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HOPE

December 5, 2024 • Pastor Joe Sabolick Ph.D. • Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 6:17–18, Hebrews 6:19, 1 Peter 1:3, John 20:19–20

A Message on Hope

Hope is an essential theme in the Bible that sustains believers through trials, inspires trust in God’s promises, 

and focuses our eyes on eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

Let us explore hope through the lens of Scripture, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments.


1 Hope in God’s Promises (Old Testament)

Jeremiah 29:11

The Old Testament is filled with stories of hope rooted in God's faithfulness to His promises.

Key Scripture:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)


This verse was spoken to Israel during their exile in Babylon—a time of despair and uncertainty. 

Yet, God assured them that He had a plan for restoration and hope.


How Did Israel get were they were? 

Even though…

They Were Calling Evil Good and Good Evil

They were doing what was right in their own reasoning and own desires~ 

Unsound Biblical Views lead to Self Deception and Distraction~ 

Saying a Man is a Woman Is A lie of Lucifer~ 

Read Romans 1 

Don’t be deceived~ 

Love Is Truthful and Will Deliver 

People caught up in Sin whatever it is want and need to be delivered~ 

God Is Not Mocked 

Read Romans 1

God Calls Us OUT~ 

2 Corinthians 6:17-18


17 Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

18 

“I will be a Father to you,

And you shall be My sons and daughters,

Says the Lord Almighty.”


The Promises OF God Far outweigh the Lies of the Enemy~ 


Example: Abraham’s hope in God’s promise of a son (Genesis 15:1-6). Though Abraham was old and Sarah barren, he believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. 

His hope was not in his circumstances but in the faithfulness of the One who made the promise.



2. Hope as an Anchor in Trials (New Testament)

Hebrews 6:19

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.



The New Testament teaches that hope is a steadfast anchor for our souls, especially in suffering.

Key Scripture:


“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:3-5)

Paul reminds us that trials are not the end of the story. Through suffering, God strengthens our character and deepens our hope.

Example: The early church, persecuted for their faith, held fast to the hope of eternal life. Stephen, the first martyr, saw the glory of God even in his final moments (Acts 7:55-60), demonstrating hope that transcends life and death.


3. Hope in Jesus Christ: Fulfillment of Prophecy

1 Peter 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”



The ultimate hope of humanity is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to save us from sin and reconcile us to God.



The resurrection of Jesus gives us living hope—not just for this life but for eternity.

Example: 

The disciples’ transformation after the resurrection.



John 20:19-20  

Before Jesus rose, they were filled with despair, but when they saw the risen Christ, their hope was renewed, and they boldly proclaimed the gospel 


4. Hope in Eternal Glory

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The Bible assures us that our hope is not confined to this world. It points to an eternal inheritance in Christ.

Key Scripture:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)


Example: Job’s unwavering hope in eternal justice and restoration (Job 19:25-26). Despite his immense suffering, Job declared, “I know that my redeemer lives.”


Conclusion

Hope is a powerful force that sustains us through trials, connects us to God’s promises, and points us to eternal glory. 

Whether in the Old Testament promises to Abraham and Israel or the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, the message is clear: 

our hope is secure in God.

Let us hold on to this hope as an anchor for our souls, trusting that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion in Christ Jesus.