Man in sin is without God, without Christ and without hope (Eph. 2:12). This expression is made in regard to the Gentile world but it certainly describes all men who are outside of Christ. This same chapter opens up by telling us that men are dead in their trespasses and sins (verse 1). Those who come to know, accept and obey the truth can be quickened by God through the truth (I Peter 1:22). This wonderful decision can lead to a refreshing of the spirit as man comes to know that he is right with God (Acts 3:19). He has been justified by God through obeying the truth and thereby he has peace.
The Christian then is bound to add to his faith (2 Peter 1:5). He is well aware of both the brevity and uncertainty of life itself. He is able to go forth in such a world because as he adds to his faith, his inward man is renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16). This renewal takes place in his soul through the knowledge of Jesus (Col. 3:10). Under these circumstances life takes on a different meaning. On one hand, the Christian enjoys an abundance of life because of the Savior, Jesus the Christ. On the other hand his daily life is filled with joy as he anticipates the coming of the Lord (2 Tim. 4:8). This is living life daily with quite resolve to be the person God designed him to be by following Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
Imagine a world without these things in the heart of man. It is a world with “no hope”. The good student of the scriptures knows that it is not in man that walks to be able to direct his own steps. Recently, the actor and comic, Robin Williams took his own life. He was a man of considerable wealth with all the things this world has to offer. In the end it could not satisfy him. It is not just the famous or wealthy people who make the same decision. We read about the very young doing the same thing. Age nor social status does not appear to make a difference. What, my friend, does make a difference?
Man already had life before Jesus came. When Jesus came, it brought to man the means to have an abundance of life. There is not allusion here to obtaining of great wealth. As already noted, wealth does not insure against hopelessness. Instead, through truth, Jesus gives us knowledge of what life is really all about. What if one does not accept what Jesus offers through the truth? Jesus spoke about those who would follow Him. They are the ones who “hear” His voice (John 10:3). It is not some voice in head rather it is listening to Jesus through the truth which has been revealed.
Why would someone feel hopeless? Financial problems, family problems or troubles in the world all could contribute to one feeling hopeless. They have or seem to have no answer to existing problems in their lives. An accumulation of words that destroy confidence in the God of heaven can lead one to feeling inferior to life and to life’s problems. Job in his early response to Zophar’s charges said twice, “…I am not inferior to you” (Job 12:3; 13:2). What happens if a person constantly brings thoughts into their heart like, “I am not worthy” ; “I am stupid”; “I just cannot live right”? The constant barrage of such thoughts lead men to feelings of inferiority and the same result of loss of confidence in God. We, unlike animals, are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26). Jesus declared to the apostles at a time when their minds were disturbed, that He was the life (John 14:6). At the grave of Lazarus, He again affirmed that He was the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). The message is that Jesus is life and with Him there is always hope.
Lazarus at the rich man’s gate, Stephen and then later James shows that life does not always turn out the way we would want. Following Jesus is not a life without trials. It is a life with hope. No matter what takes place on earth, two things should be in our hearts. One is that we should not fear what man will do to us (Matt. 10:28). The second thing is we know that no matter what happens on earth, eternity with God means that all things have worked together for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28). We are saved by hope (Rom. 8:24).