Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 29)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" is an important part of "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. Thankfully, the Bible addresses many issues that will help us in this regard. 3. This lesson is a study of how "maintaining our hope" will greatly help us to remain unspotted from the world (Romans 8:18-25). 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. ONLY CHRISTIANS HAVE TRUE HOPE
A. The hope that we are studying is "eternal life" (Titus 1:2; 3:7). B. This hope is available to everyone; however, only certain people have it. 1. Those who are outside of Christ have no hope (Ephesians 2:12). 2. (Romans 5:8-9) God has made it possible for us to be justified. a. We must be taught God's Word (Romans 10:17). b. We must develop belief (Romans 10:10a). c. We must allow God's goodness to lead us to repent (Romans 2:4). d. We must confess the Lord (Romans 10:10b). e. We must be baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4). 3. Something special occurs when we are baptized into Christ (Romans 8:1). C. Summarize: 1. Before we get into Christ, we are pictured as having no hope. 2. However, when we get into Christ, we have a blessed hope. 3. Only Christians [those who have been baptized into Christ] have this hope. II. HOPE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN KEEPING CHRISTIANS SAVED
A. (Romans 8:24a) "We are saved by hope." 1. We know what our hope is: "eternal life." 2. We do not have eternal life now. a. If we had it now, we would not have to wait for it. b. Hope is based on the future -- it relates to things we cannot see at the present time. c. Eternal life will not be given until the judgment. d. We have to exercise patience while we wait for eternal life to become a reality. B. As we wait to receive eternal life, we will be tested. 1. There are some unpleasant things experienced in this life that we must endure. a. (Romans 8:22) The whole creation groans and travails in pain. b. (Romans 8:23) Even Christians groan within themselves. 2. We must maintain our hope because these things can cause us to fall away from Christ. C. If we maintain our hope, we will be able to face unpleasant experiences with "patience." D. Hope plays an important role in keeping Christians saved -- it helps us to remain faithful to the Lord so we can receive the promised reward (Revelation 2:10). E. Let us turn our attention to . . . III. INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP US TO MAINTAIN OUR HOPE
A. Present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with future glory (Romans 8:18). B. God assures us of His providential care (Romans 8:28). C. Help is available from 2 great sources: 1. the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27) 2. Christ (Romans 8:34). D. We are deeply loved (Romans 8:35, 38-39). E. We can be more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). Conclusion: Maintaining our hope of eternal life will greatly help us in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world so we can practice pure and undefiled religion before God.
