The sign of hope

Topics: Advent, Hope, Christmas

I. Biblical hope has a name = Jesus

* The world's hope is based on Probability!

* God's hope is based on His Promises!

1. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel (Gen 3:15).

2. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1).

II. Biblical hope in Jesus' First Advent

* There are over 300 specific "signs" (prophecies) of Jesus' 1st Advent.

1. Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, "Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!" Then he said, "Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:10?14; see Mat. 2:21-23).
2. Again, Isaiah says, "There shall come the root of Jesse. And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles hope. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:12, 13).

III. Biblical hope in Jesus' Second Advent

* There are numerous "signs" (prophecies) of Jesus' 2nd Advent.

1. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul (Hebrews 10:37?39; see 1 John 2:28).
2. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:11-14).

Advent Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, November 30th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

The sign of hope

An important Guideline of Care Groups: Practice in your Care Group, what Paul wrote, "through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope?(Romans 15:4). Care Groups need to make the Word of God a priority in discussions.

Getting Started:

1. Discuss how you can enjoy living hope now as you look forward to the blessed hope of Christ's return. Why is where you place your hope key to experiencing joy?
2. What is your definition and understanding of biblical hope (Hebrews 6:17-20)?

Discussing Truths:

1. How can we minister to people who have no hope or who have lost hope?
2. What are some common beliefs that demonstrate false hope?
3. How does the hymn "My hope is built on nothing less" capture the biblical focus of our hope being in Jesus?
4. Why is it important to be ready to make a defense for the hope that is in us when people question us about our faith (1 Peter 3:15)?
5. How did Jeremiah rekindle hope when he was experiencing extreme discouragement and oppression (Lamentations 3:21-25)?
6. Why is it imperative that we extend our hope beyond this earthly life into eternity (1 Corinthians 15:19; Titus 1:2; 2:11-14; 3:7)?
7. What did Paul have in mind when he spoke of "the hope of the gospel" (Colossians 1:5, 23, 27)?
8. How can we "exalt in hope of the glory of God" while enduring tribulations (Romans 5:1-5)?

Now What? Application:

1. Memorize and meditate on Romans 15:13 daily so God will become your source of hope that fills you with joy and peace by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Seek to inspire others with the blessed hope of Jesus and practice 1 Peter 1:13.