Anchored Hope: Living as God's Chosen People

Devotional

Day 1: Our Living Hope in Christ

In the midst of trials, loss, and the opposition of the world, believers are called to fix their eyes on the living hope found in Jesus Christ. This hope is not a mere wish or fleeting optimism, but a confident assurance rooted in the resurrection and promises of God. When life’s burdens threaten to overwhelm, Christians are reminded to look beyond present circumstances and remember the eternal inheritance that awaits them. This living hope sustains and empowers us to endure, knowing that God’s faithfulness and the glory to come far outweigh the struggles of today. [47:13]

1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)
"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, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Reflection: When you feel weighed down by discouragement or fear, what is one practical way you can intentionally shift your focus to the living hope you have in Christ today?

Day 2: Growing in Holiness Together

As members of God’s holy family, believers are called to put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and instead pursue spiritual growth. This process of sanctification is both a gift from God and a daily responsibility, as we take action steps to align our attitudes and actions with our new identity in Christ. Like newborn infants craving pure spiritual milk, we are to desire God’s Word and allow it to transform us, becoming more Christlike and dependent on Him each day. Holiness is not about perfection, but about belonging to God and being set apart for His purposes, both individually and as a community. [58:38]

1 Peter 2:1-3 (ESV)
"So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good."

Reflection: Which of the five attitudes (malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander) do you most need to put away today, and what is one step you can take to grow in holiness in that area?

Day 3: Built Together as God’s Spiritual House

Believers are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Each person is a vital part of the church, not just as individuals but as a unified body, called to be a holy and royal priesthood. This means every Christian has direct access to God and is invited to offer spiritual sacrifices—praise, service, and acts of love—that are acceptable to God through Jesus. Our identity is not in a building, but in being God’s people, chosen and precious, set apart to reflect His glory and serve His purposes in the world. [01:05:33]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what specific way can you offer a “spiritual sacrifice” to God this week—whether through praise, service, or generosity?

Day 4: Proclaiming God’s Excellencies in a Dark World

God has called His people out of darkness into His marvelous light, not only for their own sake but so that they might proclaim His excellencies to the world. In a culture that often rejects truth and opposes the message of Christ, believers are to be witnesses—through both words and actions—of the transforming power of the gospel. This calling requires integrity, courage, and a willingness to stand for truth even when it is unpopular or costly. As royal priests, Christians are entrusted with the responsibility to shine God’s light and declare His goodness to those still in darkness. [01:16:12]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear or see the excellencies of God through you, and how can you intentionally share His light with them this week?

Day 5: Enduring Opposition with Eternal Perspective

The reality of living in a world that opposes God’s truth can be discouraging and even painful, but Christians are reminded to endure by keeping an eternal perspective. Whether facing societal pressures, personal loss, or prolonged hardship, believers are called to remember that their citizenship is in heaven and their hope is secure. God’s mercy has made them His people, and nothing can separate them from His love. In every trial, the call is to adjust our attitudes, trust in God’s promises, and live as those who have received mercy—offering hope to others and glorifying God through steadfast faith. [01:21:23]

Romans 8:18 (ESV)
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

Reflection: What is one area of opposition or hardship you are facing, and how can remembering your eternal hope in Christ help you endure and respond with faith today?

Sermon Summary

In a week marked by national tragedy and personal loss, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by discouragement and the weight of the world’s brokenness. Yet, in the midst of sorrow and opposition, there is a living hope that anchors the soul—one that is not a mere wish, but a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. This hope is not found in circumstances, but in the reality of being part of God’s holy family, a people set apart by His mercy and grace. The call is to lift our eyes from the immediate troubles and fix them on the eternal inheritance that awaits, allowing that vision to propel us forward with courage and perseverance.

Peter’s words to a suffering church remind us that we are not alone; we belong to a new family characterized by holiness. Holiness is not about perfection, but about being set apart for God, both positionally and practically. As God’s people, we are called to put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander—attitudes and actions that fracture community and dim our witness. Instead, like newborn infants, we are to crave the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word, growing in grace and becoming more like Christ each day.

Our identity is not just as individuals, but as living stones being built into a spiritual house. Jesus is the cornerstone—rejected by the world but chosen and precious to God—and we are being built upon Him. As a royal priesthood, we have direct access to God, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and obedience. This privilege is not for our own benefit alone, but so that we might proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

In a culture increasingly hostile to truth, the challenge is not to become combative or withdrawn, but to endure with hope, integrity, and love. The world may reject or even persecute those who stand for truth, but our hope is secure. We are God’s people, recipients of His mercy, and our calling is to live as such—bearing witness to the hope that is within us, no matter the cost.

Key Takeaways

1. Living Hope in the Midst of Suffering True hope is not anchored in changing circumstances, but in the unchanging character and promises of God. When faced with loss, opposition, or discouragement, fixing our eyes on the living hope of Christ enables us to endure and move forward. This hope is alive because Christ is alive, and it sustains us through every trial, reminding us that something far greater awaits beyond this life. [46:02]
2. The Call to Holiness in Community Holiness is both a gift and a calling. While God has made us positionally holy through Christ, we are also called to pursue practical holiness by putting away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. This transformation happens in the context of community, where we encourage one another and reflect God’s character together, not as perfect people, but as those being sanctified day by day. [48:11]
3. Spiritual Growth Requires Intentional Nourishment Just as infants crave milk to grow, believers must earnestly desire the pure spiritual nourishment of God’s Word. Growth in Christlikeness is not automatic; it requires a hunger for truth and a willingness to be shaped by it. As we feed on the Word, we mature in faith, becoming more dependent on God and more equipped to live out our calling. [57:21]
4. Our Identity as Living Stones and Royal Priests Believers are not isolated individuals, but living stones being built into a spiritual house with Christ as the cornerstone. As a royal priesthood, we have direct access to God and the privilege of offering spiritual sacrifices—praise, service, and obedience—that are acceptable through Jesus. This identity shapes how we approach God, how we serve others, and how we see ourselves in the world. [65:33]
5. Bearing Witness in a Hostile World The world may reject or even be hostile to the truth, but our calling is to proclaim the excellencies of God who called us out of darkness. This witness is not just in words, but in lives marked by integrity, love, and hope. Even when it costs us relationships, comfort, or security, we endure because our hope is in the Lord, and our ultimate citizenship is in His kingdom. [79:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:46] - The Power and Priority of Prayer
[44:27] - Grieving Loss and National Tragedy
[46:02] - Finding Hope Amid Discouragement
[47:13] - Peter’s Audience and the Reality of Opposition
[48:11] - The Holy Family of God
[49:46] - Adjusting Attitudes and Actions
[50:52] - Five Things to Put Away
[52:15] - Malice, Deceit, and Hypocrisy
[56:18] - Envy and Slander
[57:21] - Growing in Spiritual Maturity
[62:04] - Christ the Living Cornerstone
[65:33] - The Royal Priesthood and Spiritual Sacrifices
[69:59] - The Cornerstone: Faith and Rejection
[73:35] - Our New Identity and Mission
[76:12] - Proclaiming God’s Excellencies
[79:30] - Enduring with Hope in a Hostile World
[81:23] - Mercy, Identity, and the Call to Respond
[89:04] - Closing and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 2:1-12 (ESV) — 1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,
5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and
“A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 2:1, what are the five attitudes or behaviors that believers are told to put away?
In verses 4-5, what imagery does Peter use to describe the identity and purpose of believers?
What does Peter say is the purpose of being a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” in verse 9?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between being positionally holy and practically holy? ([48:11])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Peter compares believers to “living stones” being built into a spiritual house? What does this say about our connection to one another and to Christ? ([01:03:52])
The sermon mentions that holiness is not about perfection, but about being set apart for God. How does this understanding of holiness affect the way believers should live in community? ([48:11])
The pastor talks about “spiritual sacrifices” that believers offer as priests. What might these sacrifices look like in everyday life? ([01:07:51])
In a world that is often hostile to Christian truth, what does it mean to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”? ([01:16:12])

Application Questions

The sermon began by acknowledging the weight of national tragedy and personal loss. When you feel overwhelmed by discouragement or the brokenness of the world, what helps you to “lift your eyes” and remember your living hope in Christ? ([46:02])
Peter calls us to put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Which of these do you find most challenging to let go of, and what is one practical step you can take this week to address it? ([50:52])
The pastor said that spiritual growth requires intentional nourishment, like a baby craving milk. What is one way you can increase your hunger for God’s Word this week? Is there a specific time or method you want to try? ([57:21])
As “living stones” in God’s spiritual house, how are you currently serving or supporting others in the church? Is there a new way you feel called to contribute? ([01:03:52])
The sermon described believers as a “royal priesthood” with direct access to God. How does this truth impact your personal prayer life or the way you approach God? ([01:05:33])
In what ways have you experienced rejection or opposition because of your faith? How did you respond, and what would it look like to endure with hope, integrity, and love in those situations? ([01:19:30])
The pastor challenged the church to bear witness to God’s light, not just with words but with lives marked by integrity and love. Can you think of a specific relationship or situation where you need to be more intentional about reflecting Christ this week? ([01:16:12])

Sermon Clips

Holiness is where we belong, and it's what identifies us as a group. It identifies us as individuals that not only as God made it so that we can be positionally holy, but practically we're becoming more holy every day. Or as time goes, it's called sanctification, that we're being changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. [00:49:09] (25 seconds) #JourneyOfSanctification

You are chosen and precious. You are the ones. You are chosen. You are precious. You are special in the eyes of God. I hope you've come to that realization. When I preached about being created in the image of God, God, it makes you very special to God. But as his children, you're very, very precious to him. You are the chosen people of God. [01:03:31] (27 seconds) #ChosenAndPrecious

But this building is not the church. we are. Now, it's where we gather, and praise God for it. And we should still take care of it. But we're the building materials for the church. We're the blocks. We're the bricks. We're the cinder blocks. We're the mortar. We're the roof. We're the trusses. We're the floor joists. We're it. And the church that's being built is being built one believer at a time. [01:04:35] (31 seconds) #WeAreTheChurch

``And as priests, we get to go to God. We don't have to go to a priest. We don't have to have like a little confessional booth. You don't have to come to pastor's office. You don't have to have some time when, you know, we pray for you. Now, we should pray for each other. And the Bible tells us that. And then we should care for each other. And we should pray for the healing of other people. But here's the deal, Christian. You can go to God yourself. [01:05:33] (27 seconds) #DirectAccessToGod

When we come here, we're here to offer sacrifices of praise to God. Not like sit around and criticize every single song and, you know, the way the chairs are, and I can't stand Pastor Davis' shirt. Well, I got news for you. I hate it, too. Lisa picked it out for me. Fuchsia. I think that's what it is, fuchsia. Well, it's growing on me. I kind of like it. We come here to offer praises to God. That doesn't mean we never get anything or we never get fed. We ought to, of course, because that's what we're doing here. But we have come here to offer sacrifices to God. That's why we give them our time, our talents, why we help the kids at Iwana, why we volunteer, why we serve. It's why we sing, most of us, some of us. It's why we've taken the time out of our Sunday on a beautiful day like this so that we can sing praises to God. It's an act of sacrifice as a priest before God. It's a fabulous thing. [01:07:57] (73 seconds) #SacrificesOfPraise

We belong to the kingdom of God. We belong to the holy family of God. We're also a royal priesthood. The first time, it doesn't use royal, but this time is royal priesthood. Belonging to the king, the king's priesthood. A holy nation. Now it's as if we're a nation. Our citizenship belongs in heaven. We are a people for God's own possession. We belong to him. I am his, and he is mine. [01:14:33] (34 seconds) #RoyalPriesthoodIdentity

We're to show forth the praises or proclaim the excellencies of God who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. That's what we do as priests. We proclaim a message of truth. Listen, here's what God did for us. He took us out of darkness. He brought us into his glorious light. And as priests, we have the obligation to present truth to the world around us. Yes, words. Very powerful. [01:16:12] (30 seconds) #ProclaimGodsExcellencies

And I want to tell you that some of you are going to get trapped in a situation that's prolonged and excruciating. And we have a reason in the middle of those situations to have hope because we can look ahead. There's something far better ahead. It's glory. It's our eternal hope. [01:20:48] (21 seconds) #HopeBeyondSuffering

And Christian, I'm asking you to do this. Whether it's big things, societal things, or even if it's, well, my dog's sick or I'm behind in paying bills, whatever it is, we still have the living hope and we can get beyond it. We can endure during it, but we can endure because we have a living hope and my hope is in the Lord. And so that's what I'm asking you to do, to endure. Endure because of the work of God. [01:21:20] (34 seconds) #EndureWithLivingHope

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the significance of Jesus as the living stone?

How does faith influence our status as God's chosen people?

In what ways are believers called to proclaim God's truth?