“and endurance, character, and character, hope” (Romans 5:4).
Our previous study closed with a reference to hope, the last characteristic given to us here in Romans 5:4. We often use the word “hope” to express our desire for something we haven’t yet obtained. For instance, we tend to feel hopeful if there is a good chance of getting something we desire. On the other hand, our hope of success erodes whenever we lack such confidence.
That common understanding differs from the Biblical definition of hope that is given to us in the passage quoted above. Here in Romans 5:4, “hope” involves the assured expectation that the circumstances or events of life will turn out well. It also conveys a sense of optimistic certainty regarding the future and the things that lie ahead. We can illustrate this idea with a preview of something we’ll read later in Romans 8:28…
“…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
“Hope” also encompasses…
- A positive anticipation of eternal good (1 John 5:13, Titus 1:2).
- The foundation, or basis upon which hope is built (Galatians 2:20, 1 John 4:4).
- The object of our hope (Colossians 1:27, 1 Timothy 1:1, Titus 2:11-13). (1)
So, as God enables us to navigate life’s adversities, we subsequently develop endurance. That quality brings forth Godly character. Godly character ultimately forges the final link in this chain: hope. As we reflect upon God’s faithfulness in helping us overcome life’s challenges, the personal growth He has cultivated within us becomes measurable. That inspires the kind of hope expressed in Philippians 1:6….
“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]” (AMP).
Those advancements in spiritual growth and character development will subsequently bear witness to the grace of God that is at work within our lives. The following author encourages us to maintain the right perspective as we move through this process…
“Our experience of the Lord’s goodness in the past leads us on to hope for still greater things in the future and, thus, experience worketh hope. I have seen some persons, who were called experienced Christians, in whom it seemed to me that experience had worked despair; for their faces were always very long and very sad, and their speech was as dolorous as it well could be. But here I find that true Christian experience worketh hope,—a hope that maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (2)
(1) G1680 elpis Condensed and adapted from Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words with Topical Index, W.E. Vine, © 1996, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
(2) Charles Spurgeon, Romans 5 Commentary – Spurgeon’s Verse Expositions of the Bible. [Romans 5:3-5]