who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” (Romans 4:18)

In this section of Romans Paul uses Abraham as an example of one he was justified by faith. If we expect to be forgiven of sin and have a relationship with God, we must emulate the faith of Abraham. (vs 16)

God had made a promise to Abraham to multiply his seed, specifically through his wife Sarah. The son born to them and his descendants were to be heirs of the land of Canaan. However there was a problem. Sarah, now 90 years old, was barren. (Genesis 17:17)  Never-the-less, Abraham still believed in the promise of God.

Here Paul notes a relationship between faith and hope. "Hope" is an expectation of the future. "Faith" is the basis of such an expectation. Faith is in a person. Hope relates to an anticipated event. Hope is strengthened by confidence in the one who has made the promise.

There is a hope that is based on human experience. A child anticipating a gift, a bride anticipating a wedding, a family anticipating a vacation are all examples of such hope. Abraham’s hope was not based upon human experience, but on the promises of any eternal, and powerful God. He believed in a God who “gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did”. (vs. 16)  Abraham’s assurance is based upon his faith in the immutable promise of a supreme and Almighty God.

But, Paul says Abraham “contrary to hope, in hope believed”. Abraham and Sarah up to this point are childless. She is 90 years old and he is 100 years old. The promise of a son seems to be beyond all hope of fulfillment. Still, Abraham took God at his word. He believed all that God said, and anticipated the fulfillment of the promise.

The same God who brought life to the dead womb of Sarah, also brought life to the dead tomb of his own son, Jesus Christ. (Vs. 24) We also have every assurance that God will make good on this promise.

If we limit our hope to earthly expectations we will become discouraged. But in the God of Abraham we have a hope that is sure and steadfast, and an anchor of the soul.

By George Slover 
 

And: ‘You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.’”  (Hebrews 1:10,11) 

In this context the author is establishing the superiority of the son of God to the angels. For further proof he makes these observations from Psalm 102:25-27. The Psalmist during a time of affliction, draws strength from the nature of God. In the Hebrew letter, the author applies these the Divine traits to the son of God. 

The Son is the creator of the universe. In the beginning he laid the foundation. The heaven and earth have not always existed, nor did they self originate. But, “in the beginning God created” (the Hebrew is barah which means create something from nothing) “the heavens and the earth”. (Genesis 1:1) He did not form them out of pre-existing materials. The Son of God made them from nothing.

We are told this universe is changing. Scientists say it's running down like a top that stops spinning. Changes are evident in our own lives; loved ones die, seasons come and go, we are growing older. But the very one who framed this world is still sovereign ruler. By his very word the fundamental elements stand together. 

Though change is evident in the world, Jesus remains the same. In chapter 6 the Hebrew author speaks of the immutability of Christ’s counsel.  See Hebrews 6:17,18. Christ’s character always remains the same. He is always just, always merciful, always true to his purposes and promises. And the needle of his moral compass never moves. This brings comfort to those who trust in him.

One day this world will be completely dissolved, but the Lord is eternal. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. (Revelation 1:18) The Eternal One promises victory to those who overcome the world’s charms and devote their lives to him.

How immeasurably marvelous is the Son of God. Even though life in this world can be challenging, we have every reason to trust him at all times!   

By George Slover     

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,“On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”

God has a book of remembrance written before him. Those who have devoted their lives to God are stored up in God's memory, awaiting the day of judgment.

A day of reckoning is identified by the prophet. It will be a time when God separates the righteous from the wicked! Who will be in God's book of remembrance? Who will find themselves among God's special treasures?

God says, “On the day that I make them My jewels”. “Jewels”, a feminine noun meaning a personal possession is one of the most and exciting descriptions of God's relationship with his people. The unique position of the people of God has so many exciting implications. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” (1 Peter 2:9)  These are Gods people!

It is humbling to think that God would regard anyone as his treasure. Sin and rebellion abound. Yet, God loved man enough to provide a way. In the midst of wickedness, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, Abraham was called God's friend, Israel was his special treasure, Paul was his Apostle, and we can be his own special people. The marvel of it all!

Every individual in this world has the potential of being one of God's treasures. Through the blood of Christ they can be forgiven. By the power of his word and providence, God can take the diamond in the rough in shape it into something very special.

By George Slover

Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  (2 Timothy 1:6,7) 

Paul's words to Timothy are given to encourage and strengthen this young evangelist. Timothy's old mentor is in prison. False teachers at Ephesus are threatening Timothy's work. To lift the spirits of this disciple, Paul reminds him of the past.

Spiritual despondency can be overcome by remembering our foundation. New Testament writers commonly use this psychology to bolster those saints who might become timid, and weary of the battle (see 2 Peter 3:1). It is good to remember the excitement we had when we first came to Christ or when we first started our work as an evangelist.

Furthermore, Timothy is exhorted to stir up the gift given to him. The word “stir” means to kindle the fire or fan the flame! However, there are forces that can quench the fire. False teaching, the pull of the world, disillusionment, apathy, and the unloving behavior of a brother can easily douse the flames of the most devoted disciples. Thus, Timothy must stir the flame.

There is some dispute over exactly what gift Paul has in mind here. Paul tells us that it was a gift that was given to Timothy by the laying on of his hands, which leads some to believe it may have been a miraculous gift. Regardless of what it was, the text tells us of its effect. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  (vs.7)

Timothy must remember that God did not give him a “spirit of fear” or timidity. He is called to be courageous. It is “power” or manly vigor, it is “love” or an earnest care for souls, and a “sound mind” or self-control, that will encourage Timothy to resolve, and to refuse the solicitations of the world.

To encourage Timothy in his possible apprehensions, Paul recalls the old days and reminds him of the tools given to him by God that will ensure his success. Dear reader, when faith begins to waver and the challenges seem overwhelming renew the zeal and stir the flame!

By George Slover         

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”  (Philippians 3:18,19)

The Lords cause was no different in the days of the early church as it is today. It had its elements of false teachers who posed a threat to the security of the saints. Paul wishes for the church at Philippi to know the true character of these individuals.

The object of every false teacher is some kind of personal gain. Thus, they worship their belly rather than God. These “holy hucksters” will pedal their goods to gratify their fleshly appetites. Those who follow them will go down the same path of seeking satisfaction in carnal pleasures that will never satisfy.

Instead of blushing, they are proud of their shameful activity. They turn liberty into license and proudly promote their sensual and carnal ambitions. Self-righteousness, libertine disobedience, and false security are fruits of their doctrine.

The reason for this path is because they focus on earthly things. They promote the philosophy of living for the present - worldly honor, riches, and power. Their ultimate happiness is what they get out of this life, rather than heaven.

Paul is saddened by the destiny of these false teachers. They and their followers are headed toward destruction. When fools mock at sin, true disciples weep because God's word is not exalted, and eternal souls are lost.

These same warnings are needed today. We need to carefully measure the spirit of the churches to the spirit of Christ. To truly convert the world we must be truly converted to him.

By George Slover