Guest Notes

02-01-2026    Hope in Jesus

— Romans 15:13

Scripture Reading: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
 

1. The World’s Hope vs. Christian Hope

The world’s hope says, “Maybe things will work out.”
Jesus’ hope says, “Because of who He is, I am secure.”

Worldly hope depends on:

• Money

• Health

• Success

• Governments

• Other people

But Scripture tells us:

(Psalm 146:3)

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” 

These things are unstable. They change. They fail.

Christian hope is different because it is anchored in the unchanging character of Christ:

(Hebrews 13:8) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever

When our hope is in Jesus, it does not rise and fall with circumstances—it stands firm.

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2. Jesus Is Our Hope Because He Conquered Sin and Death

Our greatest problem is not temporary hardship—it is sin and death. And this is where Jesus stands alone.

Paul writes: (1 Timothy 1:1)

“Christ Jesus… is our hope.” 

Jesus gives hope because:

• He lived the life we could not live

• He died the death we deserved

• He rose again, defeating the grave

The resurrection is the foundation of our hope:

(1 Peter 1:3)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 

Because Jesus lives:

• Guilt does not have the final word

• Suffering is not meaningless

• Death is not the end

Our hope is living, not dead.

Because Jesus lives:  I can face tomorrow

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3. Hope in Jesus Sustains Us in Suffering

Hope does not mean we will avoid pain. Jesus Himself said:

 (John 16:33) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

Christian hope does something powerful—it allows us to endure suffering without despair. IF WE TRULY ENBRACE HIM IN TIME OF TROUBLE OR SUFFERING

Paul says: (Romans 5:3–4)

“We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” 

Hope in Jesus tells us:

• God is still present

• God is still working

• God is not finished yet

Even in the darkest moments, we cling to this promise:

 (Romans 8:28) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” 

Our hope is not that life will be easy—but that God is faithful.

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4. Hope in Jesus Shapes How We Live

Hope is not passive. Hope changes us.

When our hope is in Jesus:

• We forgive because we have been forgiven

• We persevere because eternity awaits us

• We love sacrificially because our future is secure

John writes: (1 John 3:3)

“All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as HE is pure.” 

Hope gives us courage to live differently:

• We are not driven by fear

• We are not enslaved by the present

• We are not defeated by setbacks

We live with our eyes fixed on what is eternal.

Keep your EYES ON JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH!!

 

 

5. Hope in Jesus Is Offered to Everyone

One of the most beautiful truths of the gospel is that hope is not reserved for the strong, the righteous, or the perfect.

Jesus says:

 (Matthew 11:28) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

No matter your past:

• Failure is not final

• Sin is not too great

• Brokenness is not beyond repair

Hope in Jesus begins the moment we place our trust in Him.

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Conclusion

Hope in Jesus is not a feeling—it is a foundation.
It is not fragile—it is secure.
It does not disappoint—because Jesus never fails.

When everything else shakes, Christ remains.

So today, let us:

• Place our hope fully in Jesus

• Hold fast in times of trial

• Proclaim this hope to a world in despair

And may we live as people who can confidently say:

“The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:24)

Amen.

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Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/  click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.

 

If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ 

Say this prayer with me

Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins

and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways

and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,

change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,

and I choose to follow You as my Lord.
Thank You for loving me

 and saving me.
Amen.

If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.   

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