Cling to hope amid trials

In Romans 8:24, the Bible reads, “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” The realization of our hope cannot be seen yet, but the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul in Romans 15:4 explains to us where this hope is rooted and where to find this hope necessary for life.

In Roman 15:4, the Bible reads, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” The Word of God was written to give us hope in this life. The Scriptures were written to encourage us and build us up in faith, love and hope. The word “hope” means “to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation or confidence.” Hope is essential in the life of the Christian. We can rest securely in our future because of the hope the Scriptures offer us with Jesus as our guarantor.

As Christians, we have:

Hope of the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6)

Hope of the promise (Acts 26:6-7)

The hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2)

The hope of His calling (Ephesians 1:18)

The hope of righteousness (Galatians 5:5)

The hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23)

The hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

The hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2)

The blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)

The apostle Paul told the young preacher Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-17, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Therefore, we cling to the word of God, which is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. It gives us the foundation for the hope we have in Christ Jesus.

This foundation is a sure foundation based on Christ Jesus and the precious promises He has spoken to us. Therefore, let us hold steadfast to the Word and draw our encouragement from it. We will be blessed with a wonderful expectation of the things which are coming. Knowing these things is what gives us the hope of our future with Christ.

Tucson faith leaders, we would like to include your original sermon or scriptures of encouragement. Sermons must be written by the person submitting them, not borrowed from another source or writer. If you are a faith leader from any religion or denomination, please contact Sara Brown at sbbrown@tucson.com.