Hope and Joy in God’s Word

Intro

This morning I was blessed to preach on hell and the value of “the fear of God.” When you see how close to hell you are, it causes you to fear, or to fear for others and turn or help turn away from hell. To see how awful hell really is is to show how wonderful Christ is to redeem us from it. The fear of God makes us hope for Christ’s return and the redemption of creation.

Hope is something that we desperately need in our lives. You guys live in a world with lots of uncertainties, pressures and even questions about the future. This passage is a reminder that God’s Word provides Word provides us with hope, unity and a foundation to face lots of the challenges of life with confidence and joy.

Read the Passage

Romans 15:4–13 ESV

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” 10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” 13 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.

Endurance and Encouragement from Scripture

Romans 15:4 ESV

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

This passage teaches us that God’s Word is an encouragement to us. We can rely on it to endure, like pressing on, in our faith. When you’re grappling in jiu-jitsu, the rule is if you’re still breathing, you’re good. It’s a struggle to be sure, but you can endure. It’s better than being in the fetal position.

Unity and Glorifying God

Romans 15:5 ESV

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

Christ-like attitudes create unity. Unity allows us to glorify God with one mind and one voice .

Acceptance and Praise

Romans 15:6–7 ESV

6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

When we accept one-another, believers, just as Christ accepted us it brings praise to God and confirms His promises for us.

Gentiles and Hope

Romans 15:8–12 ESV

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” 10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”

God’s inclusion of the Gentiles fulfills this prophecy. This is first from Psalm 18:49.

Psalm 18:49 ESV

49 For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name.

and 2 Samuel 22:50

2 Samuel 22:50 ESV

50 “For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.

Then from Deuteronomy 32:43

Deuteronomy 32:43 ESV

43 “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people’s land.”

Again Psalm 117:1

Psalm 117:1 ESV

1 Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!

Isaiah 11:10 ESV

10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

Hope and Peace

Romans 15:13 ESV

13 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.

Most of us are those gentiles! We get to have the same endurance and encouragement from the Scripture. We get to live in unity as believers to glorify God. We can accept one another as Christian brothers and sisters, and have the same hope and joy in Christ Jesus.

Discussion Questions

How can reading and studying the Bible provide endurance in challenging times?

Unity in Christ’s Attitude: What does it mean to have the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had? How does this contribute to unity?

Acceptance and Praise: How can accepting one another, just as Christ accepted us, bring praise to God? In what ways can acceptance impact our relationships?

Gentiles and Hope: Discuss the significance of including Gentiles in God’s plan for hope. How does this affect your understanding of God’s mercy and inclusivity?