Turn To Jesus

INTRO:

New Years Eve reminder

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Rejoice in Hope

What is hope?

a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen

Christian’s hope is Jesus Christ

we know what we are suppose to do

Matthew 12:18–21 ESV

18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Matthew 12:

Jesus the sacrificial Lamb - doesn’t come with a rod

those that are hurting and broken he doesn’t condemn - grace is offered

sins are covered in His blood for all who believe

His name is where our hope is found

Romans 8:24-

Romans 8:24–25 ESV

24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Our hope is Jesus - No other name by which we must be saved

Mark of a Believer - Hope is in Jesus

Be Patient in Tribulation

Our hope in Jesus leads us to know that tribulations are temporary

Romans

Romans 8:18 ESV

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

How can Paul say this?

His eyes are fixated on Christ

He sees the Gospel

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

This is what Paul is anchored in

The Gospel gives hope that endures suffering

Mark of a Christian - endure suffering

Be Constant in Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

17 pray without ceasing,

How do I pray? What do I pray for?

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Colossians 4:2–3 ESV

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—

Colossians 4:2-

Thanksgiving to God

Pray for your friends - James 5:16

Pray for yourself - Matthew 7:7

Pray for your spiritual leaders - Hebrews 3:18

Pray for your enemies - Matthew 5:44

Mark of a Christian - they pray

Why is prayer an important characteristic of a Christian?

an abandonment of our own strength and instead we are trusting in God

STOP

Why is Jesus the hope we rejoice in? How does hope in Jesus change a believer? What ways has your hope in Christ changed you?

What are tribulations? How does the Gospel give us hope in tribulations? What does it look like in your life to be patient in tribulations?

Why should a Christian be constant in prayer? How is the Gospel lived out in our prayer lives? What do you need to change in your prayer life?