February 24, 1999

FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Believers' lives should mirror
hope found in Jesus
___ Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:26-29; Revelation 1:17-20; 11:15
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___Hope produces incredible results. An experiment years ago placed two groups of rats in a large vat of water. As long as they swam, they survived. When the rats gave up, they drowned. The scientists placed a lid over one group, but allowed the rodents in the other group to see the opening at the top of the vat. The results of the experiment? The rats in group two struggled much longer than those in group one. They retained hope and prolonged their lives.
___Unlike rats, we are not destined to death and failure regardless of what we do. Believers in Christ live with the wonderful hope of God's promises coming to pass. Hope is the crowning result of suffering, perseverance and character. And hope will never disappoint (Romans 5:3-5). We must keep our eyes focused on the light at the end of the tunnel.
___ Live with hope (Titus 2:11-14). Salvation initiates hope. Salvation stands available for all (v. 11), but not all receive it. Furthermore, not all who receive God's gift of grace live godly lives. When we lose sight of hope, we succumb to temptation. Even some Christians live as if this world were the only thing that matters.
___God's plan, however, allows hope to permeate our lives so that we can stand up under the pressure of temptation (vv. 12, 14). The Second Coming of Jesus (v. 13) shines as a beacon at the end of the tunnel. The person who clings to the hope of Jesus' appearing lives in obedience. Hope changes lifestyles.
___ Serve with hope (Hebrews 12:26-29). If an employee believed that his/her company was about to go bankrupt, the employee's level of service might falter. This passage reminds us that God's kingdom is unshakeable. In fact, God's kingdom will remain solvent when everything else collapses. Therefore, we can serve with confidence by placing our hope in the eternal security of God's kingdom.
___This passage (vv. 26-27) draws a contrast between God's action at Sinai and the events surrounding the end of time. In the first incident God revealed his power by shaking the earth in a limited way. At the end of time, however, God will shake all creation. His judgment looms as a consuming fire (v. 29). Wisdom dictates that Christians invest their lives in the eternal. This hope drives us to gratitude, worship and service (v. 28).
___ Trust with hope (Revelation 1:17-20; 11:15). News reports give abundant coverage of our society's reaction to the end of the millennium. Some believe the Y2K problem will signal the end of the world. The Christian need not worry about the end. God revealed enough so that believers may look toward the future with hope. The future is secure for those who trust in the one who rose victoriously over death to live forever (1:17-18). John was commanded to take the message to the churches and their leaders (vv. 19-20).
___Ultimately, Jesus will reign over the whole world (11:15). No kingdom will remain outside of his control. This hope secures our faith.

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