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Hope-Based Discipleship

hope in ChristThis article is a part of the Biblical Hope series. To start this study from the beginning, click here: Biblical Hope.

As we continue our study of Biblical hope, let’s take a look at hope-based discipleship.

What is another name for disciple? A disciple is a student, follower, adherent, or believer.

Who is speaking in these two settings?

“…but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” (Luke 24:11)

“But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21)

What is wrong with this picture?

Principle 12: True discipleship is founded upon the Biblical narrative.

In order to have lasting hope, our minds need to be transformed by the Word of God. Our souls are discipled (disciplined) by our spirit so that we will believe.

When is hope first introduced into the narrative?

The Seed! (zerah)

How?

  • Break the curse
  • Crush the serpent’s head

Who is the seed? We don’t have a clue yet. But we will!

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” (Genesis 4:1)

We won’t hear from Adam, but we do hear from Eve. She has the voice of a woman with hope and expectation as well as gratitude.

We are introduced to the concept of sin and its power of mastery.

Principle 13: Though the Spirit of God will strive to influence us, breaking the bondage of sin requires our cooperation.

What changed in the Garden besides the curse?

  1. Satan’s authority (bruise the heel by permission)
  2. Adam and Eve’s address
  3. The soil lost its strength (Genesis 4:12)
  4. “Work turned into work.” (Bob)
  5. The title deed of the earth changed hands

How do we know that?

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

Principle 14: Slaves don’t own property!

God owns everything. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. He did give dominion to man who in turn gave it up through a willful decision.

Cain gives us a full-fledged snapshot of the power of sin and our need to give ourselves to God at its approach. Without Him, we are powerless to fully overcome its grip.

Satan gains access to the world given to the man and woman.

New titles for Satan:

  • Accuser, adversary, liar, thief, murderer
  • Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)
  • Ruler of this present evil age (Galatians 1:4)
  • The whole world is under his sway (rhythm) (1 John 5:19)
Principle 15: A cruel taskmaster rules the earth in which we live in.

We have no hope without being rescued from his grip.

Good news: The Zerah is coming.

And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” (Genesis 4:25 ESV)

Genesis 4:25 is a remarkable statement of faith.

Why faith?

Because it is framed in Biblical hope in spite of experiencing the worst turn of events imaginable; Eve is hopeful that Seth is the “zerah” (offspring).

Even though Seth is not the Seed—the eternal purposes of God (Ephesians 3:10,11) begin to unfold as people begin to call on the name of the Lord.

And we follow the lineage of human history through Seth in expectation of the word of God to be fulfilled.

  • By faith we believe
  • By hope we anticipate
  • By patience we wait and watch

What Name do you suppose they used to call Him? (v.26)

Yeshua

Why?

They were looking for redemption, a Savior.

Next article: The Source of Hope

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