The Excellence of Hope

Romans 5:3–5 ESV

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

I. Hope reassures believers in this present life

A. Hope reassures believers in their faith - Hebrews 3:6

Hebrews 3:6 ESV

6 but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

See also Eph 1:18–19; Heb 7:18–22; Heb 10:23

B. Hope encourages believers - Psalm 31:2

Psalm 31:2 ESV

2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!

See also Is 40:31; Is 49:23

C. Hope encourages believers to rejoice - Romans 12:12

Romans 12:12 ESV

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

See also Ro 5:1–2

D. Hope encourages believers to look for restoration - Psalm 37:9

Psalm 37:9 ESV

9 For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

See also Je 14:8; Je 31:17; La 3:29–31; Ho 2:15; Zec 9:12

II. Hope enables believers to face the future with confidence

A. Hope assures believers of an eternal dimension to life - 1 Corinthians 15:19

1 Corinthians 15:19 ESV

19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

B. Hope enables believers to face death with confidence - Psalm 16:9-10

Psalm 16:9–10 ESV

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

See also Job 19:25–27; Ps 33:18; 1 Co 6:14; 2 Co 4:10–14; Php 1:3–6; Re 1:17–18

C. Hope assures believers of their eternal life - Titus 1:1-2

Titus 1:1–2 ESV

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

See also Ac 2:26–27; Ro 8:23–25; Tt 1:1–2; Tt 3:7; 1 Pe 1:3

D. Hope enables believers to face the coming wrath with confidence - 1 Thessalonians 1:10

1 Thessalonians 1:10 ESV

10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

E. Hope assures believers of their heavenly inheritance - 1 Peter 1:3-5

1 Peter 1:3–5 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

See also Eph 1:18

God’s Invitation and Plan of Salvation

Hear - Romans 10:17

​Romans 10:17 ESV17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Believe and Confess - Romans 10:9-10

​Romans 10:9–10 ESV9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Repent - Luke 13:3

​Luke 13:3 ESV3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Be Baptized - Romans 6:3-4

​Romans 6:3–4 ESV3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Remain Faithful - Revelation 2:10

​Revelation 2:10 ESV10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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