How many difficulties in Paul’s life do you remember?

He made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison

He breathed threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord and went unto the high priest,   desiring of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

He received 39 stripes by the Jews five times

He was beaten with rods

He was stoned

He was shipwrecked

He was imprisoned

He was in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by his own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

He was in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Look at the reasons he gives us for hope.

Jesus Christ is the God of hope – Romans 15:

¹³ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

God = the one Supreme Being, the Creator and Ruler of the universe.

Hope = the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best

Fill = put into as much as can be held; supply to an extreme degree

Joy = theemotionofgreatdelightorhappinesscausedbysomethingexceptionallygoodor

satisfying

Peace= freedom from commotion and violence; order and security

Abound = to occur or exist in great quantities, well supplied; filled

Using these word definitions what does this verse mean to you?

What about Jesus Christ gives you the most joy?

What about Jesus Christ gives you the most peace?

In what way do you see yourself abounding in hope?

Is there some circumstance that prevents Jesus from filling you with hope? Talk to Him about it.

Is there an attitude you need to change? Talk to Jesus about it. He cares about you!

He loves, justifies, provides peace with God and access to grace – Romans 5:

¹ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

⁵ And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

⁸ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Justified =declared guiltless

glory =praise and honor

commend = to present

Using these word definitions what do these verses mean to you?

What is you understanding of God’s love for you?

Why do you think Paul proclaims glory in tribulation?

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”
by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
   I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
   On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
   In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil.
   On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
3. His oath, His covenant, and blood Support me in the whelming flood;
   When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
   On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found,
   Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne!
   On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

Hebrews 12:

¹ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God

Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love; has uniquely designed  and created only one you; has a good plan for your life; runs with you; and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with your focus on His mission: to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti