Finding Hope in Christ Amid Life's Trials
Summary
### Summary
In our second week of the "Back to the Basics" series, we delve into the concept of hope, building on last week's discussion on faith. We explored how hope is essential in our lives, especially during challenging times. I shared the story of Peta Murchison, a mother whose daughter was diagnosed with Batten disease, a terminal illness. Despite the hopelessness of her situation, Peta's story highlights the human capacity to find hope even in the darkest moments. This contrasts with our Christian perspective, where our hope is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ.
We examined Romans 15:1-13, focusing on verse 13, where Paul prays that God, the source of hope, fills us with joy and peace through our trust in Him. This passage was written to early Christians navigating the transition from Judaism to Christianity, a time fraught with uncertainty and division. Paul emphasizes that our hope should not be tied to earthly circumstances but to God, who is the true source of hope.
We often place our hope in transient things like family, possessions, and careers. However, these can fail us, leading to a loss of hope. Paul reminds us that our hope should be in God, who fills us with joy and peace, enabling us to overflow with confident hope through the Holy Spirit. This hope is not just for good times but is especially crucial during trials and tribulations, as these experiences develop our endurance, character, and ultimately, our hope in salvation.
I also stressed the importance of community and professional help in maintaining hope. Isolation can exacerbate hopelessness, but the support of fellow believers and faith-based counseling can be instrumental in restoring hope. As followers of Christ, we are called to be instruments of hope, bringing light to those in despair. Our faith should be the core of our identity, guiding us to live lives that reflect the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hope Beyond Circumstances: Our hope should not be tied to the ever-changing circumstances of our lives. Earthly things like family, possessions, and careers can fail us, but God, the source of true hope, remains constant. By placing our hope in Him, we find a steadfast foundation that fills us with joy and peace, regardless of our situation. [12:32]
2. Scriptural Foundation of Hope: The scriptures are a vital source of hope and encouragement. Memorizing and internalizing God's Word helps us navigate difficult times. When we face trials, we can draw strength from the promises and teachings in the Bible, just as Paul encouraged the early Christians to do. [10:34]
3. Community and Professional Support: Isolation can deepen feelings of hopelessness. It's crucial to seek support from the community of believers and, when necessary, professional help. Faith-based counseling can provide the guidance needed to restore hope. We are called to be instruments of hope, supporting each other through life's challenges. [18:51]
4. Endurance Through Trials: Trials and tribulations are opportunities for growth. They develop our endurance, character, and ultimately, our hope in salvation. The heroes of faith in the Bible faced significant challenges, yet their unwavering faith strengthened their hope. We too can find hope by clinging to our faith during tough times. [16:25]
5. Living a Life of Hope: Our faith should be the core of our identity, influencing every aspect of our lives. By embodying our faith, we become beacons of hope to others. This hope is not just for the present but is rooted in the eternal promise of life with Jesus Christ. We are called to live out this hope daily, reflecting the love and grace of God. [21:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Introduction to Hope
[02:36] - Peta Murchison's Story
[03:32] - Human Capacity for Hope
[04:22] - Challenges in Finding Hope
[05:10] - News and Social Media
[05:59] - Romans 15:1-13 Overview
[07:12] - Strength in Faith
[08:23] - Acceptance and Unity
[09:18] - Source of Hope
[10:34] - Importance of Scripture
[12:32] - True Source of Hope
[13:41] - Active Faith
[15:00] - Romans 5: Endurance and Character
[16:25] - Trials and Growth
[18:51] - Community and Professional Help
[20:53] - Instruments of Hope
[21:49] - Eternal Hope in Christ
[22:32] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 15:1-13
- Romans 5:1-5
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul pray for in Romans 15:13, and why is it significant for the early Christians? ([09:18])
2. How does Paul describe the role of the Scriptures in providing hope and encouragement? ([07:12])
3. What are some of the earthly things that people often place their hope in, according to the sermon? ([12:32])
4. How does Paul suggest that trials and tribulations contribute to our spiritual growth in Romans 5:3-4? ([15:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that our hope should be in God rather than in earthly things? How does this perspective change our approach to life's challenges? ([12:32])
2. How can the support of a faith community and professional counseling help restore hope in difficult times? ([18:51])
3. What does it mean to have our faith as the core of our identity, and how does this influence our daily lives? ([17:18])
4. How do trials and tribulations develop our endurance and character, ultimately strengthening our hope in salvation? ([16:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you placed your hope in something earthly that eventually failed you. How did that experience affect your faith and hope in God? ([12:32])
2. How can you actively incorporate Scripture into your daily life to strengthen your hope and encouragement? Consider specific practices like memorization or daily reading. ([10:34])
3. Think about a person in your life who might be experiencing hopelessness. What practical steps can you take to be an instrument of hope for them this week? ([20:53])
4. When facing trials, what specific actions can you take to develop endurance and character, as described in Romans 5:3-4? ([15:00])
5. How can you ensure that your faith is not just a small part of your life but the core of your identity? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine or mindset? ([17:18])
6. Have you ever sought professional help during a time of hopelessness? If not, what might be holding you back, and how can you overcome that barrier? ([18:51])
7. Identify one area of your life where you need to shift your hope from earthly things to God. What specific steps will you take this week to make that shift? ([12:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Hope Beyond Circumstances
Our hope should not be tied to the ever-changing circumstances of our lives. Earthly things like family, possessions, and careers can fail us, but God, the source of true hope, remains constant. By placing our hope in Him, we find a steadfast foundation that fills us with joy and peace, regardless of our situation. When we anchor our hope in God, we are not swayed by the ups and downs of life. Instead, we experience a deep-seated peace and joy that transcends our immediate circumstances. This kind of hope is resilient and enduring, providing us with the strength to face whatever comes our way.
In Romans 15:13, Paul prays that God, the source of hope, fills us with joy and peace through our trust in Him. This prayer is a reminder that our hope is not self-generated but is a gift from God, cultivated through our relationship with Him. As we trust in God, He fills us with His joy and peace, enabling us to overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. This divine hope is not just for the good times but is especially crucial during trials and tribulations, as it sustains us and helps us to persevere. [12:32]
Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your focus from the circumstances to placing your hope in God today?
Day 2: Scriptural Foundation of Hope
The scriptures are a vital source of hope and encouragement. Memorizing and internalizing God's Word helps us navigate difficult times. When we face trials, we can draw strength from the promises and teachings in the Bible, just as Paul encouraged the early Christians to do. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who faced immense challenges yet found hope and strength in God's promises. By immersing ourselves in scripture, we equip ourselves with the spiritual tools needed to face life's difficulties with hope and resilience.
Paul's letters to the early Christians often emphasized the importance of scripture in maintaining hope. In Romans 15:4, he writes that everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope. This underscores the timeless relevance of God's Word and its power to inspire and sustain us. By regularly reading and meditating on scripture, we can internalize its truths and allow them to shape our perspective and strengthen our hope. [10:34]
Romans 15:4 (ESV): "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
Reflection: Choose a Bible verse that speaks to you about hope. Memorize it and reflect on how it can encourage you in your current situation.
Day 3: Community and Professional Support
Isolation can deepen feelings of hopelessness. It's crucial to seek support from the community of believers and, when necessary, professional help. Faith-based counseling can provide the guidance needed to restore hope. We are called to be instruments of hope, supporting each other through life's challenges. The Christian community is a vital source of encouragement and strength, offering a network of support that can help us navigate difficult times. By sharing our struggles and burdens with others, we can find comfort and hope in the collective faith and prayers of the community.
In addition to community support, professional counseling can be an invaluable resource. Faith-based counselors can provide a unique perspective that integrates psychological principles with spiritual truths, helping individuals to find hope and healing. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards restoration and wholeness. As followers of Christ, we are also called to be instruments of hope, reaching out to those in despair and offering them the light of Christ's love and grace. [18:51]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who might be feeling isolated or hopeless? How can you reach out to them and offer support today?
Day 4: Endurance Through Trials
Trials and tribulations are opportunities for growth. They develop our endurance, character, and ultimately, our hope in salvation. The heroes of faith in the Bible faced significant challenges, yet their unwavering faith strengthened their hope. We too can find hope by clinging to our faith during tough times. Endurance is not just about surviving difficult times but about growing and becoming stronger through them. Each trial we face is an opportunity to deepen our faith and develop a more resilient hope.
In Romans 5:3-4, Paul explains that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This progression highlights the transformative power of trials. As we endure hardships, our character is refined, and our hope is strengthened. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast assurance rooted in our faith in God's promises. By embracing trials as opportunities for growth, we can develop a hope that is unshakeable and enduring. [16:25]
Romans 5:3-4 (ESV): "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
Reflection: Reflect on a past trial you have faced. How did it help you grow in endurance and character? How can this perspective help you in your current challenges?
Day 5: Living a Life of Hope
Our faith should be the core of our identity, influencing every aspect of our lives. By embodying our faith, we become beacons of hope to others. This hope is not just for the present but is rooted in the eternal promise of life with Jesus Christ. We are called to live out this hope daily, reflecting the love and grace of God. Living a life of hope means allowing our faith to shape our actions, attitudes, and interactions with others. It means being a source of encouragement and inspiration to those around us, pointing them to the hope we have in Christ.
In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are encouraged to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks for the reason for the hope that they have. This implies that our lives should be so characterized by hope that others take notice and seek to understand its source. By living out our faith authentically and consistently, we can be powerful witnesses to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. This hope is not just for our benefit but is meant to be shared, bringing light and encouragement to a world in need. [21:49]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: How can you embody the hope you have in Christ in your daily interactions? Think of one specific way you can be a beacon of hope to someone today.
Quotes
1. "The basis of my message today, the questions that I want you to think through on your own are, when do you feel hope in your life? And on the inverse, when do you not feel hope? Is your hope tied to the circumstances of life that you find yourself in? Does it depend on what you're going through today as to whether or not you see hope?" [03:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you read through the news, good luck finding hope. If you look at our political system and the people that are running for offices, it's a difficult place to find hope. They want to manufacture hope there, but it's a difficult place to find hope." [05:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We must not just please ourselves, we should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't live to please himself, as we have believed in the Lord. As the scriptures say, the insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me. Such things were written in the scriptures long ago to teach us. And the scriptures give us hope." [07:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." [09:18] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's often harder to find hope when things aren't going the way that we expect. It's often harder to find hope when something goes wrong and you want to see a little glimmer of something go right and it just doesn't. It continues to go in the wrong direction." [10:34] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The number one thing that I think that we do as human beings is we place our hope in the earthly things that are here. I place my hope in a good, healthy family and a good, loving relationship with my wife. I place my hope in having a nice vehicle that I can drive to and from work. I place my hope in that my house is built strong because I did it. My house is built strong and well. I place my hope that my job is a good job, that I have good relationships at work, that I make a good income to support my family. I place my hope in these things and when these things start to fall away, because none of those things, none of those things are promised, I can lose hope." [12:32] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "In order to have active faith within our lives, we have to act on our faith. We have to allow the Holy Spirit that's indwelling in us as Christians to overflow with the hope, not of this world, but the hope that is found in Jesus Christ." [13:41] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we run into trials, trials develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character. And our character being strengthened strengthens our own confidence in the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ." [16:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Your faith is not to be a small piece of who you are. Your faith is to change you and to be the embodiment of who you are. That your identity is found in your faith in Jesus Christ. And that your life shows that through the way in which you live." [17:18] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Sometimes it takes just one person to show the love of Jesus to a person who has lost hope to find a glimmer of hope again. Sometimes it takes just a small little thing or a consistency of reaching out to a person to bring hope back into their lives. You see, as a follower of Christ, each and every person here, you are an instrument of, of hope." [20:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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