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LIVING IN HOPE , “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the HOPE of the GLORY of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, HOPE. And HOPE does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his LOVE into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 12:1-5) (WOW)
Three times the word hope is used and three times the word through. • Our hope is solid and it comes to us through Christ.
PRAYING IN HOPE (Rom. 12:12) “Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, FAITHFUL IN PRAYER.” • Affliction may cause impatience and anger. • Thus the encouragement: “bless those who persecute/rejoice and mourn/live in harmony/don’t be proud/don’t give evil for evil/do what is right in the eyes of others/feed your enemy/seek peace/no revenge.
What is strongly implied here is that we need Christ to help us with affliction and disappointment. • “Be joyful in hope” means that we believe that God can strengthen us to handle all conflict. • “faithful in prayer” means a humble approach to God asking for help. • As we rest in Him we relinquish anger, malice, revenge, hurt, & pain. • Through it all we live in joyful hope and he actually builds our character in suffering.
GATHERING IN HOPE • “Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing…” (Heb. 10:25) • The implication is that we desperately need to gather. • A living hope that he will meet us; Jesus is in the midst of his people. • His Day, His House, His People, His Presence. • Hope includes anticipation, participation, preparation.