OUR HOPE
I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8, 12-19
Introduction:
Hope is an expectation that is accompanied with a belief that what is hoped for is obtainable. Paul described it thus, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Romans 8:24-25.
But what is that “HOPE” built upon? The GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, especially the RESURRECTION of Christ.
I. OUR HOPE IS NOT BASED ONLY IN THE THINGS OF THIS LIFE.
A. Not in this life ONLY, 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”
1. In this life we believe the report about Christ as the Saviour, Romans 10:16-17, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
2. In this life we trust Him as the LIFE GIVER, John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
3. In this life we receive Him as the only way to heaven, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
B. We trust in God’s preparation for us before this life.
1. God began His preparation for your salvation before He created this world, Revelation 13:8, And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
2. When Adam sinned before God, the Lord was ready with His plan of redemption, Genesis 3:21, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
3. The Lord clothed Adam and Eve in His Righteousness, Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
II. OUR HOPE IS BASED IN THE THINGS THAT GOD HAS PREPARED.
A. It is based on the PROMISES of the WORD of God.
1. Hearing His word, John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
a. Hearing is not sufficient unless you add “believing.”
b. Then the Promise of God “everlasting life.”
2. Continuing in His word, John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
a. Belief “on Him” comes first.
b. Then “continuing” is not difficult at all.
c. You continue willingly because you have been set “free” from the penalty of sin.
B. Our hope is based on what He has done.
1. He is preparing a place for us, John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
a. There is “a place,” a mansion, for us, “And if I go and prepare a place for you,”
b. A place where we will be with Him, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
2. We cannot even imagine what wonderful things God has prepared for us, 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
CONCLUSION
What is your hope based on? I hope it not your works such as giving to the poor, being a good American, or being a member of this church or some other. If it is, you are going to be sadly disappointed.
Your hope must be in Jesus Christ and Him alone! If you have not trusted Him as your Saviour, you need to do that right now!