The Enduring Power of Hope in God

The Enduring Power of Hope in God
Rev. Sara Pyon
(1 Peter 1:3-6. Romans 15:13)
                    
 I. What is Biblical hope?
It’s not a wishful thinking
It’s not self-confidence
It’s not optimism
It’s a confident expectation that what God says is true and will be fulfilled
It comes from God (1 Peter 1:3, Rom 15:13, Psalm 62:5)

 II. How do you maintain hope?
Continue to look to God alone (Psalm 62:5)
Know God. Know His Word (Psalm 62:6-7, Rom. 15:4)

 III. What is the significance of a ‘living hope’? (1 Peter 1:3)
It is guaranteed on the basis of the resurrection of Jesus Christ
It has the power to sustain us through trials in life.  It produces: 
Joy and Peace (1 Peter 1:3, Rom 15:13)
Boldness (1 Peter 3:14-15) 
Endurance (1 Thess 1:3)

 IV. Why do we need a living hope in Christ?
Because we each have our own Samaria to pass through(Acts 1:8)

 V . Reflection
Of the three attributes produced by a living hope:  joy/peace, boldness, and endurance, which do you struggle with the most?  How is it affecting you and your witness as a disciple of Jesus Christ? 
On a scale of 1 to 10, share how successful you are in placing your hope in God alone in each of the following areas: finances, relationships, career, future, ministry, etc.?  Identify the area of the greatest difficulty, discuss the possible root cause, and surrender it to the Lord.