Living For Jesus

We have a great future ahead of us because of what we have in Christ!

A Living Hope (3)

We have been born again - it is the work of God!

It is a lively, living hope. An active hope! That occurs by God’s mercy through the resurrection.

Because HE LIVES!

A Lasting Inheritance (4)

You are incredibly rich. God has granted you a great inheritance. You are co-heirs with Christ.

Romans 8:16–17 ESV

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

It is imperishable - it can’t can’t break down and is immortal. It will not pass away!

It is undefiled - there is no sense of pollution in it, it is unstained, untarnished.

Earthly inheritances will tend to produce rot and decay over time. We seek out climate controlled storage or vaults to store or most valuable papers and materials. However, that which is heavenly does not corrupt over time.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven....”

It does not fade away.

Earthly crowns (laurel wreaths) tend to fade over time (Bouquet of roses). Our eternal treasure does not diminish or fade.

A Securing Savior (5)

We are kept by the power of God.

The word “kept” is guarded or protected. God has set a guard over you so that your salvation and your inheritance is secure!

A Glorifying Purpose (6-9)

Trials in the Christian life serve to grow us in our walk, strengthen our faith, and give us perspective.

The believers Peter was writing to were facing a trial of persecution that was just beginning to spread throughout the Roman empire. But trials can come in all manner of forms.

God does not tempt us to do wrong. He does allow us to be tested.

God may allow tests in our life for several reasons:

To demonstrate the genuineness of our faith. (Job)

A faith that is genuine does not quit when trials are hard, rather is draws closer to the Savior.

To purify our lives. (Israel)

Gold is purified by passing through the fire to remove the dross.

How do you know when it is pure, when you can see your reflection in it.

God will not allow you to be tempted or tried beyond what you are able, but will provide the way of escape in Christ.

To bring praise to Christ as faith is demonstrated.

When we focus on Christ in the midst of the trial we are declaring that Christ is worth more than anything this world has to offer.

To produce a longing for Christ return.

Whom having not seen you love!

Trials serve to clarify what is truly important.

A Guaranteed Promise (10-12)

A final reason we have hope for the future is that we are living in fulfilled prophecy. In fact, your salvation as a gentile is part of God’s prophetic revelation. (verses 1-2)

The prophets in the Old Testament spoke of Christ’s own suffering and then glory.

Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 60 - The Messiah’s Reign

They desired to know both who they were speaking about, and when it would happen.

You are living Fulfilled Prophesy!

Even the angels in heaven long to know more of the salvation that has been granted to you and I!

If God is so glorified through the salvation of sinners, He will also ensure your sanctification!

If God has kept his promise so far, he will continue to keep his promise.

Living For Jesus lyrics:

Living for Jesus, a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free, This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me; I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne; My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place, Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace; Such love constrains me to answer His call, Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, wherever I am, Doing each duty in His holy Name; Willing to suffer affliction and loss, Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

Living for Jesus through earth’s little while, My dearest treasure, the light of His smile; Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.