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Don’t Be Afraid - Hope
Elpis = expectation, trust, and confidence
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. —Hebrews 11:1
Hope makes you see God’s guiding hand not only in the gentle and pleasant moments but also in the shadows of disappointment and darkness. —Henri Nouwen
Big Idea: Hope is a confident expectation centered on our eternity, not our current experiences.
Big Question: Why can we hope no matter our experiences?
Main Scripture: Luke 1:5-24
When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. —Luke 1:5-7
One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. 9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. 11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13a But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. —Luke 1:8-13a
1.) God hears our prayers!
I Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. —Psalm 4:3 (NIV)
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! —Psalm 116:2
Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 16 And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” —Luke 1:13b-17
2.) God always has a plan
Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives. 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.” —Malachi 4:5-6
The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. —Psalm 138:8
And his name will be the hope of all the world. —Matthew 12:21
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. —Romans 11:36
3.) God’s plan is backed by His power
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” 19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! —Luke 1:18-19
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. 69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, 70 just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 74 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. 76 “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. 77 You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. 78 Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, 79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” —Luke 1:68-70, 74-79