Advent - 2024 - Hope #1
Notes
Transcript
Handout
“Living Hope: Embracing the 5 Aspects of Genuine Hope in Christ”
#AdventHope# LivingHope #GenuineHope #1Peter #HopeInChrist #FiveAspectsOfHope #FaithAndHope #AdventSeason #ChristianSermon #HopefulLiving #PrepareHisWay
INTRO
Self Help Books
R. L Adams “How to Not Lose all Hope in Life”
Re-assess the situation
change your focus
does not change the problem
Fill your heart with gratitude
just be thankful for what you do have
easier said then done
Be objective and honest about the situation
assess without bias
impossible for us to do
Lean on others for support
allow others to help
sometimes others cannot help
Trust in your faith...
finally!
faith in what? faith in faith? what is that?
Sermon Outlines for Seekers Keep Hope Alive (1 Peter 1:3–9)
Sometimes in spite of all the positive thinking we can generate, life is really terrible. Simple optimism will not do. Genuine hope must go beyond positive thinking. Genuine hope is not, “Wishing for something you know isn’t going to happen.” It is not an idle wish at all.
People have needed HOPE since the very beginning…
Recap Gen 3.
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Recap of OT…
Abraham / Isaac / Jacob
Judges
David / Solomon
Prophets
1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. 3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. 5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”
The Day of The Lord is Coming
Those Who Fear Will Rejoice
Therefore Remember His Word
Return to The Father
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
5 Aspects of Genuine Hope!
The Source of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.3a)
The Source of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.3a)
1 Peter 1:3 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
All real hope is derived from God and his promises.
James 1:17 “17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
It is a gift of his mercy and grace.
Ephesians 2:5 “5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—”
Titus 3:5 “5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”
Genuine hope is a result of our salvation. We were born into a living hope.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Quote: “"Hope is not just a wish. It is a confident expectation based on the promises of God." - John Piper
Illustration:
Consider a seed planted in the ground. It appears lifeless, but within it is the potential for new life. Just as the seed transforms into a plant, our hope springs forth from our new birth in Christ.
Application:
Reflect on your spiritual rebirth. Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the new life you have in Him, and share your testimony with someone who needs to hear about the source of your hope.
The Foundation of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.3b)
The Foundation of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.3b)
1 Peter 1:3 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
Hebrews 12:2 “2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The foundation is the work and ministry of Jesus Christ.
The resurrection of Jesus is particularly crucial in the formation of genuine hope. It makes all the difference.
Romans 6:4 “4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Ephesians 2:6 “6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”
1 Corinthians 15:20–22 “20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Quote: “"Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the day-time of prosperity, but only to be discerned in the night of adversity." - Charles Spurgeon
Illustration:
Imagine that you are building a house. You would take great care in setting the foundation securely so that all that is built upon it will be strong. The resurrection of Christ is the foundation upon which our hope is built. Our hope stands strong because it is built on the saving power of Christ Alone!
Application:
Identify areas in your life where you need to reinforce your hope in Christ’s resurrection. Write down specific prayers asking God to help you focus on the eternal rather than the temporal. Memorize scripture that points you to this hope.
The Surety of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.4-5)
The Surety of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.4-5)
1 Peter 1:4–5 “4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
It is incorruptible. This speaks of its essence.
It is undefinable. This speaks of its purity.
It is unfading. This speaks of its beauty.
Matthew 6:19–20 “19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Hebrews 6:19 “19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,”
Revelation 21:4 “4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.””
Quote: “This inheritance is not only kept for us, but we are kept for it.” - Richard Sibbes
Illustration:
Imagine a bank that guarantees your investment is safe, secure, and will grow indefinitely. God’s promise of an imperishable inheritance is like that—absolutely reliable and without risk.
Application:
Take some time this season to meditate on the certainty of your inheritance in Christ. Consider writing a letter to your future self, reminding you of the hope and future you have in Him, to be read during a difficult time.
The Power of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.6-7)
The Power of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.6-7)
1 Peter 1:6–7 “6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
It helps us to face our trials with courage.
It helps us to face our trials with joy & anticipation.
Malachi 4:1–2 “1 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.”
A Rising Sun of Righteousness
light where there was darkness
security where there was danger
Wings of Healing
Breaking Out of a Stall
Leaping Like Calves
James 1:2–4 “2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Romans 5:3–5 “3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
2 Corinthians 4:17 “17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,”
Quote: “"Hope is not the absence of suffering but the presence of God in your suffering." - Tim Keller
Illustration:
Consider a blacksmith forging a piece of metal. The heat and hammering refine the metal, making it stronger. Similarly, our trials refine our faith, preparing us for greater things.
… smelting process…
Application:
Is there a current trial you are facing? Write down how you see God working through that situation or how you hope to see Him work to shape your character and deepen your faith.
The Wonder of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.8)
The Wonder of genuine hope. (1 Pet 1.8)
1 Peter 1:8 “8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,”
We love a person we have never seen.
We long to go to a place we have never visited.
We are part of a forever family
John 20:29 “29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””
Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Quote: “"Hope is one of the theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not, as some modern people think, a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do." - C. S. Lewis
Illustration:
Imagine a child waiting for their birthday party. The excitement and joy they feel, even before the day arrives… This should mirror our anticipation of the joy to come through our faith in Christ. This wonder and joy come from believing in what we cannot see.
Application:
Consider ways to cultivate a sense of wonder and hope in your relationship with God. This could be through worship, journaling about God’s faithfulness, or engaging in acts of service that reflect His love to others.
The Possession of Genuine Hope. (1 Pet 1.9)
The Possession of Genuine Hope. (1 Pet 1.9)
1 Peter 1:9 “9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Genuine hope concerns our greatest need—salvation.
Salvation is the outcome of our faith
Salvation is guaranteed by God - Father, Spirit, Son
1 Peter 1:10–12 “10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”
Acts 4:12 “12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.””
Acts 16:31 “31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.””
Ephesians 1:13–14 “13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Quote: “"my hope is built on nothing less, then Jesus blood and righteousness”
Illustration:
Think of a treasure chest filled with gold coins. The hope we can possess in Christ is like that treasure, rich and valuable, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed fully.
Application:
Reflect on the hope you possess in Christ. Take a moment to write down specific ways you can share this hope with others—friends, family, or those in your community who may be struggling.
Take a moment to consider a life without the hope of Christ… Turn to Him even now!
Conclusion
Hope is a powerful concept. Without hope in the future, we have no power in the present.
Hope may keep us alive. Without hope there is no reason to live.
“Life without Christ is a hopeless end, but life with Christ is an endless hope.”
CLOSE
GROUP QUESTIONS
In 1 Peter 1:3a, Peter mentions our "new birth" into a living hope. How does understanding hope as a gift from God shape your perspective on challenges you face? Can you share a personal experience where you felt this living hope?
Reflecting on 1 Peter 1:3b, how does the resurrection of Jesus Christ serve as the foundation of our hope? What are some other biblical passages (e.g., Romans 6:4) that reinforce this idea?
In verses 1:4-5, Peter describes an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decision-making? What does it mean for you to be "guarded through faith”?
Verses 1:6-7 discuss the joy that comes from trials. How can struggles and hardships refine our faith like gold? Have you ever experienced growth or transformation during a difficult period in your life?
In 1 Peter 1:8, Peter talks about rejoicing with inexpressible joy. What does it mean to you to love Jesus even though you have not seen Him? How can this affect your relationship with God?
How do the themes in 1 Peter 1:3-10 compare to those in Romans 15:13, where Paul speaks of God filling us with joy and peace in believing? What similarities do you find in the encouragement both passages offer?
Considering the attributes of our inheritance discussed in verses 1:4-5, how can we practically live out this hope in our communities? What are some examples of actions that reflect this hope?
How can our small group support one another in holding onto hope during difficult times? What specific prayers or actions could we take to encourage each other based on this passage?
In light of 1 Peter 1:10, which mentions the prophets searching for the coming of grace, how does understanding the historical context of hope enhance your appreciation for the hope we have today? What can we learn from the prophets about waiting and trusting in God’s promises?