The Resurrection, A Living Hope!

Introduction

English Standard Version Introduction

The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged by the persecution they were encountering because of their faith. Peter exhorted them to stand strong, repeatedly reminding them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven. Peter explained how Christians should respond when they suffer because of their beliefs. Called the “apostle of hope,” Peter’s primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God’s ultimate promise of deliverance. Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast.

Text:

1 Peter 1:3–9 ESV

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.

Main Idea: Because of The Resurrection, we have a living, eternal hope.

The Resurrection Provided an Eternal Hope (vs. 3-5)

Imperishable, Undefiled, Unfading Inheritance (vs. 4)

Kept and Guarded by the power of God (vs. 5)

Will be revealed in the last days (vs. 5)

The Resurrection Provided an Earthly Hope (vs. 6-9)

The eternal hope become the impetus for our earthly perseverance (vs. 6)

This perseverance produces a genuine faith that has been fired in the kiln of trials (vs. 7)

The result is the completion of our salvation when Christ returns the second time. (vs. 8-9)