Living Hope: Enduring Trials with Faith in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Holding on to Hope in a Hostile World

In a world that often feels increasingly hostile, especially towards Christians, it can be challenging to maintain faith and hope. This experience is not new; early Christians faced severe persecution and hostility. The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, encourages believers to hold on to a living hope rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not just for the future but sustains us in our present trials. It is a confident expectation that God’s promises will be fulfilled, providing us with the strength to endure and the assurance that our future is secure in His hands. [01:42]

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 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."

Reflection: Think of a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can you actively hold on to the hope in Jesus Christ during this time?

Day 2: The Certainty of Hope in Christ

Hope in Christ is not mere wishful thinking or a positive mental attitude. It is a confident expectation rooted in the resurrection and promises of God. This hope acts like a rope that holds us, providing certainty and peace even in the most challenging times. It assures us that our future is secure in His nail-scarred hands. This kind of hope is transformative, giving us the strength to face each day with confidence and peace, knowing that God is in control. [05:16]

Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain or anxious. How did the hope in Christ provide you with peace and assurance during that period?

Day 3: Transformation Through Grace

Peter's life exemplifies the transformative power of Jesus. From a simple fisherman to a bold apostle, Peter's journey was marked by failures and restoration. He denied Jesus three times, yet he was restored by Christ and became a pivotal leader in the early church. This transformation is available to all who confess Jesus as Lord. No matter how far we fall, God's grace is sufficient to restore us. This message of hope and grace is a renewable resource, fresh and available every day, offering us the strength to endure and the promise of eternal life. [16:57]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you have experienced failure. How can you invite God's grace into that area for restoration and transformation?

Day 4: Strength in Suffering

Suffering is a recurring theme in Peter's letter. He encourages believers to endure trials with the knowledge that they are temporary and serve to strengthen our faith. Just as Peter leaned on God's promises during his trials, we too can find strength and hope in God's grace, which is new every morning. This perspective allows us to see suffering not as a permanent state but as a process that refines and strengthens our faith, drawing us closer to God. [14:04]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think about a recent trial you have faced. How did it impact your faith, and how can you see God’s hand in strengthening you through it?

Day 5: Grace and Peace Multiplied

The promise of multiplied grace and peace is central to Peter's message. This grace is the unmerited favor of God, and peace is the assurance that comes from knowing Christ. Together, they provide a foundation for living a triumphant and hopeful life, even in the face of adversity. This multiplied grace and peace are not just for our benefit but are meant to be shared with others, spreading the hope and love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. [30:27]

2 Peter 1:2-3 (ESV): "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."

Reflection: How can you actively seek to experience and share God’s grace and peace in your daily interactions with others?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's world, we are increasingly aware of the hostility, violence, and suffering around us. This intensifying struggle, especially for Christians, mirrors the experiences of early believers scattered across the Roman Empire. The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, addresses these challenges by offering a message of hope. This hope is not mere wishful thinking but a living hope rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter's letter, written during a time of severe persecution, encourages believers to stand firm in their faith despite the trials they face.

Peter's message is particularly relevant today as we navigate a secularized world. He provides guidance on living a godly life amidst godlessness, emphasizing themes such as new birth, salvation, redemption, and the second coming of Christ. He also addresses practical aspects of Christian living, including marriage, relationships with co-workers, and dealing with anxiety. Peter's own life, marked by transformation from a simple fisherman to a bold apostle, serves as a powerful testament to the grace and mercy of God.

Peter's journey was not without failure. He denied Jesus three times, yet he was restored by Christ and became a pivotal leader in the early church. This restoration underscores the message of hope and grace available to all believers. No matter how far we may feel we have fallen, God's grace is sufficient to restore us. This living hope is a renewable resource, fresh and available every day, offering us the strength to endure and the promise of eternal life.

As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of this grace and hope. The bread and the cup symbolize the body and blood of Christ, given for our redemption. This act of remembrance reinforces our faith and commitment to live in the hope that Jesus provides. Whether you are new to the faith or seeking renewal, this message of hope is for you. Embrace it, live it, and share it with others.

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Key Takeaways

1. scarred hands. [05:16]
3. Peter's Transformation: Peter's life exemplifies the transformative power of Jesus. From a simple fisherman to a bold apostle, Peter's journey was marked by failures and restoration. His story reminds us that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is sufficient to restore us. This transformation is available to all who confess Jesus as Lord.

4. Enduring Suffering: Suffering is a recurring theme in Peter's letter. He encourages believers to endure trials with the knowledge that they are temporary and serve to strengthen our faith. Just as Peter leaned on God's promises during his trials, we too can find strength and hope in God's grace, which is new every morning.

5. Grace and Peace Multiplied: The promise of multiplied grace and peace is central to Peter's message. This grace is the unmerited favor of God, and peace is the assurance that comes from knowing Christ. Together, they provide a foundation for living a triumphant and hopeful life, even in the face of adversity.

### [05:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:42] - Living in a Hostile World
[02:48] - Introduction to 1 Peter
[03:43] - The Promise of Living Hope
[05:16] - The Nature of Hope
[06:02] - Topics in 1 Peter
[07:04] - Christian Citizenship and Relationships
[07:59] - Audience of 1 Peter
[08:34] - Personal Reflections on Homesickness
[10:42] - Homesick for Heaven
[11:34] - Suffering and Persecution
[12:25] - Themes of Suffering in 1 Peter
[14:04] - Enduring Trials
[15:12] - Preaching to Hurting People
[16:57] - Peter's Transformation
[18:35] - Peter's Journey with Jesus
[20:13] - Peter's Confession of Christ
[21:47] - Peter's Denial and Restoration
[25:21] - The Aspiration of Hope
[28:32] - Renewed Hope and Grace
[30:27] - Grace and Peace Multiplied
[32:09] - The Power of the Cross
[34:01] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[38:40] - Communion Prayer
[40:40] - The Bread and the Cup
[41:57] - Invitation to Respond
[45:34] - Encouragement to New Believers
[46:16] - Life Groups and Fellowship
[47:07] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Peter mean by "living hope" in 1 Peter 1:1-2? How is this hope described in the sermon? [02:48]
How does Peter address the theme of suffering in 1 Peter 1:6? What examples of suffering are mentioned in the sermon? [12:25]
According to 1 Peter 5:10, what does God promise to do after believers have suffered for a little while? How does this relate to Peter's own experiences as discussed in the sermon? [14:04]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of "living hope" in 1 Peter 1:1-2 provide a foundation for enduring trials and suffering? [05:16]
In what ways does Peter's transformation from a simple fisherman to a bold apostle illustrate the power of God's grace and mercy? [16:57]
How can the promise of "grace and peace multiplied" in 1 Peter 1:2 be a source of strength for believers facing hostility and persecution today? [30:27]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt the world was hostile towards your faith. How did you respond, and how can Peter's message of living hope help you in similar situations in the future? [01:42]
Peter's life was marked by both failure and restoration. Have you experienced a moment of failure in your faith journey? How did you find restoration, and what steps can you take to embrace God's grace more fully? [23:27]
Suffering is a recurring theme in Peter's letter. How do you currently handle suffering or trials in your life? What practical steps can you take to lean on God's promises during these times? [12:25]
The sermon mentioned various aspects of Christian living, such as dealing with anxiety and maintaining godly relationships. Identify one area in your life where you struggle. What specific actions can you take to align this area with Peter's teachings? [07:04]
During the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of Christ's sacrifice and the hope it brings. How can you make this act of remembrance a more meaningful part of your spiritual life? What changes can you implement to live out this hope daily? [38:40]
Peter's story shows that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is sufficient to restore us. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear this message of hope and restoration? How can you share it with them this week? [27:07]
The sermon emphasized the importance of community and fellowship. How can you become more involved in your church community to support and be supported by fellow believers? [46:16]

Sermon Clips

1. "We know we are living in a hostile world, a world filled with so much hate and violence, so much pain and so much suffering, and perhaps in our generation at least, we are feeling it more and more, to the degree that we're praying that prayer that we just sang, even so come Lord Jesus. Because we are looking forward to the coming of Christ, this is in the scripture called the blessed hope, when Christ returns. Jesus promised that he would come and get us at just the right time and take us home." [01:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Hope is not wishful thinking or a positive mental attitude. I like positive thinking. I like having a positive mental attitude. But hope is much, much more. Hope is the resurrection. Hope is the horizon that we just sang about. Hope is the promises of God. Hope is what holds on to us. Hope is a rope that we gain the presence and the power of His peace. It is confidence. It is certainty. I say it is the knowledge of knowing that our future is in His nail-scarred hands. Hope. Not only do you have hope, but hope has you." [06:02] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We're going to be talking about how to live a godly life in a godless world, how to live a holy life in an unholy world. We're going to talk about God's Word, the Bible, the Jesus book, and how this book is like milk to us to help us grow in our faith stronger. We're going to be talking about our position in Christ, the priesthood of the believer, how we have total access to God through our Lord Jesus Christ." [07:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We're homesick for heaven. Why? Because this world is not our home. There's an old gospel song like that. This world is not my home, I'm just passing through. And so we are living like exiles, like pilgrims. All around the world, scattered around the world. And yet, if you're a Christian and the longer you're here, the more homesick for heaven you get. And you're ready for the coming of the Lord. You're, you're really not just saying it or singing it, you're praying it like John, it's the last prayer of the Bible. Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come." [10:42] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Have you ever felt alienated? Have you ever felt isolated? Have you ever felt distanced from people? You can feel alone in a crowd like this. You may feel like that nobody is there for you. One of the themes that you will see again and again is the seed of the scattered saints are suffering. First Peter wanted them to know that it was tough, but it was going to get tougher. Nero was the emperor of Rome, and it was just getting started. The fires of persecution were just beginning to ignite." [11:34] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Someone told me years ago when I started preaching always preach to hurting people because you'll always have an audience because so many people are hurting but how can we talk about first Peter without talking about the author himself the apostle of hope he speaks to us today I'm looking forward to meeting Simon Peter and so many of us love him because he's so like us he's so human but something happened in his life that totally turned his life around he was living a basically good life as a fisherman he had a nice career he had a family he was married and he lived on a beautiful at a beautiful place one of the most beautiful lake seas in the world is the Sea of Galilee he lived on the northern shore and fished there for a living he had a brother Andrew and a lot of good friends he had a sailor's mouth we know that because that shows up later but he's living a good life and he could have lived and died but he's living a good life and he could have lived and died but he's living a good life and of course we would have never heard of it except one day Jesus showed up carpenter from Galilee and he looked at Peter and the other fishermen that were there as he was choosing his disciples and he said to Simon Peter follow me and I'll make you a fisher of men your life can matter more than this again he was living a good life an ordinary life if you will but God" [16:57] (117 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Do you realize how much potential Christ sees in you? He looks at you and he doesn't see a loser, a loud mouth like Simon Peter. He sees someone loved. so his blood, purchases us. We are blood-bought and we are heaven-bound. That is hope. May grace and peace be multiplied to you. And so we come to this table today, experiencing that grace and that hope. Jeremiah 29 11 says, I know the plans I have for you, plans not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope. Simon Peter at one point thought he was done. His future, was over. But it was just beginning because of hope in Jesus." [32:09] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The message of the Bible is that there is good news that you can begin again. You can get multiple do-overs in your life. Now we all have regrets we don't, we wish we didn't have. This is not to celebrate our sin or our past. But the fact is that we have regrets. We have regrets. The fact is there are mulligans of mercy available to us. You know what a mulligan is? Yeah, I know a lot of you know what a mulligan is on the golf course. It's that do-over. Aren't you glad that we have a God of the do-over? Because of what Christ has done." [30:27] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Grace, the unmerited favor and faithfulness of God, the steadfast love of God in our lives, the hope that never lets us go. Peace, that thing that you cannot explain when you're hurting in ways you cannot even imagine. When you cannot even breathe, there is a peace that you can't explain because you know Christ and Christ knows you. And it's multiplied, more and more grace, more and more peace. And we are restored. You know, you can hide your sin, you can cover your sin, or your sin can be cleansed the power of the cross and of his blood." [32:09] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "You can live in triumphant faith and hope. Come. God bless you, young man. on. Declare your faith. Confess Christ as your Savior and Lord right now. God bless you right over here. And upstairs. Right there. we celebrate. Lord, thank you for these. we welcome each of you who have come forward. And others of you online, welcome to the family of God. For some of you, welcome to the church, Prestonwood Church. Glad that you made that decision for Christ today." [44:15] (79 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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