Hope the Anchor of Our Soul by Richard Veach

Hope the Anchor of Our Soul Richard P. Veach

Although thought by some to mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably hoping and wishing are not synonymous. Wishing is often based on imaginations that are not necessarily a realistic expectation i.e., I wish I weighed 167lbs. again, I wish I was 6ft. tall, I wish my hair was still brown, but none of these wishes are likely to occur outside of supernatural intervention; they are wishful thinking. We often hear someone say, “I am hoping and praying”. “I hope so, is really only an admission of a thinly veiled pessimism.”1 Answers to prayer do not come by hoping, but by faith in the trustworthiness of God and the inerrancy of God’s word. However, hope is one of the necessary ingredients for operating in faith. 1Cor13:13 states that faith, hope, and love abide. I am convinced that there is no detail in God’s Word that is insignificant or is there by accident or chance. There is a definite reason for God to have placed hope in-between faith and love. Hope serves as a catalyst between faith and love and it is important that we understand hope and how it works in conjunction with faith and love. Hope is based on the absolute assurance that what God has said in His word is true and it will come to pass and cannot change. How, then, can we best define hope? Let’s look at a few definitions. Webster’s dictionary defines hope; to desire with expectation of or belief in fulfillment, trust, reliance. Strong’s definition for the Greek is #1679, ἐλπίζω, elpizo, a verb, to hope, in a religious sense, to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence, hopefully to trust in: #1680, ἐλπίς elpece, a noun, to anticipate usually with pleasure, expectation, or confidence: --faith, hope. There are five Greek words translated hope in the NT and ἐλπίς is the word translated hope most often (54 times) and is the Greek word for hope in Eph. 2:12, “that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” If you are alive in the world and have God you always have hope.

The International Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 752, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids,

Michigan

In the Hebrew there are fifteen different words translated hope. The Hebrew word that is most often translated ἐλπίς in the LXX is ‫ תקוה‬tiqvah, Strong’s #8615, 1) a cord (as an attachment) 2) hope, expectation, things hoped for, outcome. I especially like the definition found in Wilson’s Old Testament Word Studies for the root word in ‫ תקוה‬is ‫ה‬,‫הָו‬,‫הָק‬,, and it means to hope strongly, to stretch out the mind in a straight direction to an object of hope or expectation; to expect earnestly; to hope that a thing will be effected, and to wait steadily and patiently till it is effected. I think that “a cord as an attachment” fits well with Wilson’s definition “to stretch out the mind in a straight direction to an object of hope or expectation.” And in my view fits well with the idea of an anchor at the end of the cord. I mentioned that hope is one of the necessary ingredients for operating in faith because of the way in which it is used in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance, (title deed or guarantee), of things hoped for, the evidence, (which is the written Word of God), of things not seen.” Substace is Strong’s G5287,ὑπόστασις hypostasis, setting under (as a support), assurance, confidence, confident, person, substance. Vines definition is, lit., "a standing under, support" (hupo, "under," histemi, "to stand"), hence, an "assurance," "substance." It here may signify a title-deed, as giving a guarantee, or reality. Evidence, ἔλεγχος is easily traced to the LXX (Septuagint) because the Hebrew word ‫ ספר‬is only translated ἔλεγχος evidence in one place, Jer 32:10-16 LXX, ‫ספר‬, sā'·fer, Strong’s #5612, writing, document, a book, register, scroll, evidence. It is hope that is based on the trustworthiness of God and on the inerrancy of His word and knowing that God cannot lie and does not change or alter that which He has spoken that adds substance or assurance to our faith. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning”, James 1:17. There is one more important ingredient necessary for our faith to be effective and that is the God kind of love. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through (or by) love (ἀγάπη agapē)”, Gal.5:6. Agape is the God kind of love and

according to Vines Expository Dictionary it is described as the attitude of God toward His Son and the human race. Agape can be known only by the action it prompts. Let’s read 1Cor. 13:4-13 to remind us of what God’s kind of love looks like, “Love (ἀγάπη agapē) suffers long [and] is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether [there are] prophecies, they will fail; whether [there are] tongues, they will cease; whether [there is] knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these [is] love.” Let’s look at each verse line by line to see if we can unpack some of it in order to get a deeper understanding. •

Verse 4, love suffers long; means long suffering, to have long patience, patiently endure.

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Love is kind; someone that I knew frequently said “it is better to be kind than right”, being right in not always the most important thing. Often it is much better to show kindness and allow another to be the one who is right even though you think you are right.

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Love does not envy; the Greek word for envy (#2206 ζηλόω) is a little more intense than just wishing you had something someone else has, it is to burn with zeal, to be heated or boil with envy, hatred, or anger.

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Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; to boast one's self, a self display, employing rhetorical embellishments in extolling one's self excessively. To be puffed up is to be proud.

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Verse 5, does not behave rudely, to act unbecomingly.

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Does not seek its own; in other words, not seeking to please oneself or meet your own needs first. Phil2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

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Is not provoked; not easily irritated or angered. What causes one to become provoked or angered and respond with sarcasm or a retort? Could we respond with love instead?

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Thinks no evil; it is possible to control ones thoughts and as soon as we recognize that we are thinking a wrong thought we can immediately recheck it and think on those things suggested in Phil. 4:8. “ whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.”

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Verse 6, does not rejoice in iniquity; injustice, of a judge, unrighteousness of heart and life, a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness. But rejoices in the truth.

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Verse 7, bears all things; Vines definition for bears (#4722, στέγω,

stego) is

primarily to protect or preserve by covering, to keep off something which threatens, to bear up against, to hold out against, and so to endure, bear, forbear. The idea of supporting what is placed upon a thing is prominent in 1Thess.3:1,5. Also, to cover over with silence, to keep secret, to hide, conceal the errors and faults of others. Could that have something to do with gossip? •

Believes all things; Vines definition, (#4100, πιστεύω, pisteuo) "to believe," also "to be persuaded of," and hence, "to place confidence in, to trust," signifies, in this sense of the word, reliance upon, not mere credence. What does it mean to believe all things? I think it means to have an open, trusting, believing attitude that is foremost in the way in which we relate to all things. To first believe everyone and everything until proven otherwise and not to have a negative and cynical approach to everything. However, does not mean to be gullible, but having a negative and cynical attitude can be the breeding ground for the enemy

to work bringing confusion and bitterness. Trust, but verify could be a good balanced approach. •

Hopes all things; to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence, hopefully to trust in.

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Endures all things; Vines definition, (#5278, ὑπομένω hypomenō), to abide under, to bear up courageously (under suffering).

“In as much as πίστις (faith) works in ἀγάπη (love) (Gal.5:6), πίστις, ἀγάπη and ἐλπίζω (hope) constitute the being of the Christian as Paul describes it 1Th.1:3, or as he characterizes it in 1Cor.13:13 in antithesis to a Gnostic formula.”2 “Faith and love are coordinates of hope (1Cor. 13:13). The superiority of love is because it believes all things, hopes all things; it is God’s nature.”3 Faith, hope, and love remain; they are eternal attributes and with illumination and revelation from the Holy Spirit become supernatural impartations. When faith, hope, and love are all working together, along with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, our faith becomes effective and nothing will be impossible to us. Hope is referred to as the anchor of our soul in Hebrews 6:17-20, “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability ( unchangeableness ) of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable (unchangeable) things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil.” Hope is the anchor of the soul, it is the adhesive that binds faith and love. Hope anchors us to the solid Rock, the chief Corner Stone, a solid foundation keeping us steadfast trusting in His loving care and provision in difficult times, tribulations, and persecutions. “Christian hope rests on the divine act of salvation accomplished in Christ, and, since this is eschatological, hope itself is an eschatological blessing, i. e., now is

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. 2, p.532, WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 3

The International Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 754, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

the time when we may have confidence (Rom.15:12).”4 Hope looks to the future and faith brings that which hoped for to the present. “If hope is fixed on God, it embraces at once the three elements of the future, trust and the patients of waiting.”5 Romans 5:3-5, “… we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love (ἀγάπη agapē) of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Leading a holy life and keeping a clear conscience before the Lord is a great help in persevering and maintaining strength of character and a steadfast hope. Holiness, ‫ק ֶֹדׁש‬, kodesh, #6944, apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness, set-apartness. Holiness is being separated unto the Lord and separated from the world’s system which is at enmity with God. Jesus said, “"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon”, Matthew 6:24. Mammon, Vines definition is, μαμωνᾶς mamōnas, a common Aramaic word for "riches," akin to a Hebrew word signifying "to be firm, steadfast" (whence "Amen"), hence, "that which is to be trusted;" Gesenius regards it as derived from a Heb. word signifying "treasure". Mammon, then, can be representative of whatever and wherever your treasure is. In other words whatever is in one’s life that takes pre-eminence over God can be considered mammon. Gal.5:17, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. 2, p.532, WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 5

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. 2, p.531, WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Understand that the battle begins in our mind and that we do not have to dwell on every thought that comes into our mind. God has given us the power to reject wrong thoughts and replace them with thoughts that are pure and holy. 1Cor 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear [it].” The scripture says in 2Cor10:15, “to cast down arguments (imaginations) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” And in Col 3:2 admonishes us to, “Set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” We have the God given ability to recognize wrong thoughts and immediately reject them and begin to think on other things such as are stated in Phil 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.” 1John 3:21-22 says, “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God, And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” If we do these things we will have confidence that God will keep us and protect us from the wrath to come and will be a very present help in the time of trouble. "Blessed [is] the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD”, Jer 17:7. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”, Titus 2:11-13.

1Pet 1:3, “Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” “To exert hope would be futile apart from the person and pledges of the Almighty.” 6 “All believers are called to one hope (Eph.1:18, 4:4); this is understandable in the light of the fact that salvation, including its final, eschatological aspect, is a matter of grace rather than human attainment. This gives strength and constancy to the hope of believers that it could not have if it were conditioned on some element of human achievement.”7 “No man should trust in his riches, his righteousness, men, or his religious inheritance.”8 Hope must be based on God and not on man, riches, or controllable circumstances, but on Him Who is not controllable. Our hope is in the Lord knowing that God is trustworthy to uphold what He has promised in His word and He does not change or vary in any way.

Scripture references are quoted from the New King James Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee.

. The International Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 752, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids,

Michigan 7

The International Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 753, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids,

Michigan 8

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. 2, p.523, WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Word definitions are quoted from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam Company Publishers, Springfield, Massachusetts. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, New Jersey.