Living in Hope: Embracing Faith, Holiness, and Love
Summary
The message delivered focuses on the understanding of what is expected from believers in terms of their faith and conduct, as outlined in the first epistle of Peter. It begins with an exhortation to recognize the great mercy of God, which has allowed individuals to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This mercy is not something that is deserved, but rather a gift that has been given despite human unworthiness, much like the mercy Napoleon showed to a pleading mother's son.
Believers are reminded that they have received an imperishable inheritance, kept in heaven, which is undefiled and unfading. This inheritance is a promise that cannot be taken away by worldly means, as it is secured by the power of God. The future of those who have faith is secure, and their salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. This assurance is not based on human effort but on the steadfast promise of God, who does not break His word.
The trials and tribulations faced in life are not absent from the experience of believers. However, these trials serve a purpose: to test the genuineness of faith, which is more precious than gold. The trials are temporary and necessary, refining faith so that it may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The assurance that comes from enduring these trials is an inward one, providing believers with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, as they obtain the outcome of their faith—the salvation of their souls.
In terms of what is required from believers, there is a call to prepare minds for action and to be sober-minded, setting hope fully on the grace to be received at the revelation of Jesus Christ. This involves living a life of self-control and not conforming to former passions born out of ignorance. Instead, there is a call to live in holiness, as God is holy, and to conduct oneself with fear and reverence throughout one's time on earth.
Love is also a central requirement. Believers are called to love one another earnestly from a pure heart, having been purified by obedience to the truth. This love is a reflection of the forgiveness and acceptance that believers have received. The community of believers is encouraged to embrace and support one another, as they have been loved by Christ first.
Growth in faith is another expectation. Believers are likened to newborn infants who long for pure spiritual milk so that they may grow up into salvation. This growth involves a commitment to understanding and applying the word of God in daily life, choosing to engage with things that edify and build up rather than those that distract from the path of righteousness.
Finally, the reasoning behind these expectations is to praise God through confidence in what He has done and the promises of eternity. Believers are described as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to proclaim the excellencies of God. The transformation from not being a people to becoming God's people, from not receiving mercy to receiving it, should elicit a response of praise and a conduct that presents God to others.
Key Takeaways:
- The great mercy of God is foundational to the Christian faith, as it is the basis for the new birth into a living hope. This mercy is unmerited, reflecting the character of God who gives generously despite human unworthiness. The story of Napoleon's mercy illustrates the nature of divine mercy—it is given, not because it is deserved, but because of love and compassion. [01:00:09]
- Believers are called to a life of holiness, mirroring the holiness of God. This expectation is not just a call to moral purity but a transformative process that aligns one's entire being and actions with the divine nature. Holiness is not a static state but an active pursuit, requiring continuous growth and dedication to living out one's faith authentically. [01:06:28]
- The trials faced by believers serve a divine purpose, refining faith and character. Just as gold is tested by fire to prove its purity, so too are believers' faith tested through life's challenges. These trials are not meant to break but to strengthen and confirm the genuineness of faith, leading to spiritual maturity and readiness for the revelation of Jesus Christ. [01:03:11]
- Love is a non-negotiable aspect of the Christian life, deeply rooted in the experience of being forgiven and accepted by God. This love is to be expressed earnestly and purely towards others, creating a community that reflects the love of Christ. The ability to forgive and love others is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in one's life. [01:07:51]
- Spiritual growth is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort and desire. Believers are encouraged to crave spiritual nourishment, much like infants long for milk, to mature in their salvation. This growth is facilitated by engaging with God's word and allowing it to shape one's life, leading to a deeper understanding and experience of God's goodness. [01:10:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:3-9
2. 1 Peter 1:13-16
3. 1 Peter 2:1-3
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:3-5, what are the characteristics of the inheritance that believers receive?
2. How does 1 Peter 1:6-7 describe the purpose of trials in a believer's life?
3. What does 1 Peter 1:13 instruct believers to do in preparation for the revelation of Jesus Christ?
4. In 1 Peter 1:22, what is the result of purifying your soul by obedience to the truth?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "born again to a living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:3? How does this concept impact a believer's daily life? [58:36]
2. How can the trials and tribulations described in 1 Peter 1:6-7 refine a believer's faith? What might this refining process look like in practical terms? [01:03:11]
3. What does it mean to "prepare your minds for action" and to be "sober-minded" as stated in 1 Peter 1:13? How can believers practically apply this in their lives? [01:05:08]
4. How does the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:15-16 challenge believers to live differently from the world? What are some specific ways this holiness can be demonstrated? [01:06:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the great mercy of God, how can you show mercy to someone in your life who may not deserve it? Can you think of a specific situation where you can apply this principle? [01:00:09]
2. Considering the imperishable inheritance mentioned in 1 Peter 1:4, how does this assurance of a secure future influence your current priorities and decisions? [01:01:43]
3. Trials are described as refining faith. Can you identify a recent trial in your life? How did it test and potentially strengthen your faith? [01:03:11]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of love among believers. How can you demonstrate earnest and pure love to someone in your church community this week? [01:07:51]
5. Spiritual growth is likened to craving pure spiritual milk. What specific steps can you take to engage more deeply with God's word and grow in your faith this month? [01:10:37]
6. The call to holiness requires self-control and not conforming to former passions. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with self-control. What practical steps can you take to align this area with God's call to holiness? [01:05:46]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of living with the future in mind. How can you keep an eternal perspective in your daily activities and decisions? What changes might you need to make to live with this mindset? [01:06:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Unmerited Divine Mercy
God's mercy is a gift, unearned and freely bestowed upon us, reflecting His compassionate nature. This mercy is the cornerstone of faith, offering a new birth into hope and a relationship with the divine. It is not a reward for our actions but a testament to God's love, challenging us to accept and extend this mercy to others. [01:00:09]
Lamentations 3:22-23 - "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How does understanding God's unmerited mercy towards you influence the way you treat others who may not 'deserve' your forgiveness or kindness?
Day 2: Pursuing Holiness in All Aspects
Holiness is an active pursuit, a call to align our lives with God's purity and divine nature. It is a transformative journey that goes beyond moral correctness, shaping our thoughts, actions, and desires to reflect God's holiness. This pursuit is continuous, requiring dedication and a commitment to growth in faith. [01:06:28]
1 Peter 1:15-16 - "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.'"
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can pursue holiness in your daily life, and how can you measure your progress in this area?
Day 3: Refining Faith Through Trials
Trials serve to test and refine our faith, much like gold is purified by fire. These experiences, while challenging, are temporary and necessary for spiritual growth. They strengthen our character and prepare us for the revelation of Jesus Christ, confirming the genuineness of our faith. [01:03:11]
1 Peter 1:6-7 - "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: Can you identify a recent trial that has tested your faith, and how can you use this experience to strengthen your trust in God's promises?
Day 4: Cultivating Love from a Pure Heart
The love we share with others is a direct reflection of the forgiveness and acceptance we have received from God. It is a love that should be earnest and pure, creating a community that mirrors Christ's love. This love is transformative, enabling us to forgive and support one another as a testament to the gospel's power in our lives. [01:07:51]
1 Peter 1:22 - "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart."
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship where you struggle to show love. How can you apply the purity and earnestness of God's love to this relationship today?
Day 5: Nourishing Spiritual Growth Continuously
Spiritual growth is an intentional and ongoing process, akin to newborns craving milk. Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual nourishment through God's word, allowing it to shape and mature their faith. This growth leads to a deeper understanding and experience of God's goodness and prepares us for His service. [01:10:37]
1 Peter 2:2-3 - "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: What is one step you can take today to actively seek spiritual nourishment, and how can you incorporate this into your daily routine?
Quotes
1) "The height of our love for God will never exceed the depth of our love for one another, so we must learn how to love one another well." [01:09:57] (Download)
2) "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." [01:10:37] (Download)
3) "We praise him all the time for what he has done on our behalf and what he has promised us in eternity." [01:12:40] (Download)
4) "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." [01:13:24] (Download)
5) "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." [01:14:08] (Download)
6) "We don't live in fear and we don't live by the pressures of this world; we live by the commands of Christ, by the Holy Spirit leading and guiding." [01:05:46] (Download)
7) "Mercy is all I asked for, and mercy is what we have received, not something we deserved but something that was offered to us because of Christ's death." [01:00:09] (Download)
8) "You are being shaped to be Christlike, and God will allow circumstances to come into your life, but you can be assured those are indicators of his love for you." [01:04:27] (Download)
9) "We have received great mercy, an imperishable inheritance, a secure future, and an inward assurance through the promises of God." [01:03:11] (Download)
10) "Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart." [01:07:51] (Download)
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