THE SECOND OF THREE ABIDING SUBJECTS
(1 CORINTHIANS 13:13)
​Introduction:
1. In this verse three abiding subjects are listed that we are studying.
2. Today we are concentrating on the second abiding subject -- "hope."
3. Although the Bible speaks of hope in a general sense, we are concentrating on Scriptures that relate to
the hope of "eternal life" (Titus 1:2; 3:7).
4. Let us begin our study of the second abiding subject by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I. ONLY CHRISTIANS HAVE TRUE HOPE
A. The hope of eternal life is available to everyone; however, only certain people have it.
1. Those who are outside of Christ have no hope (Ephesians 2:11-12).
2. Thankfully, God has provided a way for man to be justified (Romans 5:6-10).
3. We learn from Romans 6:3-7 how a person gets into Christ.
4. Something very special occurs when a person is baptized into Christ (Romans 8:1; 1 Peter 1:3).
B. These principles are illustrated in the conversion of Saul (Acts 9:6-9, 18-22).
1. Before he became a Christian, Saul's actions indicate that he was very troubled.
2. After becoming a Christian by being baptized into Christ, he had a blessed hope.
3. Only Christians [those who have been baptized into Christ] have the hope of eternal life.
C. In our study of the second abiding subject we need to point out that . . .
II. HOPE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN KEEPING CHRISTIANS SAVED
A. We learn from Romans 8:18-23 that Christians suffer like everyone else while waiting for the
resurrection.
B. Caution must be exercised because sufferings can cause a child of God to lose hope and fall away
from the Lord (Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21).
C. According to Hebrews 6:19, the Christian's hope is both "sure and steadfast."
D. By maintaining his hope, a child of God can face unpleasant experiences with "patience"
(Romans 8:24-25; 5:3-5).
E. Let us turn our attention to . . .
III. INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP CHRISTIANS MAINTAIN THEIR HOPE
A. Christians are assured that present sufferings are not worthy to be compared to future glory
(Romans 8:18; Proverbs 13:12).
B. Christians are assured that God works providentially on behalf of His children (Romans 8:28).
C. Christians are assured of help from the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27) and Christ (vs.34).
D. Christians are assured that God loves His children (Romans 8:35, 38-39).
E. Through Christ, God's children can be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).
Conclusion:
1. 2 Peter 1:3 states that God has "given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness."
2. Two of these things are faith and hope.
3. Are you allowing faith and hope to abide in your life?