Questions for 1/15: Hope

The Christian Virtues
Discussion Sheet #3
Hope

I. Definition of Hope:

The dictionary definition of “hope” is: “a desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment.” This definition is a good starting point for study of this virtue in the Bible. The most extensive description of Christian hope is in Romans 8:18-25, especially verses 23-25. What is the verb that is utilized three times in this passage (vv. 19, 23, 25) to describe the action of hope? If you have time, it is very instructive to look at other passages where this same verb is used: 1 Cor 1:7; Gal 5:5; Phil 3:20; Heb 9:28; 1 Peter 3:20.


II. The Divine Virtue of Hope

a. In Romans 15:13, Paul uses the title “The God of Hope.” In what ways is this the case?

2 Thessalonians 2:16
1 Peter 1:21
1 Peter 3:20


b. Closely related to the last question is the connection between our hope and our reception of God’s Spirit. According to the following verses, how does the Spirit contribute to our hope?

Romans 5:5
Romans 15:13 (cf. Romans 15:4)
Gal 5:5-6 (cf. Gal 5:22)

c. There are two ways in which the Scriptures allude to the hope of Jesus. First, what do these verses suggest about the hope that Jesus possessed?

Luke 13:34
Acts 2:26

d. Second, the hope of Christians is centered on the person and character of Christ. How is Jesus the object of Christian hope in these verses?

Rom 8:17, 23-24
1 Corinthians 15:19
Ephesians 1:12
Colossians 1:27
1 Timothy 1:1
Titus 2:13
1 Peter 1:3

e. How is our Hope set on Heaven?
Colossians 1:5
1 Thessalonians 5:8
Titus 3:7

III. Hope and the Other Virtues

As we shall see, none of the virtues is independent of the other virtues; they depend on the presence of other virtues for their existence or maintenance. This is especially true of hope.

a. How is our hope based on God’s faithfulness?

Acts 24:15
Acts 26:6-7
2 Corinthians 1:9-10
Titus 1:2
Hebrews 6:18
Hebrews 10:23


b. As we shall see, our hope is also based on our own faith and faithfulness. How do “tribulation,” “perseverance,” and “proven character” bring about hope (Rom 5:3-4)? What is the relationship between the “proven worth/character” of Timothy and Paul’s hope for him in Philippians 2:22-23.


c. Notice how hope is related to these other virtues: “Love” (Romans 5:5); “Perseverance” (Rom 8:25; 15:4); “Joy and Peace” (Romans 15:13); “Courage/Boldness” (2 Corinthians 3:12); “Godliness/Piety” (1 Timothy 4:8-10); and “Purity” (1 John 3:1-3)


d. What is the condition of those who have no hope (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 4:13)?

IV. Practices for Building Faith

What are specific habits that we can develop as Christians that will help to deepen hope as a disposition within us? Feel free to share in class your own insights from the Scriptures. The following verses might be understood to describe practices that will better dispose us to hopeful thought and action:

a. “Exultation” over our Resurrection and Union with God (Acts 2:26; Romans 5:2; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 10:23)

b. Fixation on the Gifts of God (1 Timothy 6:17)

c. Fixation on the Appearance of God and Christ (1 Peter 1:13; 1 Jn 3:1-3)