Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5

The apostle Paul speaks of "the hope that is laid up for you in heaven," a hope that is not fleeting or uncertain. This hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). Why is this hope so sure? It is not a false hope; you can be confident because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). May this study help us to stand firm and obtain this unwavering and eternal hope that extends throughout the heavenly realms.

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I. HOPE IS IN THE HEAVENS (FILIPENSES 3:20)

• A. This hope is located in the heavens. It is something secure, reserved, and kept safe for us in the heavenly realm (1 Peter 1:4). It is described as a "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1).

◦ Discussion: What does it mean for our hope to be "laid up in heaven"? How does this location guarantee its security and permanence?

• B. Although the fullness of this hope is not realized here and now (Romans 8:24), we eagerly await it with patience (Romans 8:25). Therefore, we must fix our gaze on the things that are unseen, for these are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

◦ Discussion: How should the fact that our ultimate hope is yet to be fully realized affect our perspective on present trials and difficulties? How does patience play a role in our anticipation of this hope?

• C. We possess this hope of enjoying eternal life in its fullness throughout all of heaven. Let us not lose sight of this ultimate reward.

◦ Discussion: What aspects of eternal life in heaven do you anticipate with the greatest joy and hope?

II. WHEN ARE WE PLACING OUR HOPE?

• A. Many people place their hope in earthly things. But unfortunately, this is often a false hope because the earth and all its works will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-11). Others place their hope in family, friends, money, or even in human leaders, but our ultimate hope should not rest on such transient things.

◦ Discussion: What are some of the earthly things people often place their hope in? Why are these ultimately unreliable sources of lasting hope?

• B. We must place our hope in God. Like King Hezekiah, who trusted in the Lord God of Israel (2 Kings 18:5), our reliance should be solely on Him. Even when earthly hopes are burned away, our hope remains secure in God (Psalm 14:6). As the Psalmist declared, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you" (Psalm 39:7). The Psalmist was not ashamed of his hope because it was anchored in God (Psalm 119:116). Similarly, the Christian's true hope is in the living God (1 Timothy 4:10).

◦ Discussion: What does it mean to place our hope in God? How does this kind of hope provide stability and security in the face of life's uncertainties?

• C. For this reason, even in death, the righteous has hope (Proverbs 14:32). And that is why we glory in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2). We are called to rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12).

◦ Discussion: How does the hope we have in God transform our perspective on death? What does it mean to "glory in the hope of the glory of God"?

III. THE GREATNESS OF THIS HOPE

• A. The greatness of this hope lies in the fact that:

◦ 1. Nothing impure or defiling will ever enter it (Revelation 21:27). Heaven is a place of perfect holiness.

◦ 2. All those who practice evil will be kept far away (Revelation 22:15). There will be no more wickedness or injustice.

◦ 3. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain (Revelation 21:4). The sources of earthly suffering will be eradicated.

◦ 4. There will be no more thirst, no more hunger, no more scorching heat (Revelation 7:16). All physical needs and discomforts will be gone.

• B. Other magnificent aspects of this hope include:

◦ 1. We will be with God, and we will see Him face to face, just as He is (1 John 3:2). This intimate communion with our Creator is the ultimate fulfillment.

◦ 2. We will be in the company of countless angels (Revelation 5:11). We will join the heavenly host in worship and glory.

CONCLUSION:

The hope that is set before us in the Gospel is a glorious and certain hope, anchored in the unchanging character of God and secured in the heavens. Unlike earthly hopes that fade and fail, this hope in Christ does not disappoint. Let us fix our hearts and minds on this eternal reality, allowing it to sustain and empower us as we journey through this present life, eagerly anticipating the fullness of our inheritance in God's presence. May this hope inspire us to live lives that reflect the glory of the One in whom our hope resides.

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Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5