Synopsis of the Armenian Message

Romans 5:1-5

The Glory of God is our Hope

Today we enter the Advent season. These days are days of preparation, the preparation for the birth of our Savior. As it was read in John’s Gospel, “…the Word was with God… The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:1, 5)

Last Sunday we saw how Naaman prepared himself to meet the man of God. Previously, we meditated on the 10 maidens who prepared (or did not prepare) themselves to join in the wedding. We too are preparing to experience the birth of Christ with great hope and expectation.

Hope is a great phenomenon in our lives. No one lives without hope. The hopeless is often paralyzed and has no motivation for living.

The effect of having hope was demonstrated in animals in this very interesting experiment. Two identical mice were placed in little ponds. One of the ponds had an “island” in one of its corners. The two mice struggled hard to survive in the water. The mouse that didn’t have an “island” in the pond gave up while the other struggled for hours hoping to reach the rescue.

Hope… the hope of reaching somewhere, the hope that something will happen.

A few weeks ago Time magazine’s cover story tackled the issue of ambition. Very young children who learn how to walk keep falling down but they keep on trying, determining to master their amazing new skill. God has put in us the amazing desire to keep trying- hoping to change our condition. As children grow up, some lose their natural drive to succeed. The environment (parents, teachers,…) plays a major role here.

We are called to have faith, hope and love. Hope is essential for each Christian’s spiritual growth. Paul says: “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” (vs 2).

People rejoice in various things: a good house, a family, wealth, entertainment opportunities, etc… Paul challenges us saying that the center of rejoicing is not our glory but the hope of God’s glory.

What does the hope of God’s glory mean?

-His presence (Emmanuel) revealed in Jesus: “the Word became flesh and made dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This is what we anticipate to celebrate soon.

-His perfect plan for His creation and for the salvation of human beings: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through out Lord Jesus Christ.” (Roman 5:1)

-His Second Coming will accomplish our hope in God’s glory: “while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)

To be continued in English sermon.