… the hope of glory.
Summary: Words are the foundation of language, yet they can be slippery and deceptive. Understanding the context and the intent behind the words helps us understand the message we were intended to receive.
In the world of fiction, hope is a sparse quality. Generally speaking, fictional people are short on hope. In their world, strange things are always happening. Whether lost in a failing marriage or stranded on a peculiar planet, fictional characters often struggle without hope.
In the real world, people often find themselves in the same place. We “hope” for a promotion at work, only to be passed over when the time comes. We hope the cop with the radar gun didn’t notice us until the blue lights started to flash.
For many of us, the word “hope” is thin gruel. There is very little to sustain a person and nothing of substance to chew on.
But that is not the kind of “hope” Paul is referring to.
When Paul writes that Christ in us is “the hope of glory,” he uses the word “hope” in a very specific way.
The Greek word used is “elpís” (Strong’s G1680). “Elpís” means “to anticipate, usually with pleasure.” It describes an expectation that is based on confidence.
For example, suppose you planned to go out for dinner with someone special. You are hoping for a memorable meal. Unfortunately, you are traveling and don’t know anyone in the town you are in. You pick a restaurant and “hope” for a good meal.
We all know how those meals go. The waiter or waitress would rather be somewhere else. The cook is distracted, and the food orders are confused. The cold drinks are warm, and the hot drinks are cold.
Yuck.
Later, in your home town, you meet up again. This time, when you pick a restaurant, you pick one you know well. You know what to expect. You have never been disappointed there. You are still hoping for a memorable meal, but this time, you have confidence that the evening will be everything you hoped for.
When Paul uses the word “hope,” he is talking about our relationship with God. It is a relationship we can count on and be confident in. Paul has his own reasons for being confident in his “hope of glory.” He has met Jesus personally. We, too, can have the same confidence in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. We have the Word, the Bible, but we also have the Holy Spirit, promised to us by Jesus himself.
We who have a “hope of glory” through our relationship with Jesus know that Jesus always comes through. Our hope is called faith. Our faith is confidence in the Word. Our confidence is lifted up every moment of every day in the love of God.
Application: Use the word “hope” as Paul does. Take heart in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Food for Thought: What does glory have to do with hope?
Glory refers to our future resurrection and the confidence we can have in Jesus’ promise that through faith in Him we will spend an eternity with Him in heaven. That is truly our hope. And as you put it very well in your devotion, it is a hope of which we can be certain.
Thank you, brother!
What does glory have to do with hope?
I would define Christian hope as: Hope, sustained by our faith. A form of God given knowledge, assurance of His promises being FACT.
God directed me to the store last night, to buy a box of breakfast cereal. I stopped for a moment to look at the millions of chocolate candy bars for sale at unbelievable prices. A stranger, also a military, combat veteran, 3 years younger than me, made a comment which grew into a conversation which lasted over an hour….. Great call Lord!
We went through Blah, Blah, Blah and out of nowhere he declared his anger and disdain for God and Christians. I smiled inside, relaxed, thanked God and became more involved in this conversation. I let him express himself and in the end, I explained how very fortunate he was, because God was speaking to him, and explained John 16:8 to him, planted this seed as deeply as possible, blessed him with a handshake and we parted.
John 16:8, And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
We are imperfect beings living in a world which is under conviction of the Holy Spirit. We have responded in faith, to His conviction and now remain on earth to administer first aid, care to the spiritually injured.
All power, to with a smile continue functioning effectively, in this terrible, terrible world comes from God. Is supported by HIS promises, HIS power and presence in our lives.
His Glory is the source of our faith which is the foundation of our Hope and as we share this, others will come to know the true definition of Christian Hope.
Thank you, Ron!
I love the story and the wonderful example of resting in the Spirit. I love how the Spirit led you to turn the man’s own words into a testimony about the power of God to bring Light into the darkness.
The only question I have left is this: Did you remember to get the breakfast cereal??? 🙂
Actually had things to do, finished 3 Minute and split, I my cereal for lunch. Somehow, survived.
Blessings Brother!
Ron
What does glory have to do with hope?
It has everything to do with what you’re hoping in.
Thank you, Angela!
So true!! 🙂
Great comments thus far.
In Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, His glory is revealed and we find hope in the promise of eternal life with Him. With Christ living within us, we experience first hand the glory of His presence and working in our life. The glory of his interceding reveals the glory of His character and person. In that glory we find hope in the present and future. The hope is like no other hope; it is glorious.
Thanks, Chris!
Yes, the glory of our risen Savior is intimately entwined with the hope we have for salvation. There is no way to separate the two.