HOPE
The story of Rahab.
Introduction
Welcome to this workbook on hope, designed to help you grow in your Christian faith. Our series, "Hope: The Scarlet Thread," will explore the concept of hope in the Bible and its practical applications in our lives. Each session will include Scripture readings, reflections, and action points for you to take away and implement.
Session 1: Understanding Biblical Hope
Scripture Reading
Joshua 2:1-21 (NIV)
Background Context: Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, hides two Israelite spies sent by Joshua. In exchange for her protection, the spies promise to save her and her family when they conquer Jericho, marked by a scarlet cord hanging from her window. This scarlet cord symbolizes hope and salvation for Rahab and her family.
Read Joshua 2:1-21 carefully.
Focus on verses 12-18.
Reflection Questions:
What does the scarlet cord represent in this story?
How did Rahab's actions demonstrate her faith and hope in God?
In what ways does this story parallel the hope we have in Christ?
Key Takeaway: The scarlet cord is a powerful symbol of hope and salvation, representing the protection and promise of God in the midst of impending destruction.
Secular vs. Biblical Definitions of Hope
Secular Definitions:
Webster’s: "A feeling of wanting something to happen and thinking that it could happen."
Oxford: "A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen."
Wikipedia: "An optimistic state of mind based on an expectation of positive outcomes."
Biblical Definitions:
Old Testament Words for Hope:
Yakal (יַחַל): To wait for, hope, expect (42 times in 41 verses).
Tikvah (תִּקְוָה): Hope, expectation, cord (34 times in 33 verses).
Mibtach (מִבְטָח): Trust, confidence (12 times in 10 verses).
Tohelet (תּוֹחֶלֶת): Expectation (9 times in 7 verses).
New Testament Words for Hope:
Elpis (ἐλπίς): Expectation, trust, confidence (54 times).
Prosdokia (προσδοκία): Expectation, looking for (2 times).
Reflection Questions:
How do the secular and biblical definitions of hope differ?
Why is it important to understand the biblical foundation of hope?
Key Takeaway: Biblical hope is not just a desire or wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation and trust in God's promises.
Action Points
Reflect: Spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on areas in your life where you need hope. Write them down in a journal.
Pray: Pray for God to strengthen your hope and trust in His promises.
Share: Talk to a friend or family member about what you learned from Rahab's story and how it applies to your life.
Session 2: The Enemies of Hope
Scripture Reading
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
"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."
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean for God to be the "God of hope"?
How can joy and peace help us to overflow with hope?
Key Takeaway: God is the source of our hope. By trusting in Him, we can experience joy, peace, and an abundance of hope through the Holy Spirit.
Understanding Enemies of Hope
Hype:
Definition: Exaggerated expectations that are not based on reality.
Impact: Hype can lead to disappointment and disillusionment.
Scripture: Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) - "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Hypocrisy:
Definition: Believing two contradictory things at the same time.
Impact: Hypocrisy undermines genuine hope and trust.
Scripture: Matthew 23:27-28 (NIV) - "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean."
Reflection Questions:
Can you identify any areas of your life where hype or hypocrisy might be undermining your hope?
How can you guard against these enemies of hope?
Key Takeaway: Recognizing and addressing the enemies of hope can help us maintain a genuine, steadfast hope in God.
Action Points
Reflect: Identify any instances where hype or hypocrisy has affected your hope. Write about them in your journal.
Pray: Ask God to reveal and remove any false hopes or hypocritical attitudes in your life.
Act: Share with a trusted friend or mentor about your reflections and ask for their support and accountability.
Session 3: The Invisible Dimensions of Hope
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection Questions:
How does faith relate to hope according to this verse?
What does it mean to have assurance about what we do not see?
Key Takeaway: Faith and hope are closely linked; faith gives us confidence in the things we hope for, even though we cannot see them.
Exploring Invisible Dimensions of Hope
Invisible Dimensions:
Spiritual Assurance: Hope rooted in God’s promises transcends physical circumstances.
Eternal Perspective: Hope focuses on eternal life and God’s ultimate plan for us.
Present Reality: Hope affects our current mindset and actions, even when the fulfillment is not yet visible.
Reflection Questions:
How does having an eternal perspective change your daily life and challenges?
In what ways can you cultivate a deeper spiritual assurance in your hope?
Key Takeaway: Understanding the invisible dimensions of hope helps us to live with a confident expectation, regardless of our present circumstances.
Action Points
Reflect: Spend time thinking about how an eternal perspective changes your view of current challenges. Write your thoughts in your journal.
Pray: Pray for a deeper understanding and experience of the invisible dimensions of hope.
Act: Look for opportunities to encourage others with the hope you have in Christ.
Conclusion
We hope this workbook has provided a meaningful foundation for understanding and living out biblical hope. Remember that hope is not just a fleeting emotion but a confident expectation rooted in God’s unchanging promises. As you continue to grow in your faith, may you be filled with the joy and peace that comes from trusting in the God of hope.
Final Reflection and Prayer:
Spend a few moments reflecting on what you have learned about hope. Write down any final thoughts or commitments you want to make. Close in prayer, asking God to help you live out the hope you have in Him every day.