The Hope that doesn’t Disappoint
Bible Text: Romans 5:1-11 | Preacher: Tim Curnow | Series: Visiting Preachers |
v5 – There is a hope that doesn’t disappoint
We are made to hope
Yet disappointments are a regular thing
Most evident at Christmas – example
Yet the issues of people’s hearts are not dealt with
What are your hopes for the next year and decade?
Looking at the Christian hope and how it is developed
We are like an iceberg in our hopes, disappointments and experiences
Looking at the difference in hope between believers and non-believers
Looking at the direction of travel in our spiritual life
The sequence
v1 – Peace with God
Foundational
Justified by faith
Example of Abraham
The same for us
We have received the righteousness of God through faith
We are justified by faith
Are we aligned to God?
Peace
Not just the absence of noise or argument
A relationship restored with God
James 2:23 – friendship with God
Rom 5:9-11
No peace to the wicked
A restlessness
Often well disguised
v2a – Access to God
The door is opened and we enter into a realm of grace
Brought into the kingdom of God
Specially chosen
Free access
Jesus speaks of a great banquet
We may miss the way in
It is possible not to see the door
It is also possible to refuse to enter through the door
It is not exclusive
What an awful thing to be outside
There will be a time when it is too late to enter in / respond to the invitation
v2b – A Certainty with God
We have escaped the judgment and condemnation of God
He will pour out His blessings
We rejoice in the glory of God
We shall be partakers in this glory
The believer’s hope is steadfast and certain
Compare this to the hope of even great men – examples
A bleak emptiness – fear of the unknown
Quote from Journalist: Why do people engage in smalltalk? – because the alternatives are terrifying
The Christian’s heart is full
Example of A Christmas Carol
What do you see when you look into the future?
v3-4 – Purposeful troubles
Suffering and tribulation is not without purpose
The suffering of the unbeliever is random
The suffering of a believer produces perseverance, character and hope
Example of Job’s tears
Suffering for the believer is productive
v6-8 – Everything rests on Christ
The unbeliever is self-reliant
The believer is freed from this bondage
Example
God demonstrated His love in Christ (v8)
Incontrovertible facts
Visible and knowable
Love poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (v5)
The hope that does not disappoint
Certain
Not arrogant – a simple, humble faith
Assured
A prospect and a Person
Our rock
Closing Remarks & Prayer