Workbook
HOPE

hope3

Complete & Continue Next Lesson Learn More

What is hope?

Understanding Hope

Objective: To understand the concept of hope from both secular and biblical perspectives, and to discern the difference between genuine hope and false hope (placebo hope).

Duration: 30 minutes

Opening Prayer (2 minutes)

"Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds to your Word today. Guide us in understanding the true essence of hope as you have intended it for us. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Scripture Reading (10 minutes)

  1. Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)

    • "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

  2. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

    • "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

  3. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

    • "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Reflection (10 minutes)

Secular Definitions of Hope

  • Webster: "The feeling of wanting something to happen and thinking that it could happen, a feeling that something good will happen or be true."

  • Oxford: "A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen."

  • Wikipedia: "An optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large."

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How do these secular definitions of hope resonate with your personal experiences of hope?

  2. What are the limitations of these definitions in providing lasting assurance?

Biblical Definitions of Hope

  • Old Testament Words:

    • Yachal (42 times): Expecting, waiting, tarrying.

    • Tikvah (34 times): A cord or string, representing attachment to an expectation.

    • Mibtaḥ (12 times): Confidence or trust.

    • Toḵel (10 times): Expectation.

  • New Testament Words:

    • Elpis (54 times): Expectation, often linked with joy, faith, and eternal salvation.

    • Elpizo (34 times): To hope, trust, or have confidence.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How do the biblical definitions of hope compare to the secular ones?

  2. How does the concept of hope as a "cord" or "string" influence your understanding of your connection to God's promises?

Action Points (8 minutes)

  1. Identify Your Hope Anchor:

    • Reflect on what your current hopes are anchored in. Is it in God’s sovereignty, your own desires, or external sources?

  2. Evaluate Your Emotions:

    • Consider a situation where you have felt hope. Did it bring peace and joy, or fear and anxiety? Identify whether your hope was a placebo or a substance of hope.

  3. Meditate on Truth:

    • Spend 5 minutes each day this week meditating on one of the scriptures read today. Write down any revelations or thoughts that come to mind regarding true hope.

Closing Prayer (2 minutes)

"Lord, thank you for the hope that we find in you. Help us to anchor our hope in your sovereignty, to experience the peace and joy that comes from your true hope, and to discern and reject any false hopes. Strengthen our faith as we grow in understanding your promises. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Additional Notes for Personal Study:

  • Reflect on the difference between hope as an expectation and hope as a confident trust in God’s promises.

  • Journal your thoughts and prayers about how hope is manifesting in your life currently.