Our Sunday School Teacher continue with our study in Romans. He picked up in Romans Chapter 12, asking the question “What is Our Hope?” Up to this chapter, Romans has been full of doctrine, giving direction on our relationship in vertical plane with God. This chapter shifts to a horizontal plane: how to live out the lessons, letting God work through us for dedicated service, loving each other in sincerity.
But Romans 12:12 states specifically: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” NLT. (In looking at other translations I noted v12 in the New Living Bible reads: "Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.") 1 Peter 3:15 tells us: “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” NLT.
So what is our Hope? Hope is not a wish, but a confident expectation. Romans 8:23 gives an answer. “We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.” NLT
So we have faith, believing in salvation through Jesus Christ, and we wait patiently and hopefully for our full rights of inheritance: relief from our sinful nature and restoration to right standing with God! See Titus 2:11-13 and 1 Peter 1:3-9 for more verses explaining this hope and the connection to faith which goes hand in hand (Hebrews 11:1). Our teacher had more to share but time ran out.
This was not the first song I was thinking of but when I came across this I decided it is a good fit.
No Eye Has Seen, No Ear Has Heard
Verses For Today:No Eye Has Seen, No Ear Has Heard
Titus 2:11-14 NLT
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
This morning we had some praise reports, including my nephew, and many prayers for health issues. We are also mindful that we need to be in prayer for our country, America, and the upcoming elections. Beyond individual issues, I am mindful and thankful for the hope I have of my inheritance with the salvation of my soul!
