Our living hope

I hope spring brings you glimpses of God’s beautiful creation and reminders of His everlasting love. Springtime growth, birth, blooming, and sprouting should bring to mind hope–specifically, the hope we have in Christ. 

Peter tells us that we have a living hope because of Christ’s resurrection! This living hope can only be realized through Christ Jesus! This hope is not wishful in nature but rather a confident expectation we have in Jesus. 

In 1 Peter 1:3-9, Peter discusses this living hope we have in Christ. Contextually, he is speaking to encourage Christians who are suffering persecution. He wanted them to be strengthened by hope. 

He encourages believers (then and today) to readjust their focus and shift their gaze. Instead of being derailed by the struggles we endure, Peter points out six things our hearts should be set on: 

• We have an inheritance.

To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you 1 Peter 1:4 

Because we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, we have an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance. It is ours and cannot be taken away. 

(Also see Ephesians 1:11, Colossians 3:24, Hebrews 9:15) 

• We are protected by the power of God.

. . . who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:5

God’s power is protecting us. He stands guard over our lives. When our faith is firmly rooted in Christ, we can be sure that the fullness of our salvation will be revealed in the last days. 

(Also see Ephesians 1:13, 4:30) 

• We can rejoice NOW, even though we face various trials. 

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 1 Peter 1:6

When our hope is in Christ, we can rejoice NOW. We face many things that hurt us and cause us real pain. We CAN rejoice when we keep eternity in view. Don’t let your heart be tethered to this world by focusing on temporal things. Focus your gaze on what will last forever. 

(Also see John 16:33 and 2 Corinthians 4:18)

• Your faith, when tested by fire, is worth more than gold.

. . . that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:7

The genuineness of our faith is seen when it is tested. Our faith is refined in the fires of adversity. Genuine faith cannot tarnish or be destroyed, and in the last days, we will receive honor if our faith endures. 

(Also see James 1:3-4) 

• We can have unspeakable joy! 

. . . whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8

Our relationship with Christ should bring a joy that cannot be fully expressed with words. It’s a real joy that emanates from within, and it’s glorious. We can’t see Jesus now, but in our hearts, we believe! And one day, we will see HIm face to face. What a reason to rejoice! 

(Also see John 16:22)

• Our faith has a goal, the saving of our souls. 

. . . receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9 The goal of our faith is eternal life through salvation. If you’ve received Jesus, you ARE saved now, but we have not seen all that our salvation brings. We have glimpses of glory now, but one day we fully experience what it means to be saved–no more sorrow, no more tears, and we will be with the Lord forever! 

(Also see 1 John 3:2)

What a beautiful hope we have in Jesus. No wonder Peter begins this passage with praise, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Because Jesus rose and He lives, we have a living hope that is amazing, and unparalleled. 

Let’s Talk

• How can you rejoice NOW, even in the midst of great trials? 
• What aspect of the living hope we have in Christ speaks to you most? 
• Does your relationship with Christ lead to unspeakable joy in your life? 

Let’s Pray

Dear Father, 

I thank you so much for the living hope we have in Christ. Please help me to have joy even when I face trials, knowing that when my faith is tested, it will be worth more than gold. So I rejoice now and set my heart on eternity with You. Thank You for keeping me until You come for me. 

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen

As I always say, the Word WORKS! We are walking in WHOLENESS, OBEDIENCE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, and KINGDOM SUCCESS through the Word of God!

Your friend in the journey,