Living with Lively Hope in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound hope that we have in Jesus Christ, a hope that transcends the trials and tribulations of this world. This hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a lively and eternal assurance rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As believers, we have been transplanted from the heritage of Adam into the spiritual heritage of Jesus, moving from a life dominated by the flesh to one led by the Spirit. This transformation calls us to live with a heavenly perspective, recognizing that our true home is not of this world but in the eternal kingdom of God.
The early church faced severe persecution, much like some believers around the world today. Yet, they held onto the hope of Christ's return, whether through death or the rapture. This hope is a reminder that despite the physical and emotional challenges we face, we are destined for a new, incorruptible body and an eternal inheritance in heaven. Our faith in Jesus' resurrection assures us that we will live forever, and this should fill us with joy and anticipation.
We are encouraged to shift our focus from the temporary struggles of this life to the eternal promises of God. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by the cares of this world, we must remember that we are not alone; we have a lively hope in Christ. This hope empowers us to face unexpected challenges with faith and resilience, knowing that God is in control and that He is working all things for our good.
Moreover, we are reminded to surround ourselves with people who are alive in Christ, who encourage and uplift us. Negative influences can drag us down, but being in the company of those who share our lively hope can strengthen our faith and keep us focused on our heavenly inheritance. As we journey through life, let us hold onto this hope, knowing that God will never fail us and that our reservation in heaven is secure.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transplanted Heritage: As believers, we have been moved from Adam's heritage to the spiritual heritage of Jesus Christ. This transformation calls us to live with a heavenly perspective, focusing on our spiritual identity rather than our fleshly desires. [03:30]
2. Eternal Inheritance: Our hope in Christ assures us of an incorruptible inheritance in heaven. Unlike earthly possessions that fade away, our heavenly inheritance is eternal and secure, providing us with lasting joy and peace. [15:14]
3. Facing Unexpected Challenges: We must be prepared for the unexpected, trusting in God's sovereignty and the lively hope we have in Him. This hope empowers us to face life's uncertainties with faith and resilience. [11:20]
4. Surrounding Ourselves with Life: It's crucial to be around people who are alive in Christ, who encourage and uplift us. Negative influences can hinder our spiritual growth, but positive, faith-filled relationships can strengthen our hope. [27:32]
5. Living with a Lively Hope: Our lively hope in Christ is a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that God is in control and that our reservation in heaven is secure. This hope should inspire us to live with joy and anticipation of our eternal future. [19:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:30] - Transplanted Heritage
[05:08] - Living in the Spirit
[07:09] - Embracing Hope
[08:36] - Strong Personalities in Christ
[09:55] - The Great Eye-Opening
[11:20] - Facing Unexpected Challenges
[12:46] - Hope in God
[15:14] - Eternal Inheritance
[16:34] - Heaven Will Never Fade
[17:47] - Judging Others
[19:09] - Reserved in Heaven
[20:24] - Living with Joy
[23:09] - Salvation in Process
[24:33] - Planning with God
[26:31] - God Will Never Fail You
[27:32] - Surrounding Ourselves with Life
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:3-5 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "transplanted from Adam's heritage to the heritage of Jesus Christ"? How is this concept explained in the sermon? [03:30]
2. How does the sermon describe the early church's experience with persecution, and what hope did they hold onto during these times? [05:08]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of having a "lively hope" in Jesus Christ? [07:09]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how we can become too focused on our fleshly desires? [09:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of a "lively hope" influence a believer's perspective on life's challenges and uncertainties? [11:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that surrounding ourselves with people who are "alive in Christ" can impact our spiritual journey? [27:32]
3. How does the promise of an "incorruptible inheritance" in heaven provide comfort and motivation for believers facing trials? [15:14]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between faith and the power of God in sustaining our hope? [23:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your hope in Christ influence your response to that situation? [11:20]
2. Identify a person in your life who encourages your faith. How can you spend more time with them to strengthen your spiritual journey? [27:32]
3. What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from temporary struggles to the eternal promises of God this week? [19:09]
4. Consider the people you spend the most time with. Are they uplifting your faith or dragging you down? What changes might you need to make in your relationships? [27:32]
5. How can you remind yourself daily of your "reservation in heaven" and the lively hope you have in Christ? [19:09]
6. Think about a time when you were overwhelmed by life's cares. How can you better rely on God's sovereignty and the hope you have in Him during such times? [11:20]
7. What specific steps can you take to live with a heavenly perspective, focusing on your spiritual identity rather than fleshly desires? [03:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Transplanted Heritage: Embracing Our New Identity
As believers, we have been transplanted from the heritage of Adam into the spiritual heritage of Jesus Christ. This transformation is not merely a change in status but a profound shift in identity. We are called to live with a heavenly perspective, focusing on our spiritual identity rather than our fleshly desires. This means recognizing that our true home is not of this world but in the eternal kingdom of God. Our lives should reflect this new identity, as we are led by the Spirit and not by the desires of the flesh. This heavenly perspective empowers us to live with purpose and direction, knowing that our lives are part of a greater divine plan. [03:30]
1 Corinthians 15:49-50 (ESV): "Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively embrace your new identity in Christ today, focusing on your spiritual heritage rather than worldly desires?
Day 2: Eternal Inheritance: Our Secure Future in Christ
Our hope in Christ assures us of an incorruptible inheritance in heaven. Unlike earthly possessions that fade away, our heavenly inheritance is eternal and secure, providing us with lasting joy and peace. This assurance is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which guarantees our eternal life. As we navigate the challenges of this world, we can find comfort in knowing that our future is secure in Christ. This eternal perspective should fill us with joy and anticipation, as we look forward to the day when we will receive our full inheritance in heaven. [15:14]
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: How does the assurance of an eternal inheritance in Christ change the way you view your current circumstances and possessions?
Day 3: Facing Unexpected Challenges: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Life is full of unexpected challenges, but as believers, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and the lively hope we have in Him. This hope empowers us to face life's uncertainties with faith and resilience, knowing that God is in control and that He is working all things for our good. When we find ourselves overwhelmed by the cares of this world, we must remember that we are not alone; we have a lively hope in Christ. This hope is not just a feeling but a confident assurance that God is with us, guiding us through every trial and tribulation. [11:20]
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: What is one unexpected challenge you are currently facing, and how can you actively trust in God's sovereignty and hope in Him to navigate it?
Day 4: Surrounding Ourselves with Life: Building Faith-Filled Relationships
It's crucial to be around people who are alive in Christ, who encourage and uplift us. Negative influences can hinder our spiritual growth, but positive, faith-filled relationships can strengthen our hope. As we journey through life, we are reminded to surround ourselves with those who share our lively hope in Christ. These relationships can provide support, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to stay focused on our heavenly inheritance. By building a community of believers, we can grow together in faith and be a source of strength for one another. [27:32]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that encourage and uplift you in your faith? How can you intentionally invest in these relationships this week?
Day 5: Living with a Lively Hope: Anticipating Our Eternal Future
Our lively hope in Christ is a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that God is in control and that our reservation in heaven is secure. This hope should inspire us to live with joy and anticipation of our eternal future. As we face the trials and tribulations of this world, we can find comfort in knowing that our future is secure in Christ. This lively hope is not just a passive expectation but an active anticipation of the day when we will be united with Christ in heaven. It calls us to live with purpose and joy, knowing that our lives are part of a greater divine plan. [19:09]
Titus 2:11-13 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a lively hope in your daily life, living with joy and anticipation of your eternal future with Christ?
Quotes
"You serve Jesus Christ and this is where this writing is coming from and he's trying to give reassurance to those people that you have a hope that is in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All of us that have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, we have a hope. I have a hope. I have a hope he's coming for me one day through death or through the rapture of the church. I have that hope. We all need to have that hope this morning and they were getting ready to die." [00:00:00]
"That all we've got to do is talk to Jesus in prayer and he will carry us and lead us where we need to go. A lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. You know there's a lot of people that believe in a lot of people but how many have ever been raised from the dead? Jesus Christ was. He died on Calvary's cross to set us free. He's saying in your mind this is so simple but when you start worrying this way you need to remember this simple message." [00:05:55] (44 seconds)
"When you start wanting to cry this week and get all upset and it's like you're almost on your edge you need to remember this message. You're going to live forever and forever. There is hope for you today. There is hope for me today. I wouldn't be up here chopping my gums just to chop my gums. I could be out there laying in the bed still snoring." [00:06:39] (30 seconds)
"people get a hold of that hope in Jesus Christ, once they get a hold that he died on that cross for me, even though I've not always been the best that I could have been, and I failed him, I sinned after I got saved, but he brought me back. When we get that mentality, when things are tore up from the floor up, and right now there are people trying to tear up everyone's mind with fear." [00:07:12] (35 seconds)
"don't have fear because I trust in the cross of Calvary. I believe he died on the cross 2 ,000 years ago. I believe he arose on the third day. If you don't believe that this morning, you're in the old Adam. And there's nothing old about me this morning. I may be getting older, but it's because I'm going to live forever. You think back how you looked 20 years ago, some of you, and you thought you were the bomb on top of the bomb." [00:07:48] (39 seconds)
"You're already looking at tomorrow. You're concerned about what's getting ready to take place tomorrow. But if you've got your mind on what's going to take place right now in Jesus, that you're living in a lively hope, no matter who comes your way this afternoon or tomorrow, you have hope in Jesus Christ. You've been transplanted." [00:09:29] (27 seconds)
"journeying through this world, but you're not of this world. When we get in tune with this world is when we start doing... things. And there's so many folks that have got in tune, they've got into groove with this world and then when things fall apart they can't understand." [00:09:55] (25 seconds)
"there's a lively morning verse 4 to an inheritance what incorruptible incorruptible do we all know what incorruptible that means it won't break you won't get tired of playing with that toy it's an illustration for the kids that are here today it will never grow old to you" [00:13:57] (28 seconds)
"never grow old to you. There'll be a new toy and a new friend. Walk in heaven's gates. God's going to take care of his kids. God has a special touch and a special place in himself for children. Read your Bible. They're precious to God. You don't think he's going to have them smiling and happy all the time? We need to be very careful how we treat our kids. Amen." [00:14:25] (32 seconds)
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