16/12/09

Rejoicing in hope

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;


Rejoicing or being joyful is not meaning the same as being happy. Happiness is an emotion which is based on a situation, when the situation withers away or changes the happiness also is lost. One is joyful when there is a change which can not be reverted back.

Now coming to the word 'hope' is the Greek word 'elpis' which in one place has also been translated a faith, is actually a starting level of faith - 'pistis'.

Elpis - hope
Oligopistos - little faith
Peitho - trust
Pistis - Faith

This level grows with understanding; directly or via experience.

Coming to today's message, what hope are we to be joyful about?

As Christians we know that Jesus Christ died, resurrected and ascended to Heaven. This is a proof that Heaven which was shut to man is now open, for one man has entered it. Secondly we also know that He gave is His Spirit - the Resurrection Power by Whom He was successful to perform this feat. We now are in a position which was tested and found successful; this is the hope that we rejoice in.

Are we through? No.

But, we who were at zero position are now at the most favorable position of success. It all matters on we following instructions of the Spirit of Lord Jesus Christ. Now the success is on us are we going to abide or not. If we have made our decision to abide then we should be joyful irrespective of our state of health and mind.

Like I told you in my previous mails the grammar TVM (Tense Voice Mood) gives instructions to our Body, Mind and Spirit or defines what the state of our Body, Mind (Heart) and Spirit is to be.

The TVM of 'Elpis' is < 5723 > Present, Active, Participle

Participle - The Greek participle corresponds for the most part to the English participle, reflecting "- ing" or "- ed" being suffixed to the basic verb form.

So our rejoicing is not for tomorrow or in the future but now with all our hearts (minds). In spirit we have yet not received it in full but it will soon be accomplished.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord God, we thank You for saving us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We also thank You for your Spirit by whom we now can have victory over death. Holy Spirit help we know You more and have better relationship with You. It is only by You that I can be where my Lord is...

We make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]
Philippians 3:9-11
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Romans 1:3-6
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)