January 31, 2010
Betrayal Series

Testing Our READINESS: Are We Abiding & Abounding . . . in ???? ?

Romans 15:13

Approaching the Text:

THIS IS A TEST OF THE E–––––––– B––––––––S–––––

. . . AND IT IS ONLY A TEST ? ? ? ? ? ? OR IS IT A REAL EMERGENCY?

Analyzing the Text:
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: (FROM ROMANS 1-11)

1) IS NOT . . . A SET OF RULES TO FOLLOW
A LIST OF REQUIREMENTS THAT WE CAN FULFILL
A REASON FOR PERSONAL PRIDE OR BOASTING

2) IS . . . A RECOGNITION OF OUR SINFUL CONDITION
A RESPONSE OF DEPENDENCE ON GOD’S PROVISION
A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THAT NEEDS TO BE NURTURED

Romans 15:13 EMPHASIZES Paul’s “HOPE” for the Romans.

I. “May the God of hope” = the ROOT of hope.

A. God’s trustworthy character is the basis for hope.
God’s: 1. promises . . . 2. provision . . . 3. presence.

B. Hope = 1. confident expectation/anticipation filled with assurance
2. a trusting assurance that God will fulfill His promises (salvation)

II. “–fill you with joy & peace” = the RESULTS caused by hope.

A. A genuine believer’s sense of hope saturates his/her life with joy!
“Joy” = an expressive gladness exhibiting stability & well-being
B. –hope helps a person to enjoy peace that passes understanding.
“Peace” = a sense of security, stability, & calmness

III. “–in believing” = our faith/trust is closely RELATED to hope.

** Faith & hope are inseparable partners!

IV. “–by the power of the Holy Spirit” = our RESOURCE for hope

A. Our human ability is insufficient to live “Christ-like” lives.
B. God’s indwelling Spirit empowers & enables us to be “Christ-like.”

V. “–so that you may abound in hope!” = our REPUTATION

A. Hope should be a dominant characteristic for all genuine believers.
B. “Abound in hope” = assurance that God will provide & anticipation that He will fulfill His promises
abundance that overflows
C. One of our most significant testimonies of faith involves our expression of hope that God will cause all things to work together for our ultimate good.

Applying the Truth:

{1} Hope is a BY-PRODUCT of genuine saving faith.

{2} Hope is the DRIVING FORCE behind prayer.
Philippians 4:6 - 7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

{3} Hope is the FIX we need each day.
It fastens our attention on future blessings that are abundantly greater than the passing pleasures & pains we experience day-after-day.

{4} By biblical definition, HOPE

alters our priorities,

affects our perspectives,

& adjusts our purpose.

Hope is essential for a vital & vibrant walk with the Lord!