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Hope and Refuge (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

In the New Testament, the Greek word *elpis* (G1680) and its forms represent the concept of hope, encompassing a range of meanings from the Old Testament's fifteen Hebrew words for hope. Unlike the Hebrew terms, which lack the precise force of confident expectation, *elpis* carries a stronger sense of assurance. The verb form, *elpizo*, signifies waiting for salvation with joy and full confidence in a religious context. This hope is particularly focused on the return of Christ and the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth, with those possessing *elpis* being confident in these future events. In Hebrews 6:11-12, the author urges diligence to the full assurance of hope, using *elpis* to denote a confident expectancy until the end, encouraging perseverance. Further, in Hebrews 6:17-18, it is emphasized that God's unchangeable promise and oath, in which it is impossible for Him to lie, provide strong consolation to those who lay hold of the hope set before them. This act of laying hold of *elpis* implies seizing it, clinging to it, and holding it firmly, as if God has placed it before us to grasp and never let go. This hope serves as a motivator, keeping focus ahead and driving movement forward, rooted in the expectation of good and in the assurance from God and in God.

Elements of Motivation (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Hope, as represented by the Greek word *elpis* (G1680), holds a central place among the greatest virtues, standing alongside faith and love. In the scriptures, hope is defined as the absolute certainty of future good, a quality that abides and continues even into the Kingdom of God, where there will always be anticipation of further blessings as God's unending revelation unfolds. This hope is uniquely Christian, deriving from God's calling through the New Covenant, and finds its ultimate source in Him. He is not only the source of hope but also its object, as He embodies the expectancy and anticipation of future good for those who believe. Hope serves as a powerful motivator, energizing life by keeping believers in anticipation of better things to come. It is grounded in the dependability of God, whose promises are absolute, ensuring that no trial can quench the optimism concerning future good. This hope flows from an inexhaustible source, prompting responses of trust, patience, endurance, and eagerness to continue on. It protects the mind, akin to a helmet in battle, safeguarding the most vital area where choices, judgments, and attitudes reside, thus defending against despair and motivating perseverance. The strength of hope rises or falls based on the perceived dependability of the expectation, and since God is utterly dependable, the expectation remains high. Hope motivates actions such as boldness in speech, rejoicing in the glory of God, and driving individuals away from sin to become more like Him. It is produced, in part, by God's activity among believers, even through trials, which lead to patience, experience, and ultimately hope—a hope that never embarrasses through failure because God, who is its foundation, never fails. His love, communicated to believers, ensures that hope endures. Hope's motivational quality is essential to prevent spiritual laziness and to inspire diligence in fulfilling responsibilities to God. It ignites a desire to press on with expectancy, stirring believers to imitate those who have gone before in faith. As a gift from God through His Spirit, hope enables endurance, providing the assurance needed to fulfill the relationship established through God's calling and the New Covenant, which is vital to salvation.

The Audacity to Hope

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

The New Testament employs a single Greek word, *elpis* (G1680), to convey the concept of hope, with its verb form being *elpizo*. This term signifies an expectation of good, not merely a wish for something positive to occur, but a firm anticipation of good, particularly in a religious context. Found over eighty times in the New Testament, *elpis* and *elpizo* are not always rendered as "hope"; in older translations, they sometimes appear as "faith" or "trust." Unlike the modern connotation of hope, which often implies wishing, the original sense of *elpis* aligns with trust and faith. According to one lexicon, *elpis* is synonymous with faith. In the King James Version, *elpizo* is translated as "to trust" eighteen times, and in Hebrews 10:23, the phrase "the profession of our faith (*elpis*)" is used, though most modern versions translate it directly as "hope." Paul instructs to hold *elpis* fast without wavering, a feat possible only if hope is rooted in God's promises and His unbreakable Word, rather than a mere wish.

Jesus Christ, Our Anchor: Steadfast and Sure

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

The anchor is perhaps the most important piece of equipment on a vessel, holding a ship in place as it is moored, keeping the craft from drifting.

Where Hope Lies

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

Jesus Christ is the only solution; catastrophic steps in God's plan may be the painful road back to normalcy, while consequences of sins must come to the forefront.