Hope Lives!

1 Peter 1:3 CSB

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

INTRO—

PETER’S PURPOSE

2 Peter 3:1–2 “Dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written to you; in both letters, I want to stir up your sincere understanding by way of reminder, so that you recall the words previously spoken by the holy prophets and the command of our Lord and Savior given through your apostles.”

WHAT WE NEED…

To see ourselves as exiles—pilgrims, strangers, sojourners—in this life.

A LIVING HOPE!

[through the RESURRECTION of JESUS CHRIST]

LIVING & LASTING [1 Peter 1.3-5]

“Inheritance” — a blessing…

…& this one described as: ‘imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept…’ [LASTING; EVER-LASTING!]

Guarded by God’s power THROUGH FAITH (why would anyone expect to be guarded by someone/something in whom/which they do not TRUST?)…

For a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

[SECURE]

LIVING & REFINED [1 Peter 1.6-9]

[‘Living hope’ … we REJOICE in this!]

“Refined” — tested...and thus strengthened.

‘Even though…you suffer…in various trials.’

“VARIOUS” = many (in number) & many (different kinds)

James 1:2 “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials,”

1 Peter 4:10 “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”

TRIALS — more than one and more than one at a time. [serious, real tests]

“Proven Character” of your faith

Refined…more valuable than gold!

Will result in praise, glory, & honor at Jesus’ return.

Hope (this one) does not disappoint—

Romans 5:5 “This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

[STRENGTHENED]

LIVING & PROMISED [1 Peter 1.10-12]

[‘Living hope’ … we SEE (& SHARE) this!]

Gaining appreciation for the blessing of this truth (regarding salvation through Jesus Christ)

“The Prophets” — a group especially highly regarded by Jewish people (yet another ‘teaching’ moment for Jewish believers with their Gentile brothers and sisters).

Peter’s brothers and sisters were the earliest of recipients of the blessing God revealed to The Prophets. [encouragement]

“Now announced to you” — the promise repeated often and often and often!

‘Those who preached the gospel to you’:

To spread the message…convey the message [ALL of US]

Mark 16:15 “Then he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Peter’s immediate audience were recipients of a message—which blessed and encouraged (-s) them. WE have been recipients of a message—which blessed and encouraged (-s) US. WE also are to be preachers of this message—to be blessing and encouragement to others!

[SURE]

CONCL—

Sojourners (exiles; temporary residents)…alongside this picture lies another picture of a foreigner living in another country…

Ambassador — which the Bible uses to describe us as well:

2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.””

HOPE…

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (39 years old) — “This is the end, for me, the beginning of life.” [reported to have said as he was taken from his cell to his execution in Flossenburg concentration camp in Germany, April 9, 1945.]

…LIVES!

INVITATION:

Salvation

Hope

Strength

1 Peter 1:12 CSB

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.