Hope for the World
Tim Keller | September 27, 2009
Overview
We are irreducibly hope-based creatures. If we believe that this world is an accident and that when we die we rot, then that lack of hope will cast a shadow on way we live and see all of life. But if we believe the Christian Gospel, then no matter what happens in our lives, we possess a hope that will always strengthen us. Christians find their hope in the certainty of God’s love for them through Jesus Christ. Christians live in the hope of knowing that the entire physical creation will be renewed into a perfect world without pain and death.
Outline
Ephesians 1:11–14
Christian hope, according to Ephesians 1, is a powerful force that changes our lives and our relationships. It comes from the good news of the gospel and affects how we relate to our city and the world. Understanding this hope and what it means is key to appreciating what it means to be a Christian.
1. Why Christian hope matters
Hope is a big deal in Christianity, and believers are encouraged to make it a part of their lives. When the Bible talks about hope, it means a sure expectation about what’s going to happen in the future, which affects how we live now. It’s not about getting rich quick, but about looking forward to the ultimate future, which changes our outlook and way of life.
2. What does Christian hope look like?
Christian hope has two parts: the personal and the material. Personal hope means that we are incredibly precious to God – we are His treasured possession. Material hope is the promise that one day everything will be made new, not just our bodies, but the whole world. This means the end of death, disease, unfairness, and poverty, which reshapes our understanding of justice and the value of human life.
3. How Christian hope changes your life
Long before the idea of self-esteem, the Christian message said that God sees great worth in us. This gives us a deep hope that’s more powerful than any short-term compliments or recognition. This hope, which is both personal and shared, spiritual and physical, inspires us to love and serve people, regardless of what they believe. It invites them to experience the hope we have in Jesus, which is different from any worldly philosophies. Our hope is grounded in the gospel’s story of Jesus’ sacrifice, being abandoned so we could be welcomed and have a hope that lasts forever. This makes our trust in him unshakeable, and focused on the amazing grace we’ll see when he comes back.
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