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Biblical Hope

Modern culture and members of society may say “we hope that it doesn’t rain, we hope our team wins, we hope things work out the way we want it to”. But biblical hope is different. It’s not crossing our fingers and wishing for the best. 

The bible's definition of “hope” is not wishful thinking but positive optimism.

(Greek) Elpis (El-Piss) - Confident expectation based on reliable evidence. Evidence of knowing God is reliable. He cannot lie. He means what He says. Hope is both planted and an anchor for our soul grounded in the unchanging character and promises of God. 

Whatever has been written in the Word of God was written for our learning of God's character. We are to learn that through perseverance and endurance, as demonstrated in the Scriptures, we may acquire hope.

Through perseverance and through encouragement we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

Romans 15:4; NIV

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Romans 15:4 states that scriptures written in the past were for our instruction, so that through endurance and encouragement from the Scriptures, we might have hope. This verse from the Apostle Paul encourages believers to learn from the Old Testament to gain hope, endurance, and encouragement for their own lives. 

Here's a breakdown of the verse:

• "For whatever was written in the past": refers to the Old Testament scriptures. 

• "was written for our instruction": means these ancient texts were intended to teach us. 

• "that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures": highlights the dual benefits of studying these writings. 

• "we might have hope": is the ultimate outcome of this instruction and encouragement, giving believers hope for the future. 

Biblical hope begins with the Word of God through which we can know His character unlike human optimism that fluctuates depending on circumstances. Biblical hope is rooted in the eternal unchanging promises of God. For we plant our hope in His promises by which we are built as Christians on that unshakable foundation.

Hope is developed through persistent trials. It is uncomfortable and can even hurt. But, hope comes as a result of perseverance through trials. Meaning dealing with your Christian walk of life as it comes and refusing to lie down and give up. Having determination that despite trials, "I’m going to do the will of God". Also, rejoicing in and through our suffering knowing that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance proves character, and proven character, hope (Romans 5; 3 - 5). 

Romans 5:3-5; NIV

3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5 explains that rejoicing in suffering is a result of knowing it builds endurance, which in turn builds character, and ultimately leads to a confident hope that will not disappoint because it is rooted in God's love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

• 3: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. 

• 4: and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

• 5: And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 

The process described: 

• Suffering: Facing trials, problems, or difficulties in life.

• Perseverance (Endurance): The ability to endure these hardships.

• Character: The development of strong, virtuous character through endurance.

• Hope: A confident expectation and firm belief in God's future promises and love.

The foundation of this hope:

This hope is not based on circumstances but on the unchanging love of God. This love is experienced through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to believers, filling their hearts and ensuring this hope will not lead to disappointment. 

Biblical hope grows stronger through trials. Waiting, not seeing results but continuing to believe in God that His Word is true. Not allowing your faith to diminish even in the face of obstacles or disagreements. 

Hope is powerful in its effects. This hope is an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast and entering into through which is within the vail (Hebrews 6; 19 - 20).