Identifying with Christ: Hope and Eternal Inheritance
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound benefits of identifying our lives with Christ, focusing on 1 Peter 1:3-5. We began by celebrating the progress of our building campaign and the importance of prayer and giving towards this project. We also took a moment to pray for Joe Loving, a beloved member of our community who recently suffered a stroke.
Our primary focus was on the two significant benefits of identifying with Christ: a living hope and an eternal inheritance. We explored how being born again through God's great mercy grants us a living hope, a confident expectation of future blessings based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not just a wish but a secure promise that sustains us through trials, confirmed by the Holy Spirit, and defends us against Satan's attacks.
We also discussed the inheritance that comes with our identity in Christ. This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven for us. Unlike earthly inheritances that can be altered or lost, our spiritual inheritance is secure and eternal.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of living out this hope in our daily lives, listening with empathy and compassion, sharing our testimonies, and thinking eternally. These actions not only strengthen our faith but also serve as a beacon of hope to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living Hope Through Christ: Our living hope is a confident expectation of future blessings based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not a mere wish but a secure promise that sustains us through life's trials and is confirmed by the Holy Spirit. It defends us against Satan's attacks and produces joy even in difficult circumstances. [39:22]
2. Eternal Inheritance: Our inheritance in Christ is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven for us. Unlike earthly inheritances that can be altered or lost, our spiritual inheritance is secure and eternal. This inheritance is a gift of grace, not something we earn, and it reflects God's unwavering commitment to us. [48:18]
3. Empathy and Compassion: When engaging with others, it's crucial to listen with empathy and compassion. Many people just need to be heard by someone who cares. This approach opens the door for meaningful conversations and allows us to share the hope we have in Christ without judgment. [56:58]
4. Testifying to God's Work: Sharing our personal experiences of how Christ has given us hope can be incredibly powerful. Testimonies of God's faithfulness and intervention in our lives serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, reinforcing the reality of our living hope. [58:25]
5. Thinking Eternally: As believers, our eternity has already begun. Focusing on eternal perspectives helps us navigate the temporary struggles of this life with hope and assurance. This mindset encourages us to live out our faith actively and introduce others to the hope we have in Christ. [59:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:22] - Building Campaign Update
[28:59] - Encouragement to Pray and Give
[29:32] - Rising Building Costs
[29:59] - Committee Strategies
[30:31] - Prayer for Joe Loving
[31:08] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-5
[32:16] - Benefits of Identifying with Christ
[33:12] - Praise and Honor to God
[34:19] - Understanding Our Relationship with God
[36:07] - Born Again Through God's Mercy
[39:22] - Living Hope Explained
[48:18] - Eternal Inheritance
[55:18] - Life Points and Application
[01:06:52] - Welcome New Members
[01:08:10] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
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.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two significant benefits of identifying with Christ mentioned in 1 Peter 1:3-5?
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of our inheritance in Christ? [48:18]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in confirming our living hope? [42:52]
4. What actions did the pastor suggest we take to live out our hope in daily life? [55:18]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of a "living hope" differ from the common understanding of hope in everyday language? [40:44]
2. Why is it important to understand that our inheritance in Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading? [49:03]
3. How can listening with empathy and compassion open doors for meaningful conversations about faith? [56:58]
4. What does it mean to think eternally, and how can this perspective help us navigate life's temporary struggles? [59:11]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did your living hope in Christ sustain you during that time? If it didn’t, what could you do differently next time? [42:52]
2. Identify a person in your life who needs to experience empathy and compassion. How can you intentionally listen to them this week without judgment? [56:58]
3. Share a personal testimony of how God has worked in your life. How can you use this testimony to encourage someone else in their faith journey? [58:25]
4. Think about your daily routine. What specific changes can you make to focus more on eternal perspectives rather than temporary concerns? [59:11]
5. How can you actively participate in your church's building campaign or other community projects to reflect your living hope in Christ? [28:59]
6. Consider the inheritance you have in Christ. How does this knowledge impact your decisions and actions in your daily life? [48:18]
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains strong and vibrant, even during challenging times? [55:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Living Hope Through Christ
Our living hope is a confident expectation of future blessings based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not a mere wish but a secure promise that sustains us through life's trials and is confirmed by the Holy Spirit. It defends us against Satan's attacks and produces joy even in difficult circumstances. This living hope is a gift of God's great mercy, and it transforms our perspective on life, giving us strength and courage to face whatever comes our way.
As believers, we are called to live out this hope daily. It is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should influence our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. When we embrace this living hope, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. This hope also empowers us to be a source of encouragement and support to those around us, pointing them to the same hope we have found in Jesus. [39:22]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (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."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or challenge you have faced. How did your living hope in Christ sustain you during that time? How can you share this hope with someone who is currently struggling?
Day 2: Eternal Inheritance
Our inheritance in Christ is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and kept in heaven for us. Unlike earthly inheritances that can be altered or lost, our spiritual inheritance is secure and eternal. This inheritance is a gift of grace, not something we earn, and it reflects God's unwavering commitment to us. It is a promise that we can hold onto, knowing that our future is secure in God's hands.
This eternal inheritance should shape our perspective on life. It reminds us that our true home is not in this world but in heaven, where we will experience the fullness of God's presence and blessings. This perspective helps us to prioritize what truly matters and to live in a way that honors God. It also gives us the courage to face life's uncertainties, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure. [48:18]
1 Peter 1:4-5 (ESV): "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: Reflect on the concept of an eternal inheritance. How does this promise influence your daily decisions and priorities? What steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective today?
Day 3: Empathy and Compassion
When engaging with others, it's crucial to listen with empathy and compassion. Many people just need to be heard by someone who cares. This approach opens the door for meaningful conversations and allows us to share the hope we have in Christ without judgment. By listening with empathy, we demonstrate the love of Christ and create opportunities for deeper connections and understanding.
Empathy and compassion are essential in our interactions with others. They help us to see people as God sees them and to respond with kindness and grace. When we listen with empathy, we validate the experiences and feelings of others, making them feel valued and understood. This can be a powerful witness to the love of Christ and can open the door for sharing the gospel in a meaningful way. [56:58]
James 1:19-20 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where you had the opportunity to listen with empathy and compassion. How did it impact the other person? How can you make a habit of listening with empathy in your daily interactions?
Day 4: Testifying to God's Work
Sharing our personal experiences of how Christ has given us hope can be incredibly powerful. Testimonies of God's faithfulness and intervention in our lives serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, reinforcing the reality of our living hope. When we share our stories, we provide tangible evidence of God's work in our lives and invite others to experience the same hope and transformation.
Testimonies are a vital part of our faith journey. They remind us of God's goodness and faithfulness and encourage others to trust in Him. By sharing our stories, we build a sense of community and support, helping others to see that they are not alone in their struggles. Our testimonies can also be a powerful tool for evangelism, as they demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in a personal and relatable way. [58:25]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?
Day 5: Thinking Eternally
As believers, our eternity has already begun. Focusing on eternal perspectives helps us navigate the temporary struggles of this life with hope and assurance. This mindset encourages us to live out our faith actively and introduce others to the hope we have in Christ. By thinking eternally, we can prioritize what truly matters and invest our time and resources in things that have lasting significance.
Thinking eternally means recognizing that our time on earth is temporary and that our true home is in heaven. This perspective helps us to live with purpose and intentionality, making choices that align with God's will and reflect His values. It also gives us the strength to endure hardships, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. By keeping our eyes on eternity, we can live with hope and joy, even in the midst of challenges. [59:11]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you are focused on temporary concerns. How can you shift your perspective to think eternally? What practical steps can you take to invest in things that have lasting significance?
Quotes
1. "We've been talking about our identity, finding my identity in Christ. And today we're going to be focused primarily on two particular things, the benefits of identity, two particular benefits of identity. What are the benefits that come from identifying my life with God? For surrendering my will and placing my faith and trust and my hope and my direction in Christ. What are the benefits from that?" [31:45] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Understand that when we came into this world, we came as needy people. We came as people that had nothing to offer of any lasting value. We came into this world in need of a Savior. Because Scripture tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 1 says it this way, and you were dead in trespasses and sins. And you were dead in the trespasses and sins. That means that we are dead men walking, literally, until something happens to change that." [36:07] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Christ that changes our trajectory for eternity is also our hope for today. You can't find hope in this world. You can't find hope in any circumstance. The only true hope in this world is in Christ. And we can experience that living hope now. Now, when we talk about what hope means, back in December, we often do the Advent wreath. And one of those Sundays we will talk about, we will light the hope candle. And we always speak about how hope, as we understand it in the world, is different than the biblical true understanding of what hope really is." [39:22] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Living hope is also a gift of grace. We don't deserve it. It is a gift that God has given us, that hope that comes within us is a gift of grace. It's also secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is what made it all become a reality. When Jesus left that grave, that opened the door for us to have eternal life with him. That opened the door for us to have this living hope. Without the resurrection, we are still dead men walking, trying to prove ourselves by our works, which we cannot do. So the resurrection, the resurrection of Christ secures that living hope." [41:26] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Living hope is sufficient to meet you in the crisis and walk with you through it. Living hope isn't always going to take you around it, but it will walk you through it. So the first benefit of being identified with Christ is that living hope. Let me get to the second one. He also says here, go back to the text, has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance, an inheritance. We've been gifted. We've been gifted with an inheritance." [48:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "An inheritance is not something that you fill out an application for. An inheritance is something that generally comes to you because of your either family relationship with someone or because of your connection with them in some way or it is a cause that someone who has set this up feels particularly partial to. It is a gift that is designated by, by the giver. An inheritance. So the one who is the possessor of the inheritance can bequeath it, can donate it, can give it to whoever they choose to." [49:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So let me make sure that I put the bottom of the sandwich on. The bottom of the sandwich tells us that in the meantime, until we go home, we are guarded through faith by God's power. We are guarded through faith by God's power. Trusting. His power is sufficient. All we've got to do is just allow it to be there. Put it on. We are guarded by faith through faith by God's power. Understand this. We say now, if you're a Christian, you say, I got saved at a certain point. I am saved. And there's nothing wrong with saying that." [54:26] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Think eternally. If you know Christ, your eternity has already begun. Your trajectory is set. And so the rest of the time that we are here, should be spent living out that living hope and help introducing others to that. So we need to focus on everything in this life here is temporary. The tension in our country, in our world, is temporary. That struggle that you have to meet that obligation, that's temporary. Your health concern, even if it is quote unquote terminal, is still temporary if you know Christ." [59:11] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "For some of you, this was a reminder that I know Jesus, but I haven't been walking in that living hope. And it was a reminder to you to reset, to reengage. For others of you, it was a great reminder to hear that you have an inheritance. It's already taken care of. It cannot be taken away. For others of you, these life points challenged you and said, you know what? I need to let that hope come through me." [01:01:53] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "For others of you, it may be a situation where you have realized today that you never really trusted Jesus and established that relationship with him. That's the most important thing. If you've never done that, we want to get that right. And I would love to visit with you about that, whether it's here at the altar or whether it is at a time after the service or some other time we'll talk." [01:02:22] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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