1. Pete Lackey “A Man of Hope not Despair” Man’s Ultimate Challenge

2. What do you think of when you hear the word “Hope”? Table Discussion What do you think of when you hear the word “Despair”?

3. VIRTUE: HOPE VICE: DESPAIR 1. Definition: - Greek elpis, Hope, is described as the confidence while waiting with the expectation of obtaining that which is desired. Hope is “putting confidence in” or “taking refuge in” Definition of Hope Properties of Hope: Freedom, Assurance, Contentment, Peace, Longsuffering, Perseverance, Trust, and Confidence Vice: Despair [Cynicism, Unbelief, Doubt] “We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure.” – Hebrews 6:19

4. Romans 5:3-5 – “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven character; and proven character hope; and hope does not disappoint” Hope: Breaking The Chains of Despair Romans 8:24-25 – For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope…But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it”

5. Robin Williams: The Chains of Despair

6. #1: Endure suffering alone without God and without His people How To Be A Man Of Despair Psalm 42:4-6 – These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me;

7. #2 Have A Loss of an eternal perspective How To Be A Man of Despair “It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this” – C.S. Lewis 1Thessalonians 4:13-14 – But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

8. Story of Hope & Despair

9. How do you become: “A Man of Hope not Despair?” #1: Find an anchor (Galatians 6:2) - persevering through suffering can never happen in isolation #2: Never loose your eternal perspective - Remember that you have a “know-so” hope not a “hope-so” hope

10. 1. Do you tend to endure suffering alone and without God’s people? Table Talk - Do you really have an eternal perspective? Is God really sovereign? 2. How are you attempting to persevere through a struggle now with family, job, personal suffering?