How wonderful and marvelous a thought! Our hope is not based on the frailties of this world. It is not based on a government, money, position, health, popularity, or anything this earth can offer. Our hope is based on the God of hope who can fill our very being with abounding hope by the power of the Holy Spirit because of Jesus Christ’s atoning work on the cross. We overflow with Hope in Jesus Christ!
We abound in hope because the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing. Then He empowers us with the full power of the Holy Spirit who is the very essence of God’s hope, joy, and love in His son Jesus Christ. Here I wish to present 7 Amazing reasons we can overflow with Hope regardless of the storms we face or the fires we must walk through. Always and forever, our hope is in Jesus Christ.
Our hope is first founded in the truth of Justification, Redemption, and Sanctification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ Alone. This work in completed in us by the Holy Spirit and not of ourselves. Therefore, in addition to these first 3 Essential Reasons. We are also promised and given love, unity, gifts, and governance so we might shine forth this hope to all of whom we meet.
Reasons We Overflow with Hope—the book of Romans
Paul the apostle wrote the book of Romans most likely from Corinth. He longed to go there. The Roman church is believed to have been founded by some of the initial converts on the day of Pentecost. Neither Peter nor Paul had gone to Rome at that point. They referenced Peter because he was the one who preached at the day of Pentecost. Peter would later go to Rome around 68 AD near the time the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman leaders. This letter was somewhere around 57 AD. That may be in part why it is the letter most complete in doctrine so as to have been even called the “Constitution of Christianity” or the Christian Manifesto.
Afterall if the church leaders had no formal training it was important they learn all the truth from the beginning. Step by step Paul explains the truth from the depravity of sin that indwelt all of mankind to the marvelous truth of the gospel message of salvation. He meticulously explains salvation as justification, redemption, and sanctification. Then he explains the further promises and gifts of love, unity, governance and gifts. Finally, throughout he explains the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit in all of this.
ROMANS 1 to overflow with Hope
Paul, a bondservant of Christ Jesus. Called as an apostle. Set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning His Son. Who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh. Who was declared the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of His name. Among whom you also are the Called of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6 (NASB)
Paul who had been so zealous a Jew in persecuting church, understood full well that all his prior training and all he now was, all came about by the grace of God. He was not seeking to know Jesus. Very content in his own ways, believing himself righteous, he missed the truth as well. That is until one day Jesus appeared to him, and he could no longer go against the one true Savior. All his knowledge of Old Testament Scripture suddenly came to light. He now could see how everything pointed to Christ. And that now Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of every mystery and every promise. He was the hope we had all looked for.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (NASB)
That was the verse that changed Martin Luther’s life forever.
Transformed to Overflow with Hope
Martin Luther was heavily obsessed with the depths of his own sin. It is said he would go into the confessional and while there he would confess of every thought he had. Often the priest would finally tell him to go home. As he confessed, he realized even his thoughts then were sinful. Oppressed with the realization that no one could truly live righteously, he lived tormented. Then one day while reading he noticed. It was not a righteousness that he could obtain. It was the righteousness of God which could only occur through faith. No righteousness of man was good enough. It was God’s righteousness imputed upon man. Not what man could do himself.
This is the overflow of hope that Paul presents so clearly in Romans.
But before he can present the solution, Paul makes certain they understand the problem of sin. It is more than a choice one makes one day. It is indeed a chain that enslaves the heart and soul of mankind. A chain that cannot be removed by one’s own efforts. Indeed, despite God’s common grace displaying His glory throughout creation, humanity chose to worship the creation rather than the creator. Even the consequences of their sinful nature being so evident as to their evil nature, they marched forward. And the very wrath of God against the sin became evident. Not because he desired wrath. Rather He while desiring righteousness and joy for His creation, recognized the destruction of their sin. He knew the sin would destroy all that was good as they drew farther from Him. Thus, we see clearly the wrath of God against sin.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. Romans 1:18-19 (NASB)
All of Humanity and Creation Doomed Without A Savior
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools Romans 1: 20-21
And this is the fate and result.
filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:29-32 (NASB)
So that none are righteous no not one. No hope in sight but God presented a plan of salvation. A plan to overflow with hope for all who would believe. That plan first presented to Adam and Eve now was clearly presented in Jesus Christ.
Overflow with Hope because of Justification
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 (NASB).
And in this justification, we have hope even amid trials, persecutions, and storms. How?
hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5 (NASB)
But how can we be justified if we are so lost and chained by sin?
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. …God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6,8 NIV
Therefore, we overflow with hope.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:9-10 (NIV)
Furthermore, we overflow with joy because of Redemption
Redemption means we are set free from the slavery we once were enslaved to. No longer must I yield to the chains that held me. Why?
Therefore, there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (NASB)
But how do I walk according to the Spirit?
However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8: 9-11 (NASB)
So, how can I not overflow with joy? All who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has the indwelling Holy Spirit. Therefore, I have no chance to ever be condemned again. I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The chains are gone. Sin has no power over me. Hallalujah! Amen!
We Overflow with Hope because of Sanctification
Being transformed into the Saint I have already been declared to be. Everything that happens in my life is the Holy Spirit working toward that goal so that one day, I will look like my Savior. I will shine forth His glory. For now I am clothed in His righteousness—then I will be righteous.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 (NASB)
And if that were not enough to overflow with joy
He has also promised us His unwavering, steadfast love that we cannot be separated from.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
He has also given us unity that we may have the power of many with us.
just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12: 4-5 (NIV)
He gave us varying gifts, so that we could join hands to be the best version of Christ to the world. No one is to do it all alone. We are a community of believers.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6-8 (NIV).
Furthermore, God Gave Governance
God established Kings and Kingdoms. He oversees the good and the bad. Yet, He established governance so there would not be total chaos. Can you imagine were there no laws or authorities in this world? God will accomplish all that He has planned. We should never worry about that. Therefore, we overflow with hope in a world gone mad.
Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; Romans 13: 1-2 (NASB)
Certainly, we do not disobey God. If the law says I go to prison for praying, then I must surrender peacefully to the authorities and go to prison. Even in this God reigns supreme.
How many people have been blessed by Pilgrim’s Progress? John Bunyan was in prison for refusing to stop preaching the gospel. His wife and children were at home.
Therefore, We Overflow with Hope because we Have God’s Hope in Us
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NASB)
Therefore because of that, let us
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12: 1-2 (NKJV)
understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light…., clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:11,12,14 (NIV)
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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