Hope Fully: Week 1
Hope fully: Week 1
1 Peter 1:3-9, 13-16
Main Idea: You can be ok, even when the world is not ok.
1 Peter 1:3-9, 13-16 (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.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
The motivation for Peter's letter (historical context)
- The Apostle Peter is writing to Christian communities throughout Asia Minor (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia)
- Peter is called the "apostle of hope" because of this letter
- The true motivation of this letter is that Peter is writing to a confused and discouraged group of Christians.
- One commentor identified 5 major themes of Peter's letter: (1) the believer's behavior, (2) the believer's unfair circumstances, (3) the believer's deference, (4) the believer's motivation by Christ's example, and (5) the believer's anticipation of future glory.
1 Peter 5:12 (NIV) identifies the overall message succinctly, "With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it."
I. Hope Can be divided
V. 13 - "...set your HOPE FULLY on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Divided Hope
- cultural acceptance
- political power
- to be left alone
But, Peter's message was clear, hope in the grace of Jesus Christ.
What is Christian Hope?
- Jesus's finished work on the cross.
- His return
- God sets all things right in the end.
John 16:33 (ESV) - "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
As believers in Jesus, we need to reset our mindset about our conditions and the world.
II. Content in Chaos
Psalm 118:1-9 (ESV)
1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
Joshua 1:5-6 (ESV) - "5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them."
- 1 Cor. 6:17 says that we are one with the Lord.
We are in Christ, the Spirit of God is in us, so we have no reason to fear the chaos of this world.
- We received hope from Jesus.
- We must live in the hope of Jesus.
- We must trust that the Spirit within us is always testifying to the love, grace, and mercy our God has for us.
III. What are you Hoping for?
Encouragement in times of chaos
The paradox of hoping in Jesus
- Change happens externally when we make the change internally
- Focus your heart on Jesus.
- Live in the grace God has for you.
- Quit looking for outside change to create inner peace.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) - "38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We can be ok, even when the world is not ok.