What do I know for sure?

Christian hope: the absolute expectation of coming good based on the person and promises of God.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. —Romans 5:1-2

Building hope…

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. —Romans 5:3-5

• We have a hope. (Romans 5:2)

• We will experience seasons of suffering. (Romans 5:3)

• Suffering produces perseverance. (Romans 5:3)

• Perseverance builds character. (Romans 5:4)

• And character produces hope. (Romans 5:4)

When everyone was focused on why this was happening, Jesus wanted to reveal what God was doing.

The big question…

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” ³⁶ “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” ³⁷ Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” ³⁸ Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. —John 9:35-38

In the mystery…

• Do you trust me?

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Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

• What is your favorite of the four seasons?

Let’s Talk About It

Similar to the seasons God created, we will experience different seasons. In seasons of pain and suffering, if we persevere and push through, God can use it to strengthen our character and build our hope. Our hope is built, not in our circumstances, but on the Person and promises of God. When you don’t understand what God is doing, shift your focus from “why” this is happening to what you know for sure: God is sovereign, His love for you is strong and He is at work to strengthen your character and build your hope.

Romans 5:1-5; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:9; John 9

• Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?

• Read Romans 5:1-5. Discuss the “Building hope” cycle with your Grace Group. How have you seen this at work in your life? What circumstances are currently “building your hope”? How can this group support you?

• Read Romans 5:5. How would you describe your “hope” right now? (disappointed, expectant, doubtful) Do you need to build your hope? If so, from what you read in Romans 5, what step could you take to build your hope?

• What do you know for sure? God is sovereign, His love for you is strong, He is at work for His greater purposes and He is strengthening your character and building your hope. How does knowing this, give you strength to persevere when you feel like giving up?

• Read John 9:1-3, 35-38. “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” If no, what is hindering you? How might answering this question, help you navigate the unanswered questions you have?

Take a Step

• Where do you need to persevere? What step can you take this week to strengthen your character and build your hope?

SOAP reading:

• Day 1: Psalm 2, Mark 9
• Day 2: Psalm 21, Mark 10
• Day 3: Psalm 41, Mark 11
• Day 4: Psalm 61, Mark 12
• Day 5: Psalm 78, Mark 13
• Day 6: Psalm 90, Mark 14
• Day 7: Psalm 131, Mark 15

Here’s My Prayer

Lord Jesus, I believe in You and I trust you. I surrender all of my unanswered questions to You and place my hope and trust in the Person and promises of God.