Having Hope by Stephen Coffin

Discuss: What are the things you hope for?

• This year ? e.g. achievements, changes, experiences
• When you are older ? e.g. I'd like to be a …..
• For the world, your church, your children …..

What do these quotations say about turning hope into reality?

• Everything that is done in the world is done by hope Martin Luther
• Hope is the first thing to take some sort of action Vincent Mc Haff

What can you DO to make your hopes come true?

Read Acts 1v1-14

Jesus followers had false hopes

• Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? (v.6)

They were given short term hope

• In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (v.5)
• you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses (v.8)

They received long term hope

• Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven. (v.11)

What false hopes do people / you have today?

• e.g. Wealth, happiness without effort, selfishness

What do these verses say to this issue?

• Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1Timothy 6v17
• Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25v4-5
• Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62v5-6

What short term hopes do Christians have today?
What do these verses suggest about our short term hopes?

• Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40v30-31
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15v13
• "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29v11

What long term hopes do Christians have today?
What do these verses suggest about our long term hopes?

• Live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ Titus 2v12-13
• Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 1Peter 1v3
• God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1v27
• … Christ Jesus our hope 1Timothy 1v1

“Our Christian hope is based on the relationship of love with God which Jesus offers us, and the way that leads us into relationships of love with God, Christians & neighbour.”
Discuss this statement. In what ways is it true of your experience & of your Church?