Rising Above: Embracing Hope and Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the powerful message behind Journey's iconic song, "Don't Stop Believin'." This song, streamed over 1.4 billion times, resonates deeply with our culture, reflecting a universal longing for hope and perseverance. We delved into the biblical truths that align with this theme, emphasizing that our past does not have to define our future. We all face moments of discouragement and failure, but God calls us to rise above these setbacks and continue believing in His promises.
We reflected on the story of Adam and Eve, who, despite their failure, were given the opportunity by God to come out of hiding and embrace His grace. This narrative reminds us that God does not define us by our mistakes but by His love and purpose for us. We also discussed the importance of rejecting the negative labels and lies that we often internalize from our past or from others. Instead, we should embrace the truth of who God says we are—valued, loved, and full of potential.
Hope, as Dallas Willard describes, is the anticipation of good not yet here. Unlike the Greco-Roman world, which viewed hope as a weakness, Jesus introduced a hope grounded in the reality of God's power and promises. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even in the face of grief and disappointment, we are called to live as people of hope, trusting in the certainty of the resurrection.
We also looked at the inspiring story of Etty Hillesum, a Jewish woman who maintained her faith and hope in God even in the darkest times of the Nazi occupation. Her unwavering belief and her final words, "We left the camp singing," serve as a powerful testament to the sustaining power of hope in Christ.
In conclusion, we are reminded that our hope is not in our circumstances but in the resurrected Jesus. No matter what challenges we face, we are called to keep believing, trusting that God has a future filled with promise and purpose for each of us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Our Past Does Not Define Us: We often let our past mistakes and failures shape our identity, but God calls us to rise above these setbacks. He sees us through the lens of His love and purpose, not our shortcomings. Embrace the truth of who God says you are—valued, loved, and full of potential. [35:07]
2. Rejecting Negative Labels: We tend to internalize negative labels from our past or from others, but these do not come from God. He tells us the opposite—that we are treasured and worthy. Ask yourself, "Who told you that?" and replace those lies with God's truth about your identity. [39:12]
3. Hope as Anticipation of Good: Hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation grounded in the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Unlike the Greco-Roman view that saw hope as a weakness, Jesus introduced a hope that is sustainable and transformative. [42:59]
4. Living in Tension: We live in a world filled with grief and disappointment, yet we are called to hope. This tension is beautifully captured in the phrase, "We grieve, but not as those without hope." Our hope is anchored in the resurrected Jesus, giving us strength to face life's challenges. [46:25]
5. Inspiration from Etty Hillesum: Etty Hillesum's story is a powerful testament to the sustaining power of hope in Christ. Even in the darkest times, she maintained her faith and hope, leaving us with the inspiring message to never give up and to keep believing in God's promises. [55:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:09] - Introduction to the Series
[32:25] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[33:47] - The Story Behind "Don't Stop Believin'"
[35:07] - Our Past Does Not Define Us
[36:03] - Personal Anecdote: Embarrassing Moments
[37:36] - The Downward Spiral of Negative Self-Belief
[39:12] - God's Question: "Who Told You That?"
[41:05] - Misguided Religious People
[42:59] - Hope in the Greco-Roman World vs. Jesus' Hope
[44:46] - The Stoic Perspective on Hope
[46:25] - Hope Anchored in Jesus
[48:28] - The Story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
[50:26] - Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life
[52:24] - The Power of the Empty Tomb
[54:19] - Etty Hillesum's Inspiring Story
[55:54] - Etty's Diary and Final Words
[57:30] - Etty's Unwavering Hope
[01:00:22] - Prayer and Encouragement
[01:05:40] - Closing Remarks and Invitation to Pray
[01:06:08] - Final Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 3:8-11 (NIV): "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?' He answered, 'I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.' And he said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?'"
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV): "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
3. John 11:25-26 (NIV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 3:8-11, what was Adam and Eve's reaction when they heard God walking in the garden? Why did they react this way? [39:12]
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, how does Paul describe the difference between believers and non-believers in terms of grief? [46:25]
3. In John 11:25-26, what does Jesus claim about Himself, and what question does He pose to Martha? [50:26]
4. What was the significance of the question "Who told you that you were naked?" in the context of Adam and Eve's story? [39:12]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the question "Who told you that you were naked?" reflect the way we internalize negative labels and lies about ourselves? [39:12]
2. What does it mean to grieve "not as those without hope" according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, and how does this apply to our daily lives? [46:25]
3. How does Jesus' statement "I am the resurrection and the life" provide a foundation for Christian hope, especially in times of grief and disappointment? [50:26]
4. How does the story of Etty Hillesum illustrate the sustaining power of hope in Christ, even in the darkest times? [55:54]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt defined by a past mistake or failure. How can you embrace the truth that God sees you through the lens of His love and purpose, not your shortcomings? [35:07]
2. What negative labels or lies have you internalized about yourself? How can you replace these with God's truth about your identity? [39:12]
3. How can you cultivate a hope that is not just wishful thinking but a confident expectation grounded in the reality of Jesus' resurrection? [42:59]
4. In what ways can you live in the tension of grief and hope, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14? How can this perspective change the way you face life's challenges? [46:25]
5. Etty Hillesum maintained her faith and hope in God even in the darkest times. How can her story inspire you to keep believing in God's promises, no matter your circumstances? [55:54]
6. Think of a current situation where you feel discouraged or ready to give up. How can you apply the message of "Don't Stop Believin'" to keep trusting in God's future for you? [35:07]
7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with negative self-beliefs or a lack of hope? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? [41:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Our Past Does Not Define Us
Description: Often, we let our past mistakes and failures shape our identity, believing that we are forever marked by our shortcomings. However, God calls us to rise above these setbacks. He sees us through the lens of His love and purpose, not our failures. Embrace the truth of who God says you are—valued, loved, and full of potential. Just as Adam and Eve were given the opportunity to come out of hiding and embrace God's grace, we too are invited to step into the light of His love and purpose for us. Remember, your past does not have to dictate your future. [35:07]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Think of a past mistake or failure that you have allowed to define you. How can you begin to see yourself through God's eyes today, embracing His love and purpose for your life?
Day 2: Rejecting Negative Labels
Description: We often internalize negative labels from our past or from others, allowing these false identities to shape our self-perception. These labels do not come from God. He tells us the opposite—that we are treasured and worthy. Ask yourself, "Who told you that?" and replace those lies with God's truth about your identity. By rejecting these negative labels, we can begin to live out the fullness of who God created us to be. [39:12]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: Identify a negative label you have accepted about yourself. What is God's truth about your identity that you can replace this label with today?
Day 3: Hope as Anticipation of Good
Description: Hope is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation grounded in the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Unlike the Greco-Roman view that saw hope as a weakness, Jesus introduced a hope that is sustainable and transformative. This hope is the anticipation of good not yet here, anchored in the promises of God. It empowers us to face life's challenges with a confident expectation of God's goodness and faithfulness. [42:59]
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: In what area of your life do you need to replace wishful thinking with a confident expectation of God's goodness? How can you anchor your hope in the reality of Jesus' resurrection today?
Day 4: Living in Tension
Description: We live in a world filled with grief and disappointment, yet we are called to hope. This tension is beautifully captured in the phrase, "We grieve, but not as those without hope." Our hope is anchored in the resurrected Jesus, giving us strength to face life's challenges. Even in the midst of sorrow, we can hold on to the certainty of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. This hope sustains us and empowers us to live with courage and faith. [46:25]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience of grief or disappointment. How can you hold on to the hope of the resurrection in this situation, allowing it to give you strength and courage?
Day 5: Inspiration from Etty Hillesum
Description: Etty Hillesum's story is a powerful testament to the sustaining power of hope in Christ. Even in the darkest times of the Nazi occupation, she maintained her faith and hope in God. Her unwavering belief and her final words, "We left the camp singing," serve as a powerful reminder to never give up and to keep believing in God's promises. Etty's life challenges us to hold on to hope, no matter the circumstances, and to trust in God's faithfulness. [55:54]
Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV): "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can Etty Hillesum's story inspire you to maintain your faith and hope in God? What practical steps can you take to keep believing in His promises today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Don't let the past, or your present, steal the dreams you have. And don't stop believing in a great future, or you're done, dude. We've been there, haven't we? Discouraged? Disheartened? Disappointed? disappointed with ourselves. We're ready to give up because something we expected didn't happen, or maybe we had an epic failure that we allowed it to define us." [35:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You are not what happened to you. Your worst decision does not define you. Our most embarrassing and shameful moments are not who you are or who we are. You have a future that God wants to bring to fruition. Don't stop believing in that. Now certainly we have to own up to our responsibilities in those failures, but we don't have to live the rest of our lives in them. God still, has a dream for you." [41:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Hope is anticipation of good not yet here. See, that's what keeps us believing. But hope is not just wishful thinking. It's anchored to a person. Jesus is our hope. But here's the challenge. We live in a constant tension in our world. Disappointment. Expectations. Apprehension. Anticipation. And those emotions coexist. And sometimes one is more dominant than the other." [46:25] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Don't stop believing in what God can do. At the very core of our tenet of our faith in Christianity holds that Jesus rose from the grave, leaving the tomb empty. And then who are we to decide what is possible or what isn't? See, if the tomb is empty, which it is, then truth is possible. Justice is possible. Healing is possible. Reconciliation is possible. It's what hope does." [50:26] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Don't stop believing when your world seems discouraging and disappointing and sometimes hopeless. Don't stop believing. Don't stop trusting God because with the hope that we have in Christ, we're going to leave this world." [57:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We start believing that those failures or fiascos define who you are. They become what you believe about yourself, what you believe about your life, what you believe about your future. And it becomes a downward spiral. You actually stop believing. You not only lose face, but you lose faith. You lose faith in yourself. You lose hope for what life can be and the possibilities of your life." [37:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "See, we tend to fill our minds with labels and nicknames from our past instead of believing that we are the apple of God's eye. There have been times in my life where I was sure I was a failure, unlovable, stupid, worthless. I have to ask myself, who told me that? Certainly it was not God. He tells me just the opposite. The Bible is a love story between a creator and creation." [39:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Hope moved from what we can't control to what God can do. There was a big shift. And hope is closely related to faith. And faith is confidence grounded in reality. Faith is not a wild leap. So often in our day, people think that believing in something by faith is the opposite of believing in something by reason. Not at all. It's confidence. And we all have to live with confidence in certain things." [44:46] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Though we grieve, we do not do so as those who have no. See the tension? We grieve. Why? We're human beings. And yet we hope. Grief and hope. It's a pairing that does not feel like it goes together. That they're great dance partners. It's an oxymoron. We grieve but not as those without hope. We fail but not as those without hope. We're disappointed, yes, but not as those without hope." [48:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Hope came into the world through Jesus. Hope moved from what we can't control to what God can do. There was a big shift. And hope is closely related to faith. And faith is confidence grounded in reality. Faith is not a wild leap. So often in our day, people think that believing in something by faith is the opposite of believing in something by reason. Not at all. It's confidence." [42:59] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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