Hope

OUR HOPE

It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lam 3:26)

What the Bible says - What hope does for us - Our proper response - Examples - Old Testament only

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS (click on the underlined verses to read them)

Hope is eagerly waiting, with perseverance, for the redemption of our bodies, even though we do not see them now. Rom 8:23-26

Our hope is laid up for us in heaven. Col 1:3-4

Hope of eternal life is based on God's promise. And God cannot lie. Titus 1:1-3

The Bible is to give us hope. Rom 15:4-6

Jesus' resurrection gave us a new birth into this living hope, to obtain an inheritance that will never perish. 1 Pet 1:3-6

Jesus is our hope. 1 Tim 1:1, Col 1:26-27, Rom 15:12-13

Our confidence of a better and enduring possession in heaven will be richly rewarded. We must wait and rest in this hope until Jesus comes. Heb 10:34-39

Faith is being sure of what we hope for, the conviction of what we do not see. Heb 11:1-2 (Remember, we are saved through faith Eph 2:8-9, Gal 3:26, Rom 5:1-2).

Faith not only means believing that God exists but also that He will reward those that seek Him. Heb 11:7

Suffering leads to true hope which will not disappoint. Rom 5:3-5

God takes pleasure in those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 147:10-11

Earthly things are a vain hope for safety. God watches over those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 33:17-22

God is good to those whose hope is in Him. Lam 3:25-26

WHAT HOPE DOES FOR US

Hope purifies us. Specifically the hope that we will be like Jesus and will see Jesus. 1 John 3:2-3

Hope produces joy and true happiness. Rom 5:1-2, Rom 12:10-12, Ps 146:5-10, Heb 3:5

The one whose hope is in the Lord will not fear when danger comes nor be anxious during hard times. Jer 17:7-8

Hope makes us bold. 2 Cor 3:11-12

Hope is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Heb 6:17-20

God will strengthen the hearts of those that hope in Him. Psalm 31:23-24

Those that hope in and wait on the Lord will renew their strength and not grow weary. Isa 40:31

Hope renders patience. 1 Thes 1:2-4

Our eager waiting for Jesus and our new bodies helps us stand firm in the Lord. Phil 3:20- 4:1

OUR PROPER RESPONSE

We should put on the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thes 5:8-11

We should prepare our minds. Our hope should be fully on the grace to be given when Christ is revealed. 1 Pet 1:13

We should be looking for the new heavens and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2 Pet 3:11-14

Our fixed hope on God should motivate us to live godly lives. 1 Tim 4:8-11

We should live godly lives, focused on the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Jesus. Titus 2:11-15

We should be ready to talk about our hope, even to those who persecute us. 1 Pet 3:13-17

Like Paul, we should strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. Acts 24:14-16

By faith, we should eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. Gal 5:5-6

We should wait for and hope in God rather than in earthly things. Psalm 39:6-7

We should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lam 3:22-27

We must not be moved away from the hope of the gospel. Col 1:21-23

We should keep the full assurance of hope until the end and imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise. Heb 6:10-11

We must hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Heb 3:5

EXAMPLES

Micah saw that there was no person he could trust. Therefore, he looked to the Lord and waited for the God of his salvation. Micah 7:3-7

Job knew that after "his skin is destroyed," he would see God. This hope made his heart yearn within him. Job 19:25-27

David's greatest desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord. Psalm 27:4-5

David's soul longed for the courts of the Lord. Psalm 84:1-2

As a deer pants for water, David eagerly desired to appear before God. This hope in God made his despair insignificant. Psalm 42:1-5

Despite being severely chastened, David knew he would go through the "gates of righteousness." This hope gave him joy. Psalm 118:18-24

Amidst enemies, David said he would hope continually and praise God. Psalm 71:10-15

When David was in despair, He knew that he should put his hope in God and that he would praise again. Psalm 43:5

Paul knew he would be raised up with Jesus. Therefore, he did not lose heart during afflictions because he was looking toward things unseen. 2 Cor 4:14-18

Paul had hope in God that there would be a resurrection of the dead. Acts 24:14-16, Acts 26:5-8

Paul's hope, which was Israel's hope (Acts 24:14-16, Acts 26:5-8 ), was the reason for Paul's imprisonment. Acts 28:20

NEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE ON OLD TESTAMENT

Paul knew that the Old Testament Prophets had a similar hope to his: that there will be a resurrection of the dead. Acts 24:14-16, Acts 26:5-8 (see The dead will be raised)

Jesus is our hope. Rom 15:12-13

OLD TESTAMENT ONLY

Since there is a "hereafter," our hope will not be cut off. Prov 23:17-18