A Living Hope

Ryan Rice

Because He Lives • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

The Doctrine of the Last Things

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Jesus death on the cross and his resurrection has caused us to be born again. We have a living Hope through his resurrection from the dead. His power will sustain us untl the day we recieve our reward the slavation of our souls.

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INTRODUCTION

Have you ever met someone who takes care of everything they own?

My wife is one of those people. She can have an item and five years later it still seems like it has been barley used. I have another person I know whose vehicles are like this. They take time to clean, wax and polish them on a consistent bases. While we should care for the items we own with great care, especially if they are precious to us. However, no matter the great care we take, eventually that item will decay , it will begin to fade. Some things take longer than others, but the luster and shine it once had will eventually fade. Even the most precious item we have, that we give the most care too, we too may fade away before that item. Is it any wonder the Scripture tells us

16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 4

16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day

“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day”-

However, their is something we have as followers of Christ that is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” .

The Scripture says for those who are in Christ we have a living hope. This hope we have is alive, in fact it is not based on the trials we face, the overwhelming circumstances we find ourselves in. This hope can’t be earned, mustered up. but has been given to us, by the grace of the Father, the Finished work of the Son, through his resurrection and applied by the Spirit.

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), .

For many of us, our lives have been completly shaken in this world and we need a reminder today, our Hope is alive, Our Savior is alive, Our Salvation is secure and our Father has enough power to sustain us and see us through until we recieve the full measure of our reward.

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 3

A LIVING HOPE- VS 3-5

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 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. -- (CSB)

1 Peter 5:9 CSB

Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 5

Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

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Peter writes this letter to believers scattered, these are both Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus Christ. They are scattered because of their faith in the Messiah. It has cost them to follow Jesus. This scattering is an easy thing, as we see throughout the book, Peter writes to encourage and strengthen their faith.

“Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.” CSB

CSBResist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

Is it any wonder that the Scripture calls us sojourners, showing us the reality that this world is not our final destination, that we belong to a Kingdom that is greater than this present world?

So, as we walk through this text, let us identify with the words of the Scripture, these are words we need to hear. As we struggle in this moment, across the landscape of those listening to this message our trials vary, our sufferings may be different, but the God is still faithful.

Praise God the Father for our Lord Jesus Christ

What an excellent way to great brothers and sisters in the Lord. Let us praise God the Father for sending Jesus. On that day, we have a great reason to praise God the Father, Jesus came. Jesus, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, has come and paid our sin debt.

Yet here Peter expounds on his point. here is our reason to praise, because of his great mercy, we have been born again, we have a new birth into a living hope.

, tells us that they only way to enter into the Kingdom of God is to be born again, to receive a new life from above, this new life can’t be earn, you can’t form it on your own, it comes directly from God. We receive this new life by faith, it is faith and trust in the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When we are born again, we have a living hope, how, well because Jesus ressurected from the dead, we have the assurance the hope we, the hope we place on Him, is still alive as well.

“Our living hope is the living hope Jesus Christ because He is there, as the God-man, still incarnate, still wearing our flesh, taking human flesh into the throne room of God where it had never been before. That human flesh is now seated at the right hand of God. He is our living hope. Because of that, right now how do I live? I can rejoice with unspeakable joy in full hope of the future.” Elyse Fitzpatrick, PD101 Our Identity in Christ, Logos Mobile Education (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

Our living hope is the living hope Jesus Christ because He is there, as the God-man, still incarnate, still wearing our flesh, taking human flesh into the throne room of God where it had never been before. That human flesh is now seated at the right hand of God. He is our living hope. Because of that, right now how do I live? I can rejoice with unspeakable joy in full hope of the future.1

1 Elyse Fitzpatrick, PD101 Our Identity in Christ, Logos Mobile Education (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

Over time most hopes die, they fade away. Think about it, for some of us, we know things we hoped for and they never came to pass, so we lost hope. Yet, Peter tells us here under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit. brothers and sisters, you have a hope from God , one that is alive, because Jesus is alive.

Understand our hopes may be dashed in this life, but how can our hopes ever be dashed that are found in a Savior that has overcome death, conquered sin and rose from the grave. We are speaking of realties that affect our present.

“For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.” -- (CSB)

He goes deeper into his point, we should note that these few verses are one long sentence, one glorious truth to us. The result of the the resurrection, the result of the victory of Jesus, is we have a living hope and guess what Peter says.

We have an inheritance that is, and he uses this traid of words, toillustrate his point, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.

Many of us could only dream of recieveing some type of inhetiance here on this earth, something that would be a game changer for our human lives, but can it compare to a inhertance that wont fade, wear out or ever losse its luster?

Many of us could only dream of recieveing some type of inhetiance here on this earth, something that would be a game changer for our human lives, but can it compare to a inhertance that is

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory1

“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” .

1 Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), .

“ For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality.” -- (CSB)

Just so you can really rest, it is kept in heaven for you. Someone may be able to break into a bank and steal, sure identify theft can happen, but who can take anything from God.

Can I share some good news with you, it was God who chose you from the foundation of the world.

We have been chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son, and set apart by the Spirit. It takes all three if there is to be a true experience of salvation. Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 391–392.

“Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him., He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.,f 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

tells us this reality

We can explain how and why God set his love and affection upon us, we can rejoice in it. Guess what, it wasn’t of any merit of our own. It was his grace and love, that while we were still in sin, Christ came and died for us.

So, our salvation is secure our inheritance cannot be lost, how, it is kept in heaven by God.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -- (CSB)

Yet what about us, here and now. We are walking through this broken world, which will eventually be made new. Yet we are dealing with a pandemic, we are facing economic instability, family struggles, lost of love ones.

The Scripture says, You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

This is a military term, we are constantly guarded, God will ensure that we make it to where he is. It is the picture of a soldiers protecting, surrounding.

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” -- (CSB)

Are we saved now? Yes, we are forgiven, past, present and future. Our faith remains, steadfast in Him. The Spirit encouraging us, empowering us to press forward, and we know that when he appears again, we will recieve our full reward, the salavtion of our souls.

Salvation can be defined as being rescued from God’s judgment or wrath on the last day- Thomas R. Schreiner

Salvation can be defined as being rescued from God’s judgment or wrath on the last day1

1 Thomas R. Schreiner

God never promised to shield us fully from trials, persecution, hardships, but he promises here, I will perservere you until the end. He has the power to save and the power to keep his people. He is a keeper of our very souls.

Is this the God you belong to this morning? The Father who gave His son, the Son who became sin for us, the Spirit who sets us apart?

Charles Spurgeon used to say, “Little faith will take your soul to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.” It is not enough that we long for heaven during times of suffering, for anybody can do that. What Peter urged his readers to do was exercise love, faith, and rejoicing, so that they might experience some of the glory of heaven in the midst of suffering now.- Warren W. Wiersbe,

1 Warren W. Wiersbe,

A FUTURE INHERTIANCE VS 6-9

You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith — more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire — may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. -- (CSB)

Rev. Timothy wright had a song, that said, “I’m so glad, trouble don’t last always.” Right now we are in the midst of a situation that will pass, their will be another side, but in the midst of this or even other situations how should we respond? Rejoice.

Now, remember this is written to those suffering, those enduring immense hardship and pain, and yet the word of God says to rejoice?

What do we rejoice in, that this is temporary, that what I am enduring does indeed have a purpose and point to it and that through enduring a reward awaits.

Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning. -- (CSB)

Notice, in the grand scheme of eternity, the suffering we face are light and momentary compared to what is in store for those who love God, we have placed their trust in the finished work of Christ.

but there is joy in the morning. -- (CSB)

Now this is a hard truth, these next words, if necessary.

We need to pause and think, if necessary, you mean a loving God, a merciful God, a great God will allow us to suffer grief in various tirals.

When we face suffering, it is not some impersonal force, it is not simple life out of control, our God has all things in his control even the trials and suffering he allows in our lives.

When we face the trials and suffering he allows, we must submit our will, our lives to Him and trust that He is in control and will not waste any of this, but it will be used for his glory and my good.

“keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”-- (CSB)

The idea is not rejoicing because your suffering, but the rejoicing is in knowing that God is faithful to bring us through that this wont last forever, but also, the reward to come. That soon the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet.

I think the reality for many of us, we feel that every wrong will be righted now, that every trial will be done away with now, but look at the end goal of it all.

A faith that has been tested, tried and refined that brings glory to the Lord.

Imagine that what your facing now is refining your faith, it is only bringing you through a fire that is not meant to destroy you, but remove impurities from your faith.

It is meant to mature you more in Christ. For some of us, this time has brought you closer to Jesus, you have drawn nearer to the precious Lord. For some of us, you have longed for him to come quickly. Others have asked and cried out to God to save the lost.

Gold one of the most precious metals, but look at this text, our faith is more precious than that. You want to know the mark of a true believer, when tested and tried, they still find themselves still trusting, still enduring.

See the evil one may come and try to discourage you, you may even feel as if your faith isn't big enough or good enough, but are you still persevering, are you trusting in the finished work of Christ, are still looking to the one who rose from the dead.

A Tried faith still loves Jesus

Peter along with the other apostles, and many others saw the Lord physically, but we don’t . Imagine this, they are going through suffering, they are facing trouble on all side, yet they are still loving the Savior.

See we believe on him, not because we have seen the scars, not because we have seen the empty tomb, we are blessed, accepted by God because we trust by Faith the faithful witness of the Word, the Spirit. We trust in the one who has come on our behalf, paid our sin debt.

Right now we don’t see him, but our faith is in Him and will be rewarded when we do see Him.

Guess what we have a reason to rejoice now, He is alive, we are born again, we are held, and what is coming is the salvation of our very souls.

Can you imagine what it will be like to see Christ, to hear him say well done, for every tear to be wiped away.

A FUFIILED PROMISE- VS 10-12

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 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. -- (CSB)

Do you see the point Peter is getting at here, we have living hope, because of what Jesus as accomplished, because of the resurrection and we should rejoice in our salvation. This salvation was spoken of long ago, this Jesus who came and died and rose again was spoken of long ago by the prophets of God. Men like Isaiah, Daniel, Amos, and even David.

These prophets as they were given direct revelation from the Lord, they searched to understand these prophecies and when it would come.

Look, the days are coming” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. -- (CSB)

Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. -- (CSB)

Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. -- (CSB)

Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,

God the Holy Spirit revealed to them that what they were being showed was not for them, but for us.

and he carried our pains;

They were shown the suffering of Jesus, so that this grace we experience was given to us.

but we in turn regarded him stricken,

Do you relaize their has not been one momnet where God was not in control of History. Not one moment where the plan of God was left on the back burner.

struck down by God, and afflicted. -- (CSB)

God is in control of history, and the Old Testament Scriptures point to the coming of Jesus Christ. Believers will praise God when they realize their privileged position in salvation history.1

the Old Testament Scriptures point to the coming of Jesus Christ. Believers we should praise God of our privileged position in salvation history.- Thomas R. Schreiner

Long ago God spoke to the ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. -- (CSB)

Long ago God spoke to the ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways.

1 Thomas R. Schreine

2 In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. -- (CSB)

You say well did Jesus even believe this about himself:

He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you — that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them,“This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. -- (CSB)

See if you are searching the Scriptures, from the Old to the New they will point to Jesus Christ.

See you can’t read the Scriptures and then come away saying well their is a different Jesus.

He is the promised one, who has been promised to us and now what an amazing blessing to know Him as Savior.

Imagine this what we have, the privilege of knowing Him, the angles even long to catch a glimpse of it, our salvation.

How much more should we value what we have. The Angles don’t experience it, the prophets look forward to it, we have recieved it.

NEXT STEPS

DO YOU NEED TO REFOCUS ON CHRIST AND THE HOPE YOU HAVE IN HIM?

CAN YOU SAY YOU HAVE A TRUE HOPE?

DO YOU NEED TO REJOICE THAT HE IS ALIVE?

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