Bible Discussion Thread

"the Hope"; v.6 = Do not apply modern definitions and applications concerning hope from the human perspective (e.g. Ac. 27:20; 1Thes. 4:13) to that DIVINE Hope which GOD instills within believers.

Man bases his hope on using his intelligence and personal abilities to manipulate his environmental resources to bring into reality that which he desires based on chance, possibility, and probability (cp. Ac. 16:19; 27:20). Man often attributes "hope" to the vain superstitions of fate or luck.

In contrast, DIVINE Spiritual Hope is a sure, yet future reality for which saints wait with eager anticipation because GOD has promised and guarantees its fulfillment.

Hope includes DIVINE, guaranteed realities such as

+ Righteousness ( Gal. 5:5),

+ Eternal Life ( Tit. 1:2; 3:7),

+ our Resurrection from the dead (Ac. 23:6; 24:15; 1Pet. 1:3),

+ our future home in Heaven ( Col. 1:5), and

+ our expectation of the blessed eschatological event of CHRIST's Second Coming (1Thes. 2:19; Tit. 2:13).

GOD is The SOURCE of the saint's hope for HE is "The GOD of hope" ( Rom. 15:13). LORD JESUS CHRIST personifies hope for HE is

+ "our HOPE" ( 1Tim. 1:1),

+ "the HOPE of Glory" ( Col. 1:27), and

+ "that Blessed HOPE" for WHOM the saints "look for the Glorious Appearing of The Great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST" ( Tit. 2:13).

The expectation of the sure reality of hope fulfilled in and through LORD JESUS CHRIST encourages the saints and Church to patiently persevere with "hope firm unto the end" ( Heb. 3:6; 6:11; 1Pet. 1:13).

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This opportunity as a servant of Christ, is unequal to anything that exists in heaven or earth! The power of God rests on those who's mind is in Him! Jesus the Christ! This power rises above all principalities and powers in heaven and earth, conquering the future! Even eternal life!

Phillip.

Thanks for that wonderful declaration of Hope!! It sheds more light on the scripture when it's defined properly.

God bless you.