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Church of the Nazarene
Mission in Action Part: Hope
“God, fill me with your hope so it overflows into the hearts of those you send to me.”
Our mission statement says “Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ”
We believe this concise, yet powerful statement gives light and guidance to our purpose as the church and as individual believers.
This teaching series, called Mission in Action, is not just about knowing the mission, but it is challenging us all to engage in the mission more deeply than ever before.
Today we will focus on HOPE, both the invitation to experience it and the call to share it with others.
Romans 15:8-13
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 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.
-The Jews were God’s chosen people, and while Paul is reminding the church that God kept His promises, he is also reminding them that the fulfillment of that promise was not just for the Jews as some believed.
-Paul points back to the Old Testament to remind the church of the promises God has already made, and now fulfilled.
-Finally, Paul introduces this concept of hope. This hope is possible because of what Christ has done.
Hope in Him
-Paul is specific about who the source of true hope is (verse 12 says “in Him [Jesus] the Gentiles will hope”).
-This is a hope that is available now and forever.
Hope for Forever
-Eternal hope is possible because we have been reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus.
-This is why Paul would write to the church in Phillipi, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)
Hope for Today
-Paul’s words do not just point to a hope one day in the future, but also a hope for right now.
-“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him”, meaning as you trust Him now. You fill be filled with hope as you trust God today.
Philippians 1:20-21
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
It’s not enough to experience this hope. We are called to share this hope with others. This is why Paul points to ‘overflowing’ hope.
Our prayer of response:
God, fill me with your hope so it overflows into the hearts of those you send to me.
Verses for further study/reflection:
Isaiah 40:31
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 39:7Romans 5:1-5
Romans 8:24-25
Romans 12:12
Colossians 1:24-27
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