If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
People with hope can overcome in the most difficult circumstances. Hope is not some vague wish for better things. Our hope is in a person - Jesus who rules the universe, not a desired outcome. When circumstances are not what we would want then we look in confident hope for Jesus to be revealed in all His goodness.
Bible Zone
What is hope? How does the Bible describe hope?
- Focus of hope - the focus of hope is Jesus.
- Born into a living hope - our hope is alive.
- Protected by power - hope here and now, by the power of God.
- Examples of hope - First - What happens when people fail to have hope, Second The courage people show when they have hope.
Hope must have a focal point. Look at what 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV) says about this.
- What transformation of circumstances are we told to set our hope on?
- How does this expectation help you live in times of trouble?
- How might this hope affect your prayers.
1 Peter 1: 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Everything has a purpose. We might not understand it, but God has an eternal perspective and in that perspective we have hope. 1 Peter 1:3-4
- What is the basis of the hope we have?
- Where and when will the result of our hope be revealed?
- How do you live in expectation of an inheritance?
1 Peter 1:3 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,4 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.
This hope has an impact in the here and now through faith. Hope takes us through trials and is expressed in relationship with God. 1 Peter 1:5-9
- What is the connection between hope and faith?
- Why would it need faith to be able to sit under God’s protection?
- What is the connection between hope and love of God?
1 Peter1:5 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.
6 So be truly glad.* There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.7 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.
8 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.9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
Hope is not seen so much in outcomes, but in the attitude and courage seen in adversity. Where there is no hope, there is fear, and fear drives out love. (Love challenges). We are going to look at two accounts of people in trouble. In one hope is demonstrated, in the other a lack. See what you can learn.
- What is the behaviour of the characters in the events?
- How is hope or fear seen in the behaviour?
- When hope is demonstrated, what is its source?
Mark 4:35-41 35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake."36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?"
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.40 Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"
Daniel 3:13-18 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in,14 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?15 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?"
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.17 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.18 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."
HOPE
