Anchoring Our Hope in Christ

“For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”  Romans 8:24-25

These verses remind us of the crucial role hope plays in the Christian life, particularly as we navigate the inevitability of suffering. Why do we need this hope? What is it? What effect does it have? And where does it come from?

The Necessity of Hope
We need hope because suffering is an inevitable part of life. Romans 5:1-5 explains that suffering can either lead to anger and bitterness towards God or produce a living hope that sustains us. This hope is essential because it anchors us amidst trials, preventing us from being swept away by despair. Without hope, suffering can erode our faith, but with hope, suffering becomes a pathway to perseverance and character.

The Nature of Hope
Paul specifies "this hope" in Romans 8:24, emphasizing that it is not a generic or ethereal concept. It is specific and tangible, though unseen. This hope is rooted in our salvation—something we’ve already received—and in the future glorification promised to us. As 2 Corinthians 4:18 highlights, our hope is eternal, not transient.

Hope is anchored in faith and conviction, as seen in Romans 5:5, which ties hope to our salvation, and Hebrews 10:23, which links it to our confession. It is also anchored in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Genesis 3:15, Romans 15:4) and the person of Christ (Colossians 1:27). The resurrection of Christ, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:23, serves as a powerful foundation for our hope. Trust and hope go hand-in-hand; “by faith, we trust” in the truth of God's Word and His promises which produces hope.

The Effect of Hope on Believers
Hope profoundly impacts the believer, as Romans 8:25 illustrates. It teaches us to wait with patience—a willful commitment to endure with integrity. Titus 2:11-14 underscores that this hope compels us to live godly lives while we await the return of our Savior. Grace ➜ Faith ➜ Sanctification ➜ Hope ➜ Love. This sequence shows how hope is produced and then fuels our spiritual growth and actions.

Hope is not passive; but propels us towards love and good works (1 Corinthians 13). It inspires us to love others, build the Kingdom through evangelism, and serve within the church. When we face suffering (loss, financial stress, health issues, broken relationships, etc), it is crucial that we know the source of our hope. Without this understanding, we are likely to “medicate” as we wait (ie sin, in many forms).

The Source of Our Hope
Our hope comes from the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 says, “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.”

We anchor ourselves in the goodness of our salvation, the confession of our faith, and absolute confidence in our Savior. By doing so, we can walk in love and patiently await the appointed time when Christ returns to restore us and His kingdom to glory.

Conclusion
The hope Paul speaks of in Romans 8:24-25 is essential for enduring suffering, deeply rooted in our faith and salvation, transformative in our lives, and provided by the Holy Spirit. This hope anchors us in Christ and the promises of God, compelling us to live lives marked by love and good works as we patiently await our future glorification. As we reflect on these truths, we are encouraged to examine where we place our hope and to ensure it is firmly anchored in Christ, not in the transient things of this world.

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For this week’s sermon notes, click here.