◄ God’s Gift of Hope - Man’s Nature and Destiny (31) ►

A Study:- Man’s Nature and Destiny

Life of Faith

“The world is going crazy,” and this truly is a life of faith. Faith in the One Who saved, for His initial salvation at the time of rebirth – trusting the indwelling Spirit,  for a lifetime of His working in and through us – believing in God to work out His plans and His purposes in your life and in mine. But that trusting faith is built on a hope of salvation.. the saving of the body – a future hope, where there is no more pain or disappointments, hurt or distress. Faith in His word translates into Hope in His word: for if in this life only we have hope in Christ, then we are of all men most miserable. 1Cor.15:19

Blessed Hope

Not one of the promises of scripture have ever failed in the past. Four thousand years of promises and prophecies, translated into Christ’s first appearance. Generations after generation, from Adam to the Baptist believed in His truth: for Thy word is truth. John 17:17 – and Jesus came crying: I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.. John 14:6. And now in this darkest history of the world, we wait a second time – in hope. And that Hope has a name – it is “The Blessed Hope” – the Lord Christ Jesus: looking for that blessed hope – looking unto Jesus. Looking for the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13

Patient Endurance

This is to be our attitude; our constant attitude; our nonfluctuating attitude – our undeviating attitude. This is an attitude of life and health, and inherent in this attitude is a salutary effect: for every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure. 1John.3:3. This hope in the coming of Christ cleanses the soul of the sinner saved by grace. But there is more, for this is not an easy life. Jesus told us that: in this world you will have tribulation, John 16:33. This is a life that is beset with trials and disappointments – hurt and harm. Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Be ye also patient, establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. James 5:7 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Phil.3:20 He will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body – according to the working by which He is able, even to subdue all things to Himself. Phil.3:21

Holding Fast

This is a crazy world, and we know it is shattering into a billion fragments, but we do have a hope, and we are exhorted: not to sorrow as others who have no hope. 1Thess.4:13 – but to look for that Blessed Hope – Christ the Firstfruit.. and afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Paul tells us to hold fast: hold fast that word which I preached to you 1Cor.15:2. We are to hold fast to our hope.

Godly Instructions

And in Romans 12, Paul tells us how to live:- we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another – having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: If prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering. He who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Final Instructions

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love – in honour giving preference to one another, and not lagging in diligence. Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord – rejoicing in hope and patient in tribulation. Continuing steadfastly in prayer.. distributing to the needs of the saints.  and given to hospitality…

Final Blessing

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind towards one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinions and repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men – and if it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:5-21