Living in Hope: Assurance and Glory in Christ

 

Summary

In our study of Romans 8:24-25, we delve into the profound assurance of salvation that Paul articulates. This assurance is not merely a fleeting hope but a certainty grounded in the work of Christ. Paul emphasizes that our salvation is a process that encompasses past, present, and future aspects. We were saved in hope, which means that while we have received the first fruits of the Spirit, the fullness of our salvation is yet to come. This hope is not a vague wish but a confident expectation anchored in the promises of God.

Paul's argument is that the Christian life is characterized by a tension between the "already" and the "not yet." We have been justified and reconciled to God, and there is no condemnation for those in Christ. However, we still live in a fallen world, experiencing suffering and groaning as we await the full realization of our redemption. This groaning is not a sign of despair but a reflection of our longing for the glory that is to come.

Understanding the nature of hope is crucial. It is not merely a desire for something better but a strong, steadfast anchor for our souls. It is the earnest expectation of the fulfillment of God's promises. Faith provides the foundation for this hope, as it substantiates the reality of what we believe. Hope, then, propels us forward, looking eagerly to the future glory that awaits us.

In this present world, Christians are called to live with an otherworldly perspective. Our citizenship is in heaven, and our focus should be on the eternal rather than the temporal. This perspective enables us to endure present sufferings with joy, knowing that they are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. As we navigate the challenges of life, we must hold fast to this hope, understanding that our salvation is both a present reality and a future promise.

Key Takeaways:

- Assurance of Salvation: Our salvation is certain and encompasses past, present, and future aspects. We have been justified and reconciled to God, and there is no condemnation for those in Christ. This assurance is grounded in the work of Christ and is not dependent on our circumstances. [01:30]

- The Nature of Hope: Hope is not a vague wish but a confident expectation anchored in God's promises. It is a strong, steadfast anchor for our souls, providing us with the strength to endure present sufferings while eagerly anticipating future glory. [39:40]

- Living in the "Already" and "Not Yet": Christians live in the tension between what has already been accomplished through Christ and what is yet to be fully realized. We have received the first fruits of the Spirit, but the fullness of our redemption is still to come. [32:46]

- Otherworldly Perspective: True Christianity is characterized by an otherworldly focus. Our citizenship is in heaven, and our affections should be set on things above. This perspective enables us to endure present challenges with joy and hope. [46:03]

- Enduring Present Sufferings: The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. Our hope in Christ allows us to endure with joy, knowing that our ultimate redemption is secure. [48:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 8:24-25
- [01:09] - Assurance of Salvation
- [02:04] - Justification to Glorification
- [03:10] - No Condemnation in Christ
- [04:00] - The Law of the Spirit of Life
- [05:17] - Sons of God
- [06:22] - Witness of the Spirit
- [07:08] - Suffering and Glory
- [08:21] - Creation's Groaning
- [09:45] - Saved by Hope
- [11:39] - Understanding the Christian Life
- [14:31] - Claiming Too Little or Too Much
- [19:34] - The Role of Faith and Hope
- [32:46] - The Tenses of Salvation
- [46:03] - Otherworldly Focus
- [48:10] - Enduring Present Sufferings

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:24-25
- Romans 5:1-2
- Hebrews 6:19

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 8:24-25, what is the nature of the hope that Paul describes, and how does it relate to our salvation? [00:34]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the relationship between justification and glorification in the context of assurance of salvation? [02:54]

3. What does the pastor identify as the main theme of Romans chapter 8, and how does it relate to the Christian experience of suffering? [01:30]

4. How does the pastor explain the concept of "the first fruits of the Spirit" in relation to our current experience and future hope? [32:59]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the pastor's explanation of hope as a "strong, steadfast anchor" challenge common perceptions of hope as merely wishful thinking? [39:40]

2. What does the pastor mean by living in the tension between the "already" and the "not yet," and how does this affect a Christian's daily life? [32:46]

3. How does the pastor suggest that understanding the tenses of salvation (past, present, future) can impact a believer's assurance and joy? [25:48]

4. In what ways does the pastor describe the Christian life as having an "otherworldly perspective," and how does this perspective help in enduring present sufferings? [46:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about your salvation. How can the assurance of salvation, as described in the sermon, provide comfort and confidence in your faith journey? [01:30]

2. The pastor emphasizes the importance of hope as a confident expectation. How can you cultivate a stronger sense of hope in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [39:40]

3. Consider the idea of living in the "already" and the "not yet." How can this understanding help you navigate the tension between your current struggles and the future promises of God? [32:46]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of having an otherworldly focus. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from temporal concerns to eternal values? [46:03]

5. How can the understanding of the tenses of salvation (past, present, future) help you find joy and peace in your current circumstances? [25:48]

6. The pastor mentions that our citizenship is in heaven. How does this perspective influence your priorities and decisions in everyday life? [46:03]

7. Reflect on the pastor's statement about enduring present sufferings with joy. What specific practices or habits can you adopt to maintain joy and hope amidst difficulties? [48:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance of Salvation as a Certainty
Our salvation is a certainty, not a mere hope, grounded in the work of Christ. This assurance encompasses past, present, and future aspects of our spiritual journey. We have been justified and reconciled to God, and there is no condemnation for those in Christ. This assurance is not dependent on our circumstances but is firmly rooted in the redemptive work of Jesus. As believers, we can rest in the knowledge that our salvation is secure, allowing us to live with confidence and peace. [01:30]

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the certainty of your salvation in Christ, especially when faced with doubts or challenges?


Day 2: Hope as a Confident Expectation
Hope in the Christian life is not a vague wish but a confident expectation anchored in God's promises. It serves as a strong, steadfast anchor for our souls, providing us with the strength to endure present sufferings while eagerly anticipating future glory. This hope is deeply rooted in faith, which substantiates the reality of what we believe. As we navigate life's challenges, hope propels us forward, looking eagerly to the future glory that awaits us. [39:40]

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

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you can hold onto today as a source of hope and strength in your current circumstances?


Day 3: Living in the "Already" and "Not Yet"
Christians live in the tension between what has already been accomplished through Christ and what is yet to be fully realized. We have received the first fruits of the Spirit, but the fullness of our redemption is still to come. This tension is characterized by a longing for the glory that is to come, even as we experience suffering and groaning in this fallen world. Understanding this dynamic helps us to live with patience and perseverance, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and incomparable to the future glory. [32:46]

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate patience and perseverance in your life as you live in the tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of your faith journey?


Day 4: An Otherworldly Perspective
True Christianity is characterized by an otherworldly focus. Our citizenship is in heaven, and our affections should be set on things above. This perspective enables us to endure present challenges with joy and hope, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. By focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal, we can navigate life's difficulties with a sense of purpose and direction, confident in the promises of God. [46:03]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to shift your focus from earthly concerns to an eternal perspective?


Day 5: Enduring Present Sufferings with Joy
The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. Our hope in Christ allows us to endure with joy, knowing that our ultimate redemption is secure. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, seeing it as a temporary affliction that pales in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us. By holding fast to this hope, we can face life's challenges with resilience and joy. [48:10]

"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." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you find joy in the midst of your current struggles by focusing on the eternal glory that awaits you?

Quotes


Assurance of certainty of Salvation his object is to show that the salvation which these people as Christians were enjoying the Salvation which any Christian enjoys is something that is absolutely certain that it's going to be completed and he brings forward various arguments in order to prove that and to demonstrate that to them. [00:01:32]

The theme is this absolute certainty and assurance and what follows of necessity in practice because of that well then in verse 14 he comes to another great argument and that is as many as are led by the spirit of God they are the sons of God now that's where we began a year ago to tonight uh and it is of course one of the most vital doctrines that we can ever grasp as Christians. [00:05:04]

The Christian is a man who has been saved the Christian is a man who should be able to say I am saved now don't run away on a sideline as to how a men should say that and when he says it I'm not concerned about that at the moment all I'm saying is that a Christian is a man who should be able to say I am saved I was saved he can look back at something. [00:26:29]

We are being saved from the power of sin and from the pollution of sin that's the present we mustn't say that we have been if you say that you have been delivered from the power of sin it means that you'll never sin again it means that you're perfect and if you say the same about the pollution it puts you in the same position and you know perfectly well it isn't true. [00:31:02]

Hope is a very strong thing not something vague and indefinite I'm not saved I'm only hoping I'm only falling back on this now when my faith is shaken no no faith I say is the first thing hope is beyond it it Faith leads to Hope what is it then well it's like this if you like that hymn which we sang just now puts it perfectly it is the earnest looking forward Earnest looking forward. [00:43:12]

True Christianity is through and through other worldly the pseudo Christianity is always looking at this world the people who think of Christianity as just pacifism their Christianity is entirely this worldly and they're not interested in the other world the true Christianity has its eye mainly on that which is to come it's other worldly true Christianity is not primarily concerned now even with deliverance from hell and Punishment. [00:45:05]

We are saved in hope faith brings us into this realm of the things hope for I have the first fruits of them now but I haven't the reality yet I I've got a part of it I've got a first installment of it I've got an Earnest of it but I've got no more now so while I do thank God for what I have and rejoice in it and I'm certain of this and can look back with absolute Assurance to what's been done once and forever. [00:46:32]

The sufferings of this present hour I reckon are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us and the whole creation shall see it and rejoice in it in that great day well Christian people hold on to this and especially in these dark and difficult and uncertain days this isn't our world I a stranger here Heaven is my home our citizenship is in heaven not here. [00:48:22]

Faith provides the ground on which we believe about these things that are coming to us Faith provides the grounds our reasons the substantiating there'd be nothing at all if we didn't have faith faith gives us an assurance that God has done certain things for us once and forever in Christ Jesus and is going to do more that's why we are saved by faith. [00:41:24]

We were saved in the sphere of Hope in the realm of Hope or you could even put it like this we were saved in expectation or if you like we were saved into expectation now now I put it like that because there it seems to me the two elements are included and as he's talking about our Salvation it seems to me we've got to put it like that. [00:24:44]

The Apostle says you should know it you should have absolute certainty and Assurance the whole argument of the as I say is to give us this absolute certainty and Assurance we are to be crying AB Our Father we are to know the witness of the spirit with our spirits that we are not that we're hoping to be but that we are the children of God and therefore joint HS with Christ. [00:36:20]

Hope looks forward with eager expectation to the things which Christ has thus purchased for me so that hope you see takes me a stage higher it is something which is so certain of these things that are believed and accepted by faith that it really lives for and is always looking forward to them now this is real Christianity this is true Christianity this is the true Christian position. [00:44:32]

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