Bible Question:
What is "Hope"? That is to say, how should a Christian define hope? Of course our hope is found IN Christ. But I'm speaking of this way us Christians have of making God into our own personal Genie - wishing for something and expecting Him to make it come true. Where is the line between being in God's will and hoping for something specific that you know he wants for us (like a spouse or a home), and manipulating God with our prayers? Hebrews 11 says Faith is the substance of "things hoped for"... and Proverbs says "Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life". 1 Corinithians 13 talks of hope, groups it with faith and love - these three things remain: faith, hope and love. I know what faith is, I know what love looks like. But what is a good Christian definition of hope? Things hoped for, makes me think we are supposed to hope for things, of course always in God's will, but what about specifics? |
Bible Answer: Acts 2:26-27 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. I understand that often you will hear preaching and messages about hope as it relates to this life's necessities. I do not think that was the doctrine of this thing that is called Faith Hope and Love. The Hope that Paul is preaching about is a doctrinal Hope in the Eternal promises that are yet to come. We have hope for them becuase we Believe we have been given them by faith, but as yet we do not see our bodies glorified and resurrected, but we have hope for it, not a hope like "I hope is will happen but no one knows for sure" But a Hope because we know it will happen it is only a matter of time. And so we can get through all trials in this life, including lack of any particular creature comfort, not becuase we Hope we get a new car, but becuase we Hope for a better world, and a better resurrection. Our Hope is to precious to associate with these temporal things. Our Hope far transcends these temporal things and make them less than nothing. May God Bless You as you study His Word. |