SSS4 : Epistle to the Romans : Lesson 25

Text: Romans 1-5
1 October 2017

5. THE DOCTRINE OF HOPE

a) It arises from faith

b) Faith in turn stems from the Word of God

c) Hope- of the glory of God (Romans 5:2)

d) Working definition of faith and hope

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
The evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
i) Faith is “substance” (basis; the essence)
ii) Substance of things hoped for
iii) Hope in things “not seen”
iv) Evidence- (proof; action)
v) Hope is not just feelings
vi) Biblical definition of “hope” may not be exactly the idea of “hope” used in common parlance

e) There are many aspects of hope

i) We have access to God (Romans 5:2)
ii) We belong to the Kingdom of God/ Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3, 10)
iii) Hope of the Return of Christ
iv) Hope of the Resurrection
v) Hope of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ

f) An example of one who understood and practised hope- Abraham

i) He believed in God
ii) He believed in God’s promise that he would be a father of many nations (Romans 4:17)
iii) He believed and hope was found in his heart
iv) Against human hope, “in hope he believed” (Romans 4:17)
v) He was not weak in faith (Romans 4:18)
vi) He did not waver through unbelief (Romans 4:20)
vii) He was strengthened in faith (Romans 4:20)
viii) He was fully convinced (Romans 4:21)

g) Hope…perseverance… character… Hope (Romans 5:1-4)

h) Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)