November 23, 2018
Hope That Can't Be Contained
Romans 15:4–16
Amy Smith
Central Truth
Encouraging one another in hope is soul-filling and life-changing. We can't possibly keep peace, joy, and hope to ourselves if we have truly experienced them through the grace of Christ. The gift of life is one of hope, meant to be shared and spread.
Romans 15:4–16
4 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. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.”
10 And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”
13 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.
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, 1 15:14 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 30 that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Dive Deeper | Romans 15:4–16
When I walked through the doors of Watermark for the first time, I was friendless, tired, and without hope. In making comfort and status my idols, I lost everyone and everything. A church building would at least provide some sort of refuge, but I had no idea the truly beautiful relationships that were awaiting me. Jesus wanted a relationship with me; He had an abundance of grace and hope that I would never attain on my own. What followed was the second biggest blessing and answered prayer: friends. These brothers and sisters in Christ weren't afraid of my ugly and broken heart, but instead encouraged me in the hope that I had just found.
What I love about this passage in Scripture (and use it as a sign-off on my emails and greeting cards) is that while Paul spent his days sharing the gospel, he was equally passionate about encouraging the Church. My heart breaks knowing that people don't know Jesus. My heart is also burdened when those who do know Him are struggling to remember just how big and unfailing He is. Trials and challenges will come, but our hope through them is the truth that Christ overcame the grave (John 16:33).
Sharing opinions and experiences allows us to connect on a human level, but sharing His Word and truth allows us to see that joy and peace are ours. God is the author and builder of hope. He is all-knowing and has great things in store for those who are His. I praise Him every day for the gift of friendship and my church family.
I am a hot mess, but because of the grace that He has extended, my brothers and sisters in Christ don't leave me. I tried for years to make myself and others happy, but making the world and other people the object of my hope only sunk me deeper into despair. Putting our hope in the One who conquered the grave gives us abundant joy and peace in and through any trial.
This month's memory verse
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
– Romans 13:14
Discussion Questions
1. When life gets hard, where do you find yourself turning for hope and peace?
2. In what ways have you shared your hope with others? Is there a Scripture or story in the Bible that you find comforting in trials and challenges?
3. God knows our hearts; He hears our cries. Are you able to surrender your desires and hopes to Him, knowing that what He has is better for you than you could ever imagine?