Eternity

HOPE (SURFACE LEVEL)

Generally speaking, hope is the expectation of a future outcome or event (1 Tim. 3:14). We often use it to describe a strong desire or longing for something greater (e.g. promotion, better health, justice).

The present state of affairs creates a constant need for hope. Sadly, many people look for hope in all the wrong places and try to offer hope in all the wrong ways (e.g. news media, medication, election, financial stability, health guidelines). [While there is nothing wrong with following Dr.s advice, voting for candidates we believe will make our lives more peaceful, make proper financial decisions, or following federal guidelines so we don’t get the Rona, the reality is that death is inevitable. We all gonna die. Careless soul why will you linger wandering from the fold of God? Hear you not the invitation, oh prepare to meet thy God?]

Biblical hope is hope in what God will do in the future; it is the assurance of a future event (Tit. 2:11-13; 1 Pet. 1:3-4).

HOPE (THEOLOGICAL LEVEL)

Paradise Lost (Gen. 3:17-19; Rom. 5:12; 8:18-22). When Adam sinned, the earth was cursed, death spread to all men, and fellowship with God enjoyed in Eden was no more.

Hope Restored (1 Tim. 1:1; Rom. 5:1-11; 1 Cor. 15:19-23). Hope is possible because of Jesus. Through Jesus’ resurrection, Christians are saved from the condition of having hope limited to this miserable world.

Hope Expected (Rom. 8:23-25; 2 Cor. 5:1-5; Heb. 13:14; 2 Pet. 3:8-13; Rev. 21-22). We now await the redemption of creation and our mortal bodies. We seek a continual homeland where we reign with God in glory forever and ever.

HOPE (CONCEPTUAL LEVEL)

Lazarus is sick (Jn. 11:1-22). Although his illness is not known, Lazarus’ condition is grave. Death spread from Adam because all sinned (Rom. 5:12). Death is inevitable.

Your brother will rise again (Jn. 11:23-37). Jesus is the resurrection and life. Though we may die, through Christ we can live (Rom. 6:1-6, 23).

Lazarus, come forth (Jn. 11:38-44). Lazarus heard the voice of Jesus and rose from the grave. One day all who are in the grave will hear His voice and come forth (Jn. 5:28-29).

HOPE (PRACTICAL LEVEL)

Humans hope for something. People hope to get a job, they hope to find a mate, they hope to find happiness, wealth, and prosperity. While nothing is inherently wrong with hoping to obtain these things, biblical hope is never connected to something uncertain; it is tied to the faithful promises of God. Let’s look at three different classes of hope in the Bible.

Those Having No Hope (Ephesians 2:11-12)

Worldly hope is life “without God or Christ” in the picture and has no Savior. We could be the most morally upright and fortified nation and still have no hope. Without God and Christ in our lives, we are like Gentiles who have no hope to obtain anything beyond physical life in this world. Such an existence can cause us to be consumed with the “things of this life” and focus only on the “here and now” instead of the “now and then.”

Is it possible to be those who have “no hope” today? Explain.

Those Who Have False Hope (Matthew 7:21-27)

We may very well say that those who have false hope far outnumber those who have no hope. In the Last Day, many who professed to be Christians and did some pretty impressive deeds will be turned away.

According to verse 21, what do those with false hope fail to do?

According to the parable of the wise and foolish builders (7:23-27), both houses went through storms (and likely similar in construction). Which one stood and why?

Those Who Have True Hope (Titus 2:11-14)

Throughout history, mankind has placed its trust in power (military, economy), possessions (weapons, technology), provisions (food, medicine, rights, and privileges), and people (kings, elected officials, doctors). To place our full trust in these areas is a life without hope. Why? Because none of these things can save us in the end. True hope is only found in Christ.

If we only have hope in this life we are hopeless (1 Cor. 15:19). Our view of hope must extend beyond things we can see (Rom. 8:24; 2 Cor. 4:14-16).

Jesus came so we may have life and have it more abundantly. When we obey the gospel this is the beginning of our hope. We are buried with Jesus in baptism and raised to a new life because of His resurrection.

Time permitting, read Colossians 3, and note some things we can do to live the Christian life and do the will of the Father.