Traits of Christ Needed in Your Life – Part Three

Romans 15: 1 – 13

        Jesus died for all, Jews and Gentiles. 

        The Savior Demonstrated It  —  (Vss. 8 – 13)

        Christ died to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body.

        It is said of Jesus’ last hours: “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him…(John 12: 42).  Then follows a sad commentary, “but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him…”

        Reference is made of “the God of hope.” Notice, glaring in this reference the little word “the,” meaning there is no other one.  Apart from Him there is no hope. He is the God who gives His people hope. 

        Hope is not a weak wish. It is justifiable expectation; the solid foundation for future blessings. It is the backbone of the believers stick-to-it-ive-ness. 

        Our English word hope comes from a combination of two old Anglo-Saxon word meanings: “desire plus expectation.”

        Perhaps your perspective has become confused and you have lost hope. This may have even eroded to the point where despair and depression have set in. If so, reassess the important, invisible facts. Perhaps you have focused on observable negative reality to the point that you have become unaware you are the child of Almighty God who loves you. Presently He may be allowing you to walk by faith and not by sight. Your faithfulness in doing so will be greatly aided by keeping your mind fixed on the fact that even this is part of God’s loving plan to equip you for what blessings He has in store for you. Based on the fact He loved and saved you, predicated on the premise He has guided, guarded, and governed in your life previously you have reason for rejuvenating hope for the future regardless of the present.

        It is easy to drift into cynical acceptance of a hopeless situation or a defeated resignation to the concept that you nor your world will ever be better. That is the world view.  The Biblical worldview is there is no hopeless situation, there are only people who have grown hopeless in them.

        The Lord will “Fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” Joy and peace are the product of believing.  In most lives, when a situation develops, the person’s response is based on emotions.  The response should be based on beliefs.  The sequence should be:  situation – beliefs – thoughts – emotions – actions.  You can only have JOY and PEACE if you BELIEVE.  Joy is not dependent upon what is happening.  It is contingent upon what you know.  If you know you are the object of the limitless love of an all knowing God, joy reigns.  His long range goal for you is good even if it appears He is waiting too long to change the bad in your life.  This deep joy is tied to hope.

          By the power of the Holy joy and peace “abound.” The word for abound is “perisseuo,” meaning exceeding measure. It is the Holy Spirit that enables believers to experience in this life the blessings of the life to come. Till then live in such a way to daily experience joy and peace.