02:48]
6. The sermon mentions that hope is found in God's Word and not in the promises of the world. What specific steps can you take to immerse yourself more in Scripture to build your hope? [37:48]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to adopt a posture of hope, especially during challenging times? Share a practical way you can support someone this week. [09:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Hope, Not Passive
Hope in God is not about wishful thinking but about taking an active stance in our faith. Just as a boxer must be ready to throw punches, Christians must engage actively with their faith, not merely react to life's challenges. This active hope propels us forward and keeps us spiritually vibrant. When we actively hope, we are not just waiting for things to get better; we are participating in God's plan with confidence and action. This kind of hope requires us to be proactive in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, worship, and service, which in turn strengthens our faith and keeps us spiritually alive.

Active hope is a dynamic force that moves us beyond complacency. It challenges us to step out in faith, even when circumstances seem daunting. By actively engaging in our faith, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves up to His transformative power. This kind of hope is not passive; it is a deliberate choice to trust in God's promises and to act on that trust, knowing that He is faithful and will fulfill His word. [08:00]

Romans 12:12 (ESV): "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to actively engage in your faith and demonstrate your hope in God?

Day 2: Root Your Hope in God's Character
Our hope should be firmly rooted in God's unchanging character, not in unreliable sources like our own abilities or external circumstances. When we detach from God, we lose hope and strength, leading to a cycle of despair and blame. Reconnecting with God's character restores our hope and fortifies our faith. God's character is steadfast, loving, and faithful, and when we place our hope in Him, we are anchored in something unshakeable.

When we root our hope in God's character, we are reminded of His past faithfulness and His promises for the future. This gives us the strength to face present challenges with confidence. Trusting in God's character means believing that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised. It shifts our focus from our limitations to His limitless power and love. [10:44]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: In what ways have you been placing your hope in unreliable sources? How can you shift your focus to root your hope in God's unchanging character today?

Day 3: Listen, Write, and Wait
Like Habakkuk, we must learn to listen to God, write down His revelations, and wait for His timing. This process helps us shift our focus from our dire circumstances to God's eternal character, allowing His qualities to shine through even in our darkest moments. Listening to God requires us to be still and attentive, seeking His voice through prayer and Scripture. Writing down His revelations helps us remember and reflect on His promises, providing a tangible reminder of His faithfulness.

Waiting for God's timing can be challenging, but it is an essential part of our spiritual growth. It teaches us patience and trust, reminding us that God's plans are perfect and His timing is always right. By listening, writing, and waiting, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His guidance and comfort. [51:49]

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"

Reflection: Take a moment to listen to God in prayer today. Write down what you sense He is saying to you and commit to waiting for His timing in this matter.

Day 4: Hope Transcends Circumstances
Our circumstances do not define us; our posture towards God does. By adopting postures of gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope, we align more closely with God's character and strengthen our spiritual life. This alignment helps us navigate life's challenges with divine confidence. When we focus on our circumstances, we can easily become overwhelmed and discouraged. However, when we adopt a posture of hope, we are reminded that God is greater than any situation we face.

Hope transcends circumstances because it is anchored in God's eternal nature. It allows us to see beyond our current struggles and trust in God's greater plan. By maintaining a hopeful posture, we can experience peace and joy even in difficult times, knowing that God is with us and will see us through. [02:48]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "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. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your current circumstances to God's eternal promises today? What posture can you adopt to align more closely with His character?

Day 5: Hope is Found in God's Word
Trusting in God's Word gives us assurance and transcends the terror and pain of this world. The full gospel of Jesus provides a hope that allows us to go to bed at night with confidence, motivates us to be more aware of God's grace, and protects us from despair. God's Word is a source of truth and life, offering guidance, comfort, and hope in every situation. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are reminded of God's promises and His faithfulness.

The hope found in God's Word is not just for the future; it is for the present as well. It gives us the strength to face each day with confidence, knowing that God is with us and that His plans for us are good. By meditating on Scripture and allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions, we can experience the transformative power of God's Word in our lives. [37:48]

Psalm 119:114-115 (ESV): "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God."

Reflection: What specific Scripture can you meditate on today to remind yourself of God's promises and find hope in His Word? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The posture of hope really puts us in a place, in a stance of confidence, but not our own confidence, divine confidence. And you know what? There's one thing being, how many of you box? Okay. Well, part of our rugby training is we have to box and we do boxing training, both as a cardiovascular exercise, but also as a position to take a hit." [07:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus has given us golden gloves. He's given us the ability to really be postured, not just, oh, I hope things work out. Oh, I hope this situation gets better. Oh, I hope this is going to be fine. Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope. And all you're doing is getting ready to punch but never throwing a punch." [08:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We don't just throw up our hands and say, oh, I don't add much value here. No, we actually say, you know what? I'm going to find the value I add before I complain about having none. Because God, I have a hope. I believe in God's prophetic word. And his prophetic word says, he has a plan and a purpose for me." [09:07] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Hope is a practice, not an emotion. Hope is a posture. Hope is a behavior. Hope is something I can do something about. You can change the way you're thinking. You can change what you're worshiping and put your hope in the right place by knowing who your God is." [26:03] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Hope is found in His word, not in the doctor's words, not in the results of your test, not in the medications, not in the promises of a psychologist, not in some mumbo jumbo of a politician. You know which one I'm referring to. I'm talking about the fact that God's word is alive and true and we can have faith in that hope." [37:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "How many of you realize that when Jesus died for us and we accepted the cross and we accepted his death, that our salvation didn't end there? But you know how many people have got trapped there? We got to this holy point, tap, swoosh, tap, and I'm with Jesus. And yes, all the things we know about Jesus are true, but Jesus wants to know, what are you doing with the gift that I have given you?" [01:16] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "How we posture ourselves towards God is either 100 percent, 80 percent, 60 percent and depending on how we posture ourselves towards God the power of life comes from God and it comes from God and it comes from God and it comes from the strength in that posture your power of life comes from the strength of that relationship not your circumstance or your good deeds." [02:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When we actually understand who we really are in Jesus and we get authentic with that we stop worrying about what people think about us you know what if if I have to bear my whole heart and soul to you that's okay because I've already done it to Jesus and Jesus has already done it to me and he's got all my garbage and even if you don't like me because of my garbage Jesus does." [05:51] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When we lose strength, then we're getting tired of everything around us. We're losing our hope, and we're losing hope because we're detaching from the hope that is found in the promises and the wonder of the character of God. Am I making sense? Let's get this real." [15:49] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need to be in a place where circumstances no longer overwhelm us, because let's just be real. Circumstances overwhelm us. And we lose focus on his wisdom, and we try and find the answers ourselves. When we stop forgiving others and we start walking in offense, what have we become detached from? We've become detached from the forgiveness that the Father has given us." [21:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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