Jesus is our Hope

(1 Timothy 1:12-17 – Jesus is our hope)

Paul shows us in these verses the true depth and power that is in Jesus Christ and how Jesus is our hope in this world. In fact without Jesus there is no hope.

Jesus is our hope in all circumstances, and Paul shows in his own example that there is hope for all in Jesus Christ.

You would struggle to find someone so deeply opposed to Christ and Christianity than Paul. When we understand his life story and how he was transformed from the greatest critic to the greatest advocate of Jesus Christ, it is evident that Jesus is our hope too. So let us examine this scripture so that we too might find a full hope in Jesus Christ.

Paul’s example

There is no sin that a man can commit that will prevent him being saved if and when he comes to Christ. Look at the words of this verse and you too will see it.

12 I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, 13 though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; 16 but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul recognised in himself that he was the greatest opponent of Christianity. He blasphemed and insulted the Lord as this scripture tells us. Also, he sought out Christians for the very purpose of imprisonment and punishment. He even stood in agreement with the stoning of Stephen.

But despite those issues, the Lord had mercy on Paul and called him to the Lord’s work. He became one of the greatest of Christians, even writing many of the books of the New Testament to explain how the New Covenant works and to show us that Jesus is our hope.

Jesus is our hope for all mankind

We see in the words of the scripture above that, “Christ came into the world to save sinners.” His purpose was that ANYONE who is a sinner could be saved by repenting and turning to God in Christ Jesus.

God’s love and grace has overflowed for all mankind through Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins, which is why Jesus is our hope.

Jesus is our hope – nobody else.

The scripture is quite clear that all of our hopes rest in Jesus Christ. He is the source of our peace, salvation, mercy, love, joy, compassion, and so much more. Jesus is our hope in every aspect of our lives, and there is nothing in which He will not help us if we ask.

There are ministries in the world and other religions that claim to offer hope of one kind or another. But only hope in Jesus Christ is able to bring people to a full salvation and to eternal life. As the scripture says, referring to Jesus:

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

It is by and in the name of Jesus Christ that we receive salvation and all of the gifts of God. Jesus is our hope in everything we do and without him there is no hope.

Jesus’ purpose in Paul’s example

In Paul, Jesus was showing that there is hope for everyone. Nobody is a hopeless case and nobody has committed a sin that can negate the fact that Jesus is our hope.

Now, some of you will recall that there is one unpardonable sin, which is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. But Jesus even allows for ignorance of people who have not come to the Lord as they know no difference. But for those who DO know the difference, it is a big issue.

So, regardless of the sin any person may commit, they can be accepted by the Lord. And that includes even sins such as murder, adultery, pornography, idolatry, and worse. Every sin can be forgiven and washed away by the blood of Jesus for those who repent and turn to Christ for the removal of their sins.

This was why Paul’s example is so compelling. He wasn’t just a sinner but an opposer of the Lord. And if Christ could forgive Paul of the many evil things he did against the Lord, then He can forgive you too of anything you may have done in the past.

Forget your sins and forget you evil ways. They are dead and gone and should be forgotten as just part of you past.

Jesus is our hope and in Him all of those issues have been dealt with and are taken away. Instead, look to Jesus as your Saviour and follow His words to find the full salvation He offers to all who will turn, repent and come to Him.

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