Hope

With hope we can persevere. When we have hope in God, we can press on with the attitudes that Jesus demonstrated, even if circumstances suggest that there is no reason for hope.

What does the Bible say about hope? -

1. Hope expects Jesus - 1 Peter 1:13-15
2. Hope expects Glory - 1 Peter 1:3-5
3. Hope is expressed - 1 Peter 1:6-9
4. Hope - an example - Daniel 3:13-18

Hope expects Jesus

1 Peter 1:13-15

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. What are we told to put our hope in?
2. How might you behave if there is no hope?
3. How do we live in the expectation of Jesus stepping into our situation?

Thoughts to consider

Jesus will be revealed to the world when he comes in the great saving moment at the end of the age. Jesus also reveals his salvation into our everyday world when situations seem beyond any hope.

Hope expects glory

1 Peter 1:3-5

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. How is God’s inheritance described?
2. How does God demonstrate his ability to create and keep this inheritance?
3. How does God’s power and our faith come together for our protection?

Thoughts to consider

All that people desire on earth is worthless in comparison to the least bit of a reward in heaven. If I trust him to protect and provide for me then I can live the way he shows no matter how provoked.

Hope is expressed

1 Peter 1:6-9

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. What does God say is ahead for those who trust him?
2. Gold is both tested and purified through melting in a furnace. How does life test faith?
3. How can a sense of hope carry us through the testing of faith?

Thoughts to consider

God’s protection of us is not limited. He is able to rescue from anything. So, people wonder why they go through difficult times. The reason is that the Lord is not operating for our short term enjoyment but for an eternity of glory.

Hope an example

Daniel 3:13-18

Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Questions for reflection or discussion

1. What was being threatened to the three Jewish officials?
2. How did the officials respond to the threat?
3. How did they demonstrate hope?

Thoughts to consider

The three officials did not have a false hope. They had hope that God was bigger enough to do as he chose. They did not respond to the king with bravado, but with humility. They were ultimately vindicated, coming through the furnace unharmed.

Overview question for reflection or discussion

1. Can you think of a recent or current situation which seems hopeless?
2. How could you demonstrate hope in God in that situation?

Thoughts to consider

Hope is something to be experienced. It comes through throwing in our lot with God, no matter what the expected outcome. It is experienced when I see a situation turn around from what appeared impossible.

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