Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 37
A believer who lives expectantly has hope; Blessed Hope (Tit 2:13), Living Hope (2Pe 1:3-4), Purifying Hope (1Jo 3:3). "hagnizo" - progressive growth and refining that we do not make happen, but by living in the hope. Hope has power to change our attitude (e.g. Mat 5); we'll live differently. We'll live as the man that found "the pearl of great price" (Mat 13:46). We're purified by focusing on the prize, not the things that entangle (i.e. expectation). Hope can purify us (2Pe1:2-4). God's grace is multiplied to a believer who goes beyond knowledge ("epignosis" -- 2Pe 1:2), namely, implements the life God offers. We don't have the discipline to overcome the things that distract us, but the power is available through expectation -- purifying hope. All hope in this life disappoints (money, sex, power) our hope needs fixing elsewhere. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick... (Pro 13:12) -- all hope in this life disappoints. "Everything pertaining to life and godliness..." (2Pe 1:3) is Christ living in a through us. We must reach out and claim a promise in the word of God (2Pe 1:4). You can't earn eternal rewards or blessings, but we can lose it (Rev 3:11, Eph 1:3). Criteria is " ... to all who have loved His appearing." (Tit 2:13). "...Glory and virtue ..." (2Pe 1:3, Joh 1:14) refers to God's essence. The promises are "great and excellent..". When we let Chist take His throne we are a witness -- giving a reason for our hope (1Pe 3:15). "...having escaped the corruption that is in this world through lust" (2Pet 1:4). We've already escaped -- it's not our struggle. In the life of those great are illustrations of the power of expectation. If we have hope our soul is secure (Heb 6:16-20, Heb 7:6). Real life begins in eternity. Faith is the foundation for hope (Heb 11:1, Heb 11:6). Hope is the one thing all those listed had in common (Heb 11:13); their faith instilled in them hope. Abraham, Joseph, Moses all illustrate hope. (Rom 8:23)
Scripture References: John 1:14, Romans 8:23, Titus 2:13, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 11:13, Ephesians 1:3, Hebrews 11:6, Revelation 3:11, Hebrews 11:1, Proverbs 13:12, Hebrews 7:6, Matthew 13:46, Hebrews 6:16-20, John 3:3
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.