Hope can often feel like wishful thinking, but the hope we have in Christ is firm and reliable. This hope doesn’t disappoint because it’s grounded in God’s love and character. Those who are justified by faith have an unshakeable hope, knowing they will be saved from God’s wrath on the day of judgment. Therefore, hope is the result of righteousness by faith. This Bible Study explores how hope shapes our lives in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5
- Justified by Faith, Standing in Grace
Paul notes that because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we are now justified and have peace with God. This peace does not solely refer to feelings of calmness or serenity; it qualifies us as children of God, reconciled to Him by being separated from sin. Therefore, we stand gracefully in our faith, knowing that it was obtained through the innocent and gracious blood of Jesus Christ. God’s grace gives us a hope that endures through all circumstances of life. By faith, we stand with confidence, knowing that God is for us.
- Hope in the Glory of God
In Colossians 1:27, Jesus Christ is described as the hope of glory working in us. Christ Himself is the hope and the glory; without knowing Him, we are unable to go to the Father (John 14:6). This hope not only saves us from the wrath of God but also gives us access to His undeserved eternal glory in heaven. This glory calls us to be more like Him, even in times of trial. When failures and disappointments come, we look to His glory with great hope, trusting that things will soon get better.
- Hope Through Suffering
How do we rejoice in suffering? The Bible is clear that we rejoice ‘in’ suffering and not ‘because’ of it. This means that whatever we are suffering from is a means to equip and build our character, making us more like Christ.
Suffering produces hope. We must go through sufferings and disappointments in order to be refined like pure gold and silver (Zechariah 13:9). Denying ourselves the experience of suffering and disappointment is denying ourselves godly character and hope, which help us stand firm and deepen our trust and reliance on God throughout all challenges. Be grateful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you.
- A Hope That Does Not Disappoint
Paul says that this hope does not disappoint and does not put us to shame. The hope we have is true, sincere, and everlasting. This hope proves to be sufficient at all times because of His unfailing love, which fills us with His goodness and mercy. As believers, we do not have to fear death or judgment because God’s love keeps us hopeful for the better that is still to come. God’s love that does not disappoint embraces and covers us at all times; we remain in Him because of who He is, not because of what He does.
When times are difficult, we tend to lose hope because we do not like uncertainty and being out of control. Hope allows us to let go and surrender everything into God’s hands. Hope is God’s love and peace in action, especially during difficult times, and ultimately, it is all that we might have to hold on to during those moments. The Holy Spirit fills us and sustains our hope; God began the work, Jesus fulfilled it, and the Holy Spirit sustains the work of hope in our lives. We need the Holy Spirit to endure all that the enemy might throw our way.
Application and Reflection Questions:
How does the assurance that God’s love has been poured into your heart affect your hope during difficult times?
Consider a recent trial or challenge you’ve faced. How has God used it to develop perseverance or character in your life?
How do you ensure that you are still connected to the Holy Spirit in times of disappointment?