Living With Hope
1 Peter 1:1-12
The last few years have been especially tough times for many in our nation, both economically and otherwise. Many are out of work, out of their homes, out of money, and seemingly out of options. Others do have a source of income and a place to live, but they struggle month to month to make ends meet. No wonder so many people feel as though their lives are out of control have no sense of hope. But they are wrong. They can have hope, a living hope, that will help them survive their tough times. They can have this living hope through faith in Jesus Christ.
That is the timeless message of 1 Peter. In this letter, Peter addresses believers who have been scattered throughout the Roman Empire because of Nero’s persecution against Christians. Many had fled their homes, extended families, and professions, literally running for their lives. No one would blame them for sinking into despair and hopelessness. But in spite of what they had lost, Peter challenged the believers to rejoice by considering the abundant riches they did have in Jesus Christ.
Believers have a living hope and an inheritance that will never fade or diminish. Irrespective of the adversity, whether it be persecution or economic hardship, Christians are a blessed people of hope.
Peter begins by emphasizing that the basis of hope for believers is their salvation, which is obtained because of God’s mercy (1:3). Interestingly, he describes the believer’s hope as a living hope in verse 3, contrasted with, say, a dead or lifeless hope. A living hope is one that is real, eternal and true, a hope that is firm and steadfast. So many people today have placed their hope in riches, retirement accounts, accomplishments and accolades, but only God can offer a living hope, and this hope is found in Jesus alone.
This hope should lead all believers to rejoice (1:6), even if they have to endure distressing trials. Peter stresses that trials are actually a benefit to believers, serving to refine our faith, which is more valuable than gold, and which will glorify God when our salvation is perfected in heaven.
Paul echoes the same sentiment in Romans 5:3-4, explaining that our trials develop character, and character develops hope. In good times and bad, we have every reason to rejoice!
Since we possess such a living hope that is independent of our situation, isn’t it worth sharing this hope with others? Pray that God would provide you with opportunities this week to share the gospel with people who have lost their hope.
Sands– Lessons in the ETB series for the fall quarter are being written by Alex Sands, pastor of Kingdom Life Christian Center, Greenville.