How does hope in God influence your actions and decisions today? Hope’s Foundation in Christ “Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so that your faith and hope are in God.” — 1 Peter 1:21 Why This Hope Is Different • Rooted in a historical, bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • Guaranteed by God’s unchanging character (Hebrews 6:17-19) • Energized by the indwelling Spirit (Romans 15:13) Hope-Shaped Mindset • Confidence, not wishful thinking: trusting God’s promises as settled fact • Forward-looking perspective: viewing present choices in light of eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) • Purifying effect: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself” (1 John 3:3) Practical Ways Hope Directs Today’s Decisions Integrity in Choices • Choosing honesty at work because eternal reward outweighs temporary gain (Colossians 3:23-24) • Refusing compromise when pressured, remembering “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20) Endurance in Trials • Responding to suffering with patience, knowing it “produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4) • Viewing hardships as refining fire rather than random misfortune (1 Peter 1:6-7) Generosity in Stewardship • Holding possessions loosely, storing up “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21) • Giving sacrificially, confident God will supply every need (Philippians 4:19) Boldness in Witness • Speaking of Christ because the gospel is the only lasting hope (1 Peter 3:15) • Living distinctly so others “see your good works and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16) Holiness in Conduct • Saying no to ungodliness because grace “trains us… while we wait for the blessed hope” (Titus 2:11-13) • Pursuing moral purity, motivated by the coming revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13-15) Further Anchors for a Hope-Filled Life • Colossians 1:27 — “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 — Hope that comforts in bereavement. • Hebrews 10:23-25 — Holding fast the confession of hope together in fellowship. Living It Out Every Moment Because God raised and glorified His Son, hope is not tentative—it is alive, certain, and transformative. Let that certainty color every thought, shape every priority, and propel every action today. |
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