Jun 4, 2020
Episode Summary:
This is the second in a four-part anniversary series of “Your
Hope-Filled Perspective.”
Specifically, today we are discussing the concept of “Hope.”
What is hope, how do we get it and how do we display it? And what
isn’t it?
The Bible has two uses for the term HOPE
- One is simple but ungrounded expectation that something
specific may happen—closest to English vernacular
understanding.
- Second is a CONFIDENCE that something anticipated will come to
pass.
What is the difference between FAITH and HOPE?
- The Bible talks about both, and sometimes the same word is
used. The concepts are very closely related.
- Best illustration: a child is told by her parents that they
will be taking her to DisneyWorld soon.
- FAITH is the quiet confidence that her parents are being
truthful and that the promised visit will happen.
- HOPE is the excited expectancy of the promised visit that has
the child bouncing off the walls.
- FAITH is the basis for HOPE.
What are the characteristics of HOPE?
- Forward looking
- Positive
- Expectant/anticipatory of something longed for
- Patient
- Focused on sufficiency and abundance
- ACTIVE
HOPE is ACTIVE, it requires PREPARATION. Think of the
Disney example. As the child ANTICIPATES, she will engage in
various activities that illustrate this expectancy.
In our culture and language, HOPE is understood in a very
passive context—we don’t grant it much power in our lives, yet both
the NT and the OT point to HOPE as crucial to our daily
existence.
HOPE is closely paralleled to FEAR
- Forward looking
- Expectant—of something dreaded
- Negative instead of positive
- Based on anxiety or worry instead of faith
- Focused on inadequacy & loss
Quotables from the episode:
- Emil Brunner— “What oxygen is to the
lungs, such is hope to the meaning
of life.”
- FAITH is the basis for HOPE.
- Hope is active.
- Our hope is grounded in the overwhelming abundance and goodness
of God.
Scripture References:
- Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have
for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans for a future and a hope.”
- David in Psalms linked his HOPE in God with courage and
strength (Ps 31:24)
- Paul also (Rom 5:5) describes the abundance
and fulfilling nature of HOPE.
Recommended Resources:
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Podcast
Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson