Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen." This is not what the Bible means by hope.
The biblical definition of hope is "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown (Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1, 7). Hope is a fundamental component of the life of the righteous (Proverbs 23:18). Without hope, life loses its meaning (Lamentations 3:18; Job 7:6) and in death there is no hope (Isaiah 38:18; Job 17:15). The righteous who trust or put their hope in God will be helped (Psalm 28:7), and they will not be confounded, put to shame, or disappointed (Isaiah 49:23). The righteous, who have this trustful hope in God, have a general confidence in God’s protection and help (Jeremiah 29:11) and are free from fear and anxiety (Psalm 46:2-3).
The New Testament idea of hope is the recognition that in Christ is found the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises (Matthew 12:21, 1 Peter 1:3). Christian hope is rooted in faith -- it's in the divine salvation of Christ (Galatians 5:5).
The hope of Christians is brought into being through the presence of the promised Holy Spirit (Romans 8:24-25).
It is the future hope of the resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6), the promises given to Israel (Acts 26:6-7), the redemption of the body and of the whole creation (Romans 8:23-25), eternal glory (Colossians 1:27), eternal life and the inheritance of the saints (Titus 3:5-7), the return of Christ (Titus 2:11-14), transformation into the likeness of Christ (1 John 3:2-3), the salvation of God (1 Timothy 4:10) or simply Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1).
The certainty of this blessed future is guaranteed through the indwelling of the Spirit (Romans 8:23-25), Christ in us (Colossians 1:27), and the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:26). Hope is produced by endurance through suffering (Romans 5:2-5) and is the inspiration behind endurance (1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 6:11). Those who hope in Christ will see Christ exalted in life and in death (Philippians 1:20). Trustworthy promises from God give us hope (Hebrews 6:18-19), and we may boast in this hope (Hebrews 3:6) and exhibit great boldness in our faith (2 Corinthians 3:12). By contrast, those who do not place their trust in God are said to be without hope (Ephesians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Along with faith and love, hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:13), and love springs from hope (Colossians 1:4-5). Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit (Romans 12:12; 15:13). Paul attributes his apostolic calling to the hope of eternal glory (Titus 1:1-2). Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believers to purify themselves in this life (Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 3:3).
It's no time to live in fear. How can you make the best decisions dominated by fear. It's time to get the doubt out, the fear, worldliness and unbelief out, and God's living hope.. in. Inside of us! Ask.
1. What is the living hope in 1 Peter 1:3?
What is the living hope? What is the meaning of 1 Peter 1:3? What does it mean for hope to be alive?
2. What is the Christian’s hope?
What does the Bible say about hope in Christ?
3. What is the difference between faith and hope?
What is the difference between faith and hope? What is faith according to the Bible? What is hope according to the Bible?
4. What is hope theology / theology of hope?
What is hope theology.. what is this theology of hope and real love? Should all of theology be built on the foundation of hope?
5. What does the Bible say about hope?
What does the Bible say about hope? What is the difference between faith and hope?
6. What does it mean that faith, hope, and love remain (1 Corinthians 13:13)?Out of faith, hope, and love, why is love the greatest?
7. What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)?What is the meaning of Proverbs 13:12?
What is the blessed hope? Why is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ referred to as the blessed hope?
9. What does it mean that hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)?What is the meaning of Romans 5:5?
10. What does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory?
What is the meaning of Colossians 1:27?
11. What does it mean that the greatest of these is love?
What does it mean that love is greater than faith and hope?
12. What does the Bible say about despair?
Do you have fear and distrust issues? Is it wrong to despair? What is the opposite of despair?
13. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 29:11?
Does Jeremiah 29:11 apply to people today, or was it only a message for the people back in the day of old Israel.
Not just staying there in doubt or in despair. Why live like that? Haven't we had enough yet? Live free, just filled with God's word, His Spirit and the hope that we have in His promises.
I say pray intelligently instead, pray in the hope needed, pray biblically and as informed as you can be because real facts are our friends. Pray wisely regarding, pray as the Spirit leads you and then act when and how He says to act. In love and according to the truth. No spiritual compromise, no excuses.
Faith and hope are distinct yet still related. That there is a difference between faith and hope is evident in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Two of the three greatest gifts are faith and hope, listed separately. That faith and hope are related concepts is seen in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for.”
