Pursuing Biblical Hope

Peter Rufus
What Christians Pursue
Pursuing Biblical Hope
Titus 2:11 - 14
23 April 2017

Hope is what keeps you going through the dark times of life. But the worst hope is the hope that is found to be false when tested. That is why we need biblical hope: hope that will never fail.

The Author of biblical hope is God Himself, and His grace (Eph. 2:4 - 5). As Christians, our "hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts" (Rom. 5:5). If in death, God has completely forgiven us in the death of His Son, how much more love and grace is there for us in the resurrection (Rom. 5:8 - 9)? The empty tomb proves Christ defeated death for all who follow Him. Because He rose, we have a certain hope we will also (Rom. 8:11).

The attitudes of biblical hope produce transformation, not stagnation. If by His grace we have received salvation, we are to seek biblical attitudes (Tit. 2:11 - 12). In the negative sense, we are to deny ourselves of sin and ungodliness; in the positive sense, we are to pursue godliness. Biblical attitudes are resurrectional: since we are already raised with Christ (Col. 3:1), we are to live it out.

The anchor of biblical hope is personal because it grounded in a person - Jesus Christ (v. 13 - 14). Therefore it is divine, and not something we create. Human hope can fail, but divine hope will never. Even the world itself will pass away, so let us hope in Christ alone, and eagerly look for His returning. In the dark days, He is hope.

When trials come, remember that one day we will rise. Don't let trials crowd out your hope: live in anticipation of that Day.