Sierra First

 Sermon: Psalm 25 Advent-Hope

 

1. Hope in exoneration

2. Hope in protection

3. Hope in instruction

4. Hope in vindication

 

1. Hope in Exoneration

   1. The greatest need for all humanity is to be forgiven. To have their sins forgiven. 

      1. Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” 

   2. The problem is that the accusations are not false, you and I are not innocent. We are sinners.

      1. So the need for every person is not to get a fair trial so that their innocence can be established. 

         1. We are guilty. And we deserve death 

      2. Our need then is to have our sin removed, blotted out, absolved, exonerated. 

         1. We don’t need acquittal, we need pardon. 

            1. 6Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. 7Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.

            2. 11For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

            3. 18Look on my affliction and my distres and take away all my sins.

   3. Do you have hope that your sins are forgiven

   4.  

2. Hope in Protection

   1. We are all in need of protection. There are all kinds of things we need to be protected from but the greatest protection that we need is protection form the “accuser of the brethren” Revelation 12:10

   2. 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

3. Hope in Instruction

   1. The greatest hope producing tool in the life of the believer is learning more about God. 

      1. Vs 4-5 David is pleading that GOd would teach and guide him

      2. Vs 8  links God’s instruction sinners to his nature- he teaches us becasue he is “Good and Upright”

      3. Vs 9 gives a caveat that it is th humble in heart that God guides and teaches

      4. Vs 12 God instructs those who fear him

      5. Vs 14 Those who fear the Lord he will confide in - he will makes his covenant known to them

      6. Romans 15:44For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

4. Hope in Vindication

   1. Do any of you ever find it hard to be a christians

      1. I mean is it ever difficult to go against the thoughts and teachings of the world around you?

         1. Do you ever feel ashamed or embarrassed by your faith - especially when someone poses a questions you can’t answer?

   2. When we hope in Jesus, there is no shame - he will have the final say

      1. 2I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

      2. 20Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 21May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, c is in you.

 

 

 

Romans 15:13 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.