For what hope did Paul say he was being judged?
(Eccl. 12:13-14; Matt. 24:45-51; Luke 18:1-8; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:12-19; Rev. 21:1-22:5) Blog Sep. 8-14, 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then no fruit is produced without diligent human effort and the resistance of nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of our abundance we may supply the needs of others. Throughout the Old Testament God emphasized his desire that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger be cared for and that he despised the worship of those who neglected to do this. When Jesus came he spent his time helping those in need even though he also was poor, needy, homeless and mistreated. The early church was diligent in caring for the needy and attentive to apostolic instruction in this regard. All our good works earn us no merit or salvation but rather are our response to God’s saving work for us in Christ.
For judgment (Eccl. 8:14; 12:13-14; Rom. 2:1-16; 2 Cor. 5:9-10; 1 John 2:1; Jude 1:6)
1. How is the word “hope” generally used in the Bible? In the Bible the word “hope” generally refers to a future expectation that is sure to happen, not to some nebulous desire that may or may not take place.
2. Of what kinds of judgment does the Bible speak? The Bible speaks of investigative and executive judgment.
3. What is an “investigative judgment? An investigative judgment is an inquiry into the facts concerning a case & usually includes witnesses & an examination of evidence in comparison with a standard, resulting in a judicial decision.
4. What is an “executive judgment? An executive judgment is the meting out of the penalty or rewards of the judge’s decision in an investigative judgment.
5. Where does the Bible teach that God will judge everyone according to his divine standard? Primarily in Ecclesiastes 12, Romans 2, & 2 Corinthians 5.
6.Why would the Christian look forward to God’s promised judgment? Because all the wrongs committed in history will be made right & God will deliver & reward all who trust in him.
6. What word would characterize all the judges in the book by that name? Deliverer.
7. If God is going to settle all accounts justly why should we bother to bring help and justice to the needy and mistreated? We should do these things because we act Godlike & because God dislikes suffering and destitution.
For resurrection (Job 19:25-26; Psa. 16:9; Prov. 14:32; Rom. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:12-26; Acts 23:6; Heb. 9:27-28)
8. According to Romans 5 what did Adam choose for all his offspring? Death.
9. What hope did Job, David, and Solomon see in death? That they would rise again.
10. When Paul considered the Christian life what truth did he say made it worth living? The truth that Jesus rose from the dead which proved that resurrection was possible.
11. For what hope did Paul say he was being judged? For the hope of the resurrection.
12. When does resurrection occur in relation to death and judgment? Judgment follows death & precedes resurrection at Christ’s second coming.
13. What is the last enemy God will destroy? Death.
For eternal life (Psa. 43:5; Lam. 3:26; Joel 3:16; Luke 18:1-8; Rev. 21:1-5; 22:1-5)
14. What hope does the Bible promise beyond resurrection? The hope of a new heavens & a new earth without sin, sorrow, pain, or sadness.
15. What, in reality, is the hope of the saints? God himself is the hope of the saints.
16. Where should all the afflicted, homeless, sick, and needy put their hope? In God for he is the only sure hope.
17. What does the Bible tell us about the length of the life of peace and joy in God’s presence that the saints will enjoy? That it will be endless, everlasting.
18. What story did Jesus tell to encourage us to keep on praying in faith for the fulfillment of our hopes? The story of the unjust judge.
19. How should we live now if our hope is that God will make all things new and good? We should live helping others in renewal for good & not in neglecting to do this because God will eventually do it.
20. What will be the culmination of all our efforts to help others? God will bring all our efforts to perfect fulfillment for those who put their trust in him.