Living Hope: Our Identity and Faith in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Our Hope Is in the Resurrection of Christ

Because Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, believers have a living hope that is not rooted in earthly power or personal goodness but in the unshakable promise of eternal life. This hope is not based on our own efforts or the strength of any institution, but on the historical reality of Christ’s resurrection, which has been witnessed, recorded, and trusted by countless people across centuries and cultures. No matter what trials or losses we face, our hope remains secure because it is anchored in what Jesus has accomplished and the inheritance He has promised to all who trust in Him. [43:21]

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: What is one area of your life where you have been tempted to place your hope in something other than Jesus’ resurrection? How can you intentionally shift your focus to the living hope you have in Christ today?

Day 2: Trials Are Temporary, Faith Is Precious

Whatever difficulties or trials you are facing today, remember that they are only for a season and will not last forever. The testing of your faith, though painful, is more valuable than gold because it refines and strengthens your trust in God. Even when you cannot see Jesus, you can love Him and rejoice with a joy that words cannot express, knowing that your faith is leading you toward the ultimate salvation of your soul. The things of this world may fade, but the faith you hold in Christ is of eternal worth. [46:05]

1 Peter 1:6-9 (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. 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, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

Reflection: Think of a current trial or difficulty you are facing. How might God be using this season to refine your faith and draw you closer to Him?

Day 3: Our Conduct Reflects Our Call

Believers are called to live holy lives, striving to put away what does not honor God and to pursue what makes us more like Jesus. Holiness is not about perfection but about a sincere desire to obey God, prepare our minds for action, and live in reverent awe of who He is. Our daily choices and behaviors are a reflection of the salvation we have received, and God calls us to be set apart, not blending in with the world but shining as those redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. [54:19]

1 Peter 1:14-16, 18-19 (ESV)
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.' ... knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your conduct or thought life where God is calling you to greater holiness? What step can you take today to respond in obedience?

Day 4: Love One Another Fervently

The distinguishing mark of a Christian community is fervent, genuine love for one another, welcoming and caring for all, especially those who are hurting or have been wounded. This love is not passive or selective but active and pure, reaching out to others with grace and acceptance, just as Christ has loved us. When we love each other deeply, we reflect the heart of Jesus and create a place where people can experience healing, belonging, and the reality of God’s family. [57:23]

1 Peter 1:22-23 (ESV)
"Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God."

Reflection: Who is someone in your church or community who needs to experience Christ’s love through you today? What is one practical way you can show them sincere, fervent love?

Day 5: The Enduring Power of God’s Word

The Word of God is living, enduring, and more valuable than anything this world can offer; it is the incorruptible seed that brings new life and secures our salvation forever. While everything else in life fades away, God’s Word remains, and through it, we are born again and sustained in our faith. Many people do not realize the treasure they possess in the gospel and the presence of Christ within them—let us not take for granted the eternal gift we have received, but give thanks and build our lives on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. [01:00:33]

1 Peter 1:23-25 (ESV)
"Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for 'All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.' And this word is the good news that was preached to you."

Reflection: How can you make space today to treasure and meditate on God’s Word, allowing its truth to shape your perspective and decisions?

Sermon Summary

First Peter was written to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, people who had been driven from their homes by persecution and were facing trials and uncertainty. Yet, the words Peter wrote to them are just as relevant for us today. Our hope is not in governments, armies, or even in our own strength, but in Jesus Christ and the inheritance He has secured for us. We are reminded that our identity is rooted in being chosen, sanctified, and loved by God—not because of anything we have done, but because of His grace and foreknowledge. God’s love is proven in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and He extends His hand to all who will receive Him.

Sanctification is a process, not a destination. None of us have arrived, and we all struggle to be obedient to Christ. The call is not to wait until we have everything figured out or our lives cleaned up before coming to Jesus, but to trust Him now, knowing that He is the one who makes us holy. Our hope is anchored in the resurrection of Christ. Because He lives, we have a living hope, an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and reserved in heaven for us. This hope is not based on our ability to keep ourselves, but on the power of God who keeps us through faith.

Trials are temporary, but faith is precious. The difficulties we face refine our faith, making it more valuable than gold. Even though we have not seen Jesus, we love Him, and our joy in Him is inexpressible. Salvation is a gift foretold by the prophets, proclaimed by preachers, and even longed for by angels, but it is given to us freely through Christ. Our conduct should reflect our calling; we are to prepare our minds for action, strive for holiness, and live in reverent awe of God. Holiness is not about perfection, but about becoming more like Jesus, putting off what does not belong and putting on what does.

Love for one another must be fervent and pure, welcoming all whom God brings into our fellowship. We are born again by the living and enduring word of God, a treasure more valuable than anything this world can offer. Many of us may not realize the immense worth of what we have in Christ, but it is more precious than gold or any earthly treasure. The invitation remains open: whoever will may come and receive the water of life freely.

Key Takeaways

1. Our Identity in Christ Is Rooted in God’s Initiative, Not Our Merit Being chosen, sanctified, and loved by God is not a result of our own goodness or effort, but of His grace and foreknowledge. God extends His hand to all, and it is our response to His invitation that brings us into the family of the elect. This truth should humble us and fill us with gratitude, knowing that our salvation is entirely a work of God’s love and mercy. [36:14]
2. Sanctification Is a Lifelong Process, Not a Prerequisite for Salvation We are all in the process of being made more like Jesus, and none of us have arrived. Waiting until we have our lives in order before coming to Christ is futile; it is only by trusting Him that we are made holy. The journey of sanctification is marked by daily obedience, honest confession, and a willingness to respond to the Spirit’s prompting, even when it means humbling ourselves before others. [38:52]
3. Our Hope Is Anchored in the Resurrection, Not in Earthly Security The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our living hope and the guarantee of an incorruptible inheritance. Earthly sources of security—governments, wealth, or even our own faithfulness—are unstable, but the power of God keeps us secure. This hope enables us to face trials with confidence, knowing that our future is safe in Christ. [43:21]
4. Trials Refine Our Faith, Making It More Precious Than Gold The difficulties and sufferings we endure are temporary, but they serve a greater purpose in refining and purifying our faith. Faith that has been tested is more valuable than any earthly treasure, and it produces a joy that is inexpressible. Even when we cannot see Jesus, our love for Him grows deeper through the fires of adversity, and our lives become a testimony to His sustaining grace. [46:05]
5. Holiness and Fervent Love Are the Marks of a Transformed Life God calls us to prepare our minds for action, to pursue holiness, and to love one another with a pure and fervent heart. Holiness is not about outward perfection, but about a sincere desire to become more like Christ, putting away what does not belong and embracing what does. Fervent love for others, especially those who are hurting or new to the faith, is a powerful witness to the reality of the gospel in our lives. [54:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:53] - Announcements and Service Opportunities
[30:33] - Introduction to First Peter
[31:43] - Historical Context: Scattered Believers
[32:19] - Purpose: Encouragement and Hope
[33:35] - Our Identity: Chosen, Sanctified, Loved
[34:53] - Our Inheritance and Unshakable Faith
[35:34] - Responding with Joy and Steadfastness
[36:14] - Chosen by God: Understanding Election
[38:09] - Sanctification: Becoming Like Jesus
[40:06] - Obedience and the Struggle to Submit
[41:22] - Hope in the Resurrection
[43:21] - The Living Hope and Our Inheritance
[46:05] - Trials, Faith, and Inexpressible Joy
[53:09] - Conduct Reflects Our Calling
[54:58] - Pursuing Holiness and Fervent Love
[59:54] - The Enduring Word and Security in Christ
[61:54] - The Value of What We Have in Christ
[63:15] - Invitation to Respond and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 1, what words does Peter use to describe the believers’ identity? (e.g., chosen, sanctified, loved)
What does Peter say about the inheritance that believers have in Christ? How is it described?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the purpose of trials and difficulties in the Christian life?
What does Peter command believers to do in response to God’s calling, according to verses 13-16?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says our identity in Christ is rooted in God’s initiative, not our merit. Why is it important to understand that being “chosen” is not about our own goodness? How does this affect the way we see ourselves and others?
The pastor describes sanctification as a process, not a destination. What does it look like to be “in process” as a Christian? How might this change the way we approach our struggles and failures?
The sermon emphasizes that our hope is anchored in the resurrection, not in earthly security. How does this living hope help believers face uncertainty or suffering?
Peter calls believers to “be holy as I am holy.” What does holiness mean in practical terms, according to the sermon?

Application Questions

The pastor said, “If you’re waiting on everything in your life to get right before you trust Jesus, you’re never going to trust him.” Are there areas in your life where you feel you need to “clean up” before coming to God? What would it look like to trust Him with those areas right now?
The sermon teaches that trials refine our faith and make it more precious than gold. Can you think of a recent trial or difficulty that has shaped your faith? How did you see God at work in that situation?
The pastor shared that “holiness is not about outward perfection, but about becoming more like Jesus, putting away what does not belong and embracing what does.” What is one specific habit or attitude you sense God calling you to “put off” or “put on” this week?
Peter calls us to love one another “with a pure heart, fervently.” Is there someone in your church or life who needs to experience that kind of love from you? What is one practical way you can show them love this week?
The sermon says many Christians “don’t realize the immense worth of what we have in Christ.” When was the last time you paused to thank God for your salvation? How can you remind yourself of its value daily?
The pastor mentioned that “our conduct reflects our calling.” Is there an area of your life where your actions don’t match your identity in Christ? What step could you take to bring your conduct more in line with your calling?
The invitation is open: “whoever will may come and receive the water of life freely.” Is there someone you know who needs to hear this invitation? How can you share the hope of Christ with them this week?

Sermon Clips

Peter is writing a letter to them this is called an epistle and it's and that's just that's just a fancy way of saying letter and it was to them but it's also to believers who are facing trials and difficulties today so this is a this is a book that is written to those who know Jesus Christ as their savior but there's great information in chapter one to help those who have not yet come to faith in Christ. [00:32:08]

The purpose is to encourage believers in their faith reminding them and us of the hope that we have in Jesus that's the reason we sang that song just now is because all my hope is in Jesus amen my hope is not you know and it's a terrible thing to say on this Sunday morning but my hope is not in the power of the US military i'm thankful for I'm thankful that we have a powerful milit military but my hope is not in Washington and my hope is not in Montgomery my hope is not in a county seat anywhere my hope is in a a land that's fairer than day and by faith we can see it afar and that's a place called heaven and it has a king whose name is Jesus so the purpose is so that we might be encouraged as believers because our hope is not and for those believers their hope was not in Rome and their hope was not in the church in Jerusalem the hope was in the heavenly home that they had been promised. [00:32:37]

The book of first Peter reminds us of three things number one it reminds us of who we are in Christ we are chosen we have been chosen by him the word elect is used and I'll try to explain some of that as we go along we're sanctified that's a religious word that means we have been made holy we're not holy look at us look at our past look at the things we think look at the things that we see look at the things that we say we can declare assuredly that we are not holy can't we but we have been declared and made holy by the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ you say "Well I don't understand that." Great join the crowd we don't either we just believe it because that's what the Bible says the Bible says that we have been made holy by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ so we are chosen we're sanctified and we're loved by God everybody who knows Jesus is loved by him. [00:33:35]

What we have who we are what we have that is we're sec we have a secure inheritance and an unshakable faith you know when Jesus said in John chapter 14 I'm going to go away and I'm going to I'm going to build a place for you and where I am there there I am you may be also that's an unshakable inheritance we have uh we have a a faith that's not going to be moved I mean uh you know if uh if something bad happens in your Trust Jesus because your hope should be in him so who we are what we have and then the third thing is this how we should respond to those things we ought to respond with joy and steadfast faith in our savior the lord Jesus Christ. [00:34:42]

God loves you and he wants you to be saved he loves you i mean how does you know that he loves you he proved his he proved his love towards us and that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us god sent his son to die for us to prove that he loves us now in order for you to be part of the elect listen to me carefully in in order for you to be part of the elect I'm going to just go over here and grab Jamie by the hand i'm going to Jesus one day extended his hand to as it were in my picture form extended his hand to Jamie and as long as Jaime did not receive it he was not part of the elect but when he received it bingo i know that's a Catholic word but as soon as he received it he became part of the elect he was cho You're glad to hear that amen he was and And now we understand he was chosen before the foundation of the world not because God goes around and says "I'm going to save you and I'm not going to save you and I'm certainly not going to save you." I mean he didn't he didn't he didn't do that he didn't do that he offered himself to the world for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved god's waiting on you god has already done all he's going to do he has stuck out his hand now it's time for you to respond and once you respond you look back and you say "My goodness I'm part of the elect god knew what I was going to do before he ever made the world you say "That's the way you understand chosen in Christ you were chosen before the foundation of the world because not because God picked you but because he knew how you would respond." [00:36:14]

If you're waiting on everything in your life to get right before you trust Jesus you're never going to trust him because you can't make it right you know I' I've I've been pastoring more than 40 years and I hear people say "Well I I'll turn over a new leaf." You know if you turn over a new leaf that's wonderful but it won't be long before that leaf gets dirty too and you're going to have to have not just turn over a new leaf you're going to have to find a new leaf and you know what the only way the only way to be saved is just to trust him he said "What i don't understand it all nobody does i don't understand it all but I want you to forgive me of my sins and I want you to be my savior." [00:39:22]

My hope is not my hope is not in me my hope is not me becoming a good person my hope is not in this church being elevated to a place where it uh where it shines in the world that's not my hope my hope is in the resurrection of Christ because he died and he was buried and he rose again then I have hope that's the only reason that any of us can have hope you know I have followed literally hundreds and maybe over a thousand coffins to the graveside somewhere through my years of ministry i've I've followed all sizes i followed little little bitty ones still born babies and I followed pretty good sizes oversized ones actually to the graveside do you know this their hope when they died was the Bible was true their hope because I was not there when Jesus rose from the dead i believe I believe the witnesses that saw it it's been recorded for us that's why we call it the holy scripture it's those that story has been recorded for us and there's more copies of those stories than any other story in all of human history it's been put into over 1600 languages there some some languages that have not been translated yet but in that story has been put in 1600 languages and people through the centuries and all around the world put their hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. [00:41:29]

Praise God for the past amen begotten us again by the living hope through Christ Jesus resurrection thank God for what he's done for us in the past and then there's a promise for the future an inheritance incorruptible undefiled and fading not away what an inheritance we have so we can praise God for the past we can trust him for the promises for the future and then we can thank him for the protection in the present kept by the power of God through faith. [00:43:53]

If you planning on getting saved and keeping yourself honey you got a wrong idea because just as soon as you get saved won't be long till the devil sits on your shoulder and runs you in the wrong direction you say "I don't like that i don't like it either what do I do?" Well if I confess my sins he's faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness first John chapter 1 verse number nine we are kept not by our goodness we're kept by his power our faith is being refined you know that nobody when you get saved nobody has a a nobody on earth really at this point has complete faith we have faith in Jesus. [00:44:28]

The first thing I want to share with you is that their trials are temporary whatever you're going through today it's just temporary it's not going to last forever it's just Even if you're close to even if you think you're close to death that trial is just going to be temporary it's all going to be better after a little while the trying of your faith. [00:46:14]

We all ought to hang an empty picture frame in our living room or in our bedroom somewhere having not seen Yet we love we love him because he first loved us how did he love us he loved us all the way to Calvary he loved us all the way to the nails he loved us all the way to the spear he loved us all the way to the beating he loved us all the way to the crown he loved us all the way father into thy hands I commit my spirit he loved us all. [00:47:44]

The faith that we possess in the Lord Jesus Christ is more precious than anything else on earth it's more valuable than having rare earth amen that the whole world is after these days then the third thing is our joy is inexpressable you know sometimes when I get to thinking about what Jesus has done for us and then thinking about what Jesus has done for me even when I'm preaching sometimes boy my eyes well up I don't know you know stuff starts running out of every hole in my head and uh you know I get to thinking I I cry about it but it's because you can't I can't express what Jesus has done for me i can't tell you how good he is i can't tell you how precious he is i can just It's inexpressable there's no way to even even imagine as a matter of fact the Bible declares that the things that God has prepared for those who love him the human mind cannot even comprehend it we can't even put it in this little P brain of ours. [00:48:57]

Our conduct reflects our call how we behave reflects how we believe watch this wherefore there's a good word gird up gird up the loins of your mind as obedient children not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust in your ignorance but as he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation because it is written "Be ye holy for I am holy." You were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ as a lamb without blemish and without spot our conduct reflects our call prepare our minds prepare your mind for actions that's what God wants us to do. [00:53:20]

We need to prepare our minds for action and we need to be holy in our behavior we don't you know Baptist don't talk about that much anymore we don't talk about we don't talk about living right and being right and doing right although that's what the Bible talks about bible talks a lot about it we don't talk about very much he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy what does that mean that means we ought to be striving to get rid of those things that ought not to be in our life and and striving to put those things that should be in our life in our life that's what holiness is holiness is becoming more like Jesus and we are everybody in here that knows Jesus is in the process somewhere. [00:55:08]

We need to uh to live in reverent fear of who God is we need to be afraid of God again you know we we u we've lived in a generation where we've just done away with with judgment we've done away with thinking that something good's going to happen to you you know when you know I can Can you imagine Noah standing at the door of the ark starting to rain doors not closed yet something good is going to happen to you today yeah they fix to die fixing to drown god is holy and he expects us to appreciate the salvation that he's given us and strive to put those things out of our lives that ought not be there we're redeemed with silver and gold not not with silver and gold but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ more value then. [00:55:57]

You know the thing that's that captures people when they come to Calvary it's the way you love one another it's the way you accept people when they come in doesn't regard you say "Well well you know why don't other churches do that?" Well I'm not afraid of people to start with and I don't want you to be afraid of people because people are those whom Jesus died for and everybody that comes in that door is a prospect for heaven don't miss that we continue to love one another fervently and those that God brings in these doors we need to show love and grace and appreciation can I say this i say this as humbly as I know how we are blessed with the number of people that come here seeking the Lord i mean even people who have gone to other churches they come in here and they're wounded they've been hurt by other churches and you just put your arms around them and you love them and you care for them and you show them that there's something better you show them that there's a a life that can be lived in harmony that Christians can live together without spitting on each other you know somebody said that that Christians are the are the the most terrible army in the world because we shoot our own wounded you know somebody gets somebody has some problem and so many so many other Christians start pointing out the difficulties look we know we all have difficulties you don't have to point them out we need to love people through the difficulties in life love one another fervently love with a pure heart and then we're born again by the word. [00:57:40]

Thank God that he's His grace is sufficient thank God that he can reach down to the vilest sinner and lift them up and save them and put their feet on the solid rock and establish their going thank God we're born again by the word not of corruptible seed in other words the seed that's been placed in our heart is not a dying seed but as verse one says it's a lively seed it's a living hope we're born again by the word and then the word endures forever. [00:59:35]

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