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1 Timothy 1:1 - Jesus Christ Is Our Hope.1 Timothy 1:1 (NKJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,1 Timothy 1:1 (NIV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, WORD STUDY Christ Jesus Our Hope. See Col 1:27; Titus 2:13; Heb 6:18-19; 1 Jn 3:3 and notes. Hope. Expresses confident assurance, not a mere wish (see notes on Ro 5:5; Eph 1:18; 1 Th 1:3; 1 Pe 1:3). [NIV SB 2020] Hope. Not vague optimism but assured expectation of what God will do. Challenging ministry settings and Christian living generally call for such "hope" (cf. 1 Tim 4:10; 5:5; 6:17), one of three great aspects of the saving knowledge of God (cf. 1 Cor 13:13). [NIV SB 2018 Carlson] Hope is based on God in contrast to other objects such as wealth (4:10; 5:5; 6:17). [NLT SB 2008] COMMENTARY PEARL My mom inherited her family's propensity for heart trouble. She survived almost all common and several experimental medical and surgical interventions over the course of her long battle with congestive heart failure. As if she hadn't endured enough, during a rather routine procedure, she lost her senses of taste and smell. Forever. I couldn't imagine having those two senses blanked out ... until it happened to me. I emerged from a bout of COVID-19 with my lungs intact, but I lost the ability to taste or smell. I waited weeks, months, for them to kick in again. Bacon and coffee now smelled like industrial waste. Most foods tasted like cardboard. I racked my brain to remember the fragrance of my favorite cologne. I smelled smoke when it wasn't there but not when it was, which resulted in multiple slices of burned toast. Both senses eventually returned, but the experience made me wonder, What if I lost my ability to feel hopeful? My thoughts about hope can be distorted by my circumstances. What would I do if I ever lost hope? Thankfully, Jesus is my hope. Even if I lose the ability to be hopeful, there is nothing I can ever do to lose Him. He is steadfast and true; His presence isn't determined by how I feel. Jesus is always with me, in both sickness and health - and knowing this means I can never lose hope. Cynthia Ruchti Faith Step: Spray your favorite fragrance on your wrist. Thank Jesus for being your hope each time you catch a whiff as you go through the day. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] PRACTICAL APPLICATION Put your hope in Me, and My unfailing Love will rest upon you. Some of My children have forgotten how to hope. They have been disappointed so many times that they don't want to risk being let down again. So they forge ahead stoically--living mechanically. Other people put their hope in problem solving, medical treatments, the stock market, the lottery, and so on. But I challenge you to place your hope fully in Me. No matter what is happening in your life now, your story has an amazingly happy ending. Though the way ahead may look dark to you, there is brilliant, everlasting Light at the end of your earth-journey. My finished work on the cross secured this heavenly hope for you, and it is absolutely assured. Moreover, knowing that your story finishes well can fill your present journey with Joy. The more you put your hope in Me, the more My Love-Light shines upon you-- brightening your day. Remember that I am with you continually, and I Myself am your Hope! (Psa. 33:20-22; Tit. 1:2; 1Ti. 1:1) [Jesus Today by Sarah Young] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Romans 15:13 - Hope, Joy and Peace are in a Relationship with Jesus. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240115-0738.html 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17 - Eternal Motivation. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200903-1039.html Romans 15:4 - Finding Encouragement, Patience and Hope. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240916-1315.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |