The resurrection of Jesus secures our hope of eternal life. It’s a topic worthy of study this week. This verse from Romans is a favorite, and I’ve been thinking about what it means and how to apply it to my life:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 ESV
This is one of those compact verses yet rich with meaning. Today I want to explore that first phrase — “May the God of hope.” What does that mean?
“May the God of … “
In this chapter, Romans 15, Paul has described our God three times using the prayerful phrase, “May the God of … ” and has attributed to God four different characteristics. In Paul’s words, our God is the God of endurance and encouragement (v. 5), hope (v. 13), and peace (v. 33). Our God is both the author and giver of these critical traits – to those that seek Him.
It is LIVING
By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
1 Peter 1:3 NET
God “births” us into a living hope – our eternal life. It comes from God as a gift of grace to us (2 Thessalonians 2:16), secured by the resurrection and guaranteeing our eternal life.
It will be fulfilled
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.
Romans 5:2 ESV
Although, as sinners, we all fall short of the glory of God, Christ is transforming us as we behold His glory! Our redemption, our final transformation, will be the fulfillment of this hope we celebrate!
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
GIVEN to us
The God of hope implies that He is not only the author but also the giver of hope. He gives it to us as we press into Him, growing in our knowledge of Him and deepening our relationship with Him – primarily through His word.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 ESV
Remember your word to your servant,
Psalm 119:49-50 NET
for you have given me hope.
This is what comforts me in my trouble,
for your promise revives me.
Because we have experienced the love of God, our hope is vital; it does not put us to shame. Even though we are weak and prone to wander, it gives us focus, and clarity on what is essential. We experience comfort and strength as we walk by the Spirit.
Our prayer
Father, as we ponder this verse this week, may we be encouraged that we have this living hope that sustains us, carrying us day by day and transforming us until that final day of our redemption. Please help us to be able to explain to others, humbly and respectfully, why we live with such hope in this world of war, violence, discord, and greed. May our lives reflect Your glory and point others to You!
To Continue Reading this series …
In Believing
The So That Connection
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