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Hope and Refuge (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordIn the New Testament, the Greek word *elpizo* (G1679), the verb form of *elpis*, carries a profound meaning in a religious sense, signifying waiting for salvation with joy and full confidence. Unlike the Hebrew words for hope in the Old Testament, which do not fully convey this expectation of good, *elpizo* and *elpis* focus more specifically on confidence in future events, particularly the return of Christ and the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth. Those who embody *elpis* hold a firm assurance in these promises. As seen in Hebrews 6:11-12, the author urges diligence to maintain the full assurance of hope—*elpis*, a confident expectancy—until the end, encouraging steadfastness. Further, in Hebrews 6:17-18, it is emphasized that God's immutable 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 implies seizing and clinging firmly to this hope, as if reaching out to grasp what God offers and never letting go. Hope, as represented by *elpizo* and *elpis*, serves as a motivator, keeping focus on the future and driving obedience and faithfulness.
The Audacity to Hope
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordThe New Testament employs the Greek word *elpis* for hope, with its verb form *elpizo* (G1679), signifying an expectation of good, particularly in a religious context, rather than a mere wish for something to happen. These terms appear over eighty times in the New Testament, though not always translated as hope; in older translations, they are sometimes rendered as faith or trust. The King James Version translates *elpizo* as "to trust" eighteen times, reflecting its original sense of confidence and faith. In Hebrews 10:23, the King James Version uses "faith" for *elpis*, urging believers to hold fast to their profession without wavering, grounded in the faithfulness of God's promises. This highlights that true hope, as conveyed by *elpizo*, is not a vague wish but a firm expectation rooted in trust in God.
Elements of Motivation (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHope, as represented by the Greek word *elpizo* (G1679), carries profound significance in the Christian context, embodying an absolute certainty of future good. In Romans 15:12, where *elpizo* is translated as trust or hope, it signifies that He is the object of our expectancy and anticipation. The Gentiles are said to hope in Him, indicating that He is the focus of their desire for future blessings. Furthermore, in Romans 15:13, closely related to *elpizo*, God is described as the source of hope, emphasizing that without Him, there is no true foundation for such expectation. This hope derives from His calling through the New Covenant, finding its ultimate source in His very being and person. A major condition for abounding in this hope is belief in God, as it is through believing that we are filled with joy and peace, enabling us to overflow with hopeful anticipation.