How can we align our hope with the promises in Acts 26:7? Setting the Scene “ The promise our twelve tribes hope to realize as they earnestly serve God night and day. For this hope, O king, I am accused by the Jews.” (Acts 26:7) Paul is standing before Agrippa, insisting that the very expectation gripping his heart is the same one embedded in Israel’s Scriptures—now fulfilled in Jesus and guaranteed by His resurrection. The Promise Paul Refers To • God pledged a Savior-King who would conquer death (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 16:10). • That pledge includes bodily resurrection for all who belong to Him (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2). • The “twelve tribes” clung to this promise while serving “night and day,” a picture of ceaseless worship and obedience. • Paul declares that promise has moved from prophecy to reality in Christ (Acts 13:32-34). What Exactly Is Our Hope? • A risen, reigning Savior (Acts 2:32-36). • Our own future resurrection (Acts 26:8; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). • An incorruptible inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4). • The restoration of all things when Jesus returns (Acts 3:21). This hope is certain because it rests on God’s unbreakable word (Hebrews 6:18-19). Keys to Aligning Our Hope with the Promise 1. Fix your gaze on the risen Christ, not shifting circumstances (Colossians 3:1-4). 2. Serve “night and day” as Israel did—live worshipfully in every arena of life (Romans 12:1). 3. Feed on the Scriptures that birthed and shape this hope (Romans 15:4). 4. Speak the hope openly; Paul’s chains came from confessing it (Acts 26:29; 2 Timothy 1:8-10). 5. Endure present trials in light of future glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). 6. Guard against counterfeit hopes—riches, ease, political solutions—that cannot raise the dead (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Scriptures That Anchor the Same Hope • John 11:25-26 — Jesus declares Himself the Resurrection and the Life. • Titus 2:13 — “the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” • Hebrews 10:23 — “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 — Comfort rooted in the sure return of Christ and the resurrection of believers. What Happens When Our Hope Is Properly Aligned • Steadfast joy replaces anxiety (Romans 5:2-5). • Holy living becomes natural, not forced (1 John 3:2-3). • Evangelistic courage flourishes; chains cannot silence us (Philippians 1:12-14). • The church displays a foretaste of coming glory through sacrificial love and perseverance (Acts 2:46-47). |
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