Articles
Building Hope
Building Hope
The men were in the front room to watch the game and the women were in the den. Because the women were watching a TV hooked to an antenna, and the guys' TV was hooked up to the internet, the ladies were about 45 seconds ahead of the men. After the game, which came down to the wire, they said they thought it weird to hear us yell in excitement at the great plays, not knowing what they knew – our beloved team had already lost. One of them commented, "It was sad to hear you so hopeful when you had none.”
As sad as that might be for football fans, it is even more dismal when we think of how many build their lives on false hope. However, for the faithful follower of the Lord, that is not the case! Biblical hope is not like a wish one might make after blowing out birthday candles. Instead, it is looking forward to something with confidence, expecting fulfillment. As Paul begins his letter to Titus (1:1-2), he tells us how that hope is built. We see this by noticing the prepositions.
ACCORDING TO FAITH. We must first build our faith in God! Of course, that faith is established by knowing Him. The more we learn of God, His nature, His power, and His trustworthiness, the more that trust is built.
AND ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE. There are two words for knowledge in the Greek language. One is a "book-knowledge." The other is a knowledge gained through experience. It is the latter used here! He wants us not just to know what it says, but to experience God's word in our lives.
ACCORDING TO GODLINESS. Faith in God leads us to live His word. Living His word leads to Godliness! So, what is Godliness? Perhaps the best definition is found in I Timothy 1:5, "love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
IN HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE. He changes prepositions. All of it is building to this. The desire and expectation (hope) we have is built on faith, knowledge, and Godliness.
Now read this passage in reverse. Eternal life is only available to those who live godly. For Godly living to take place, the proper knowledge of God's word is needed. For knowledge to take root, it must be received in faith.
For those of us still rooting for our team, we were cheering based on what we wanted to happen, yet it was not to be. However, those of us desiring and expecting eternal life - who have hope - ours is not an empty hope! Built on faith in our God, applying His word, and living for Him, we have a hope that anchors our soul! --Borrowed
