Advent 2021 / Hope

Matthew 1:18–23 ESV

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Joseph was showing incredible faith in God.

Betrothed - married but not living together. (one year)

Mary ends up pregnant.

He believed God would do what He said He would do. (tremendous faith)

His decision was not only motivated by faith

It was also motivated by HOPE.

God was effectively saying, “I’m doing this and it will be a great thing.”

What is Hope?

Worldly Hope -

“To desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment.”

Webster dictionary

I hope I made this works.

I hope she says “Yes”.

I hope you’re happy. (minus the sarcasm)

Biblical Hope -

...Expectation not based on human experience or emotion but on a trustworthiness of God to keep His promises.

Lexham Bible Dictionary

Still an expectation of obtainment

Not based on personal experience

Instead it’s based on “a trustworthiness of God.”

Old Testament Hope - “People belonging to God.”

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Common theme in OT: God called out a people for Himself.

blessed them with land, wealth, lineage

Those people repeatedly rejected Him.

resulting in God’s wrath for their idolatry. (Exile)

Cried out, “Bless us lord because we are your people.”

This sets the stage for what is happening in Isaiah 7:14.

Northern & Southern Kingdoms

Israel (North)

Judah (south)

Isaiah a prophet during time of Ahaz.

Remaliah (Isreal) joins with Rezin (Syria)

Going to attack Jerusalem (Judah)

God tells Ahaz to ask for a sign

Ahaz refuses (not because of Honor but because of a Lack of faith in God.)

God says, “I’m gonna give you a sign anyway.”

This is a perfect example what is so different about “Biblical Hope.”

Ahaz (pegan, worldly hope) This is a dire situation. I need some real muscle I can see. (Assyria)

Isaiah (Jew, Biblical Hope) We are God’s people, He has promised victory here. Based on God’s trustworthiness and His promises (both situational and to Jewish Nation), we need to place our HOPE in God.

Requirements of Hope:

Worldly Hope

Understand the situation (what am I up against)

What do I have on my favor.

Biblical Hope

Understand the situation

Faith in God and what He has promised.

Hope of Joseph - The Messiah has come.

Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Same God

Same promise (rooted in Genesis and carried out through the OT)

God will make nation of His people

From that nation will come a savior

That savior will deal with sin

Hope transforms

Messiah WILL come

Messiah HAS come.

Joseph had to choose between these two types of hope.

Worldy - Looks like Mary has been unfaithful, honorable to divorce her.

Biblical Hope - God says, “Put your faith in me.”

This is not a NEW HOPE but rather a MORE FULFILLED HOPE.

Same God

Same Promise

Beginning a New time (disposition)

Messiah will come.

Messiah HAS come.

Hope of the Church - Jesus will come again.

Romans 15:12 ESV

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 made a nation (just like He said)

Jesus of Messiah came (Just like He said)

Jesus dealt with sin (Just like He said)

God extended that promise to all the word (Just like He said)

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.