Living Hope
1. Living Hope
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, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)
Peter begins his letter with praise. Just as Peter starts his letter with praise, so we should begin the day; then doubtful thoughts would have no room and the worries of everyday life would be pushed back. It is not that the Lord takes away all our worries, but through praise we gain the strength to master life.
When a person responds to the Good News, a miracle of mercy happens. He is born again into a living hope.
According to the Bible, hope is more than wishful thinking – it is comforting certainty, a living hope that comes from the reality of God!
In Hebrew or Greek, words used for hope include:
- comfort
- trust
- security
- perseverance
- longing expectation
2. Hope and unshakable promises of God
1 Peter 1, verses:
- 3 – secure hope
- 4 – imperishable inheritance
- 5 – preservation until the end of time
- 6 – joyful rejoicing
- 7 – faith more precious in trials
- 8 – love
- 9 – the goal, final salvation forever
According to 1 Corinthians 13:13, these remain:
- faith
- hope
- love
According to 2 Thessalonians 2:16:
- comfort
- good hope through grace
We are kept by the power of God through faith. Peter says that we are guarded by God’s power, for salvation! The place of salvation is prepared!
Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5 (ESV)
However, there is a clear requirement for this ongoing protection. Our text says that we are kept by God’s power through our trust for salvation!
Peter especially emphasizes joyful rejoicing.
Divine joy does not depend on our feelings and emotions. Peter himself had great joy despite trials and suffering.
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, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV)
3. Conclusion
Are you glad that the Lord will give you an imperishable inheritance?
Are you prepared for it? If not, make room for Jesus as the first priority in your life today. He looks forward to a soon reunion with you in heaven.
Author: Egon Waechter
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