The Christian’s Hope

Introduction:

Hope is the message of 1 Peter. Some have said Peter could be called the apostle of hope. When we speak of hope we speak of the expectation of good. In the Christian sense, hope is a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. Hope does not have reference to that which we see and have – but to that which we are confident & expect to receive. Today we will discuss the Christian’s hope in depth. 

I. Who plays a role in our hope?

A.     1:3-5 – God has played a role in giving us hope.

1.        1:3 - God is the source of mercy.

2.        1:4 - God has taken sinners – who are in miserable condition –brings them through Jesus to be delivered from sin.

3.        1:5 – after coming to Christ, we are protected by God through our faith.

B.    1:6-9 – Jesus plays a role in our hope.

1.        1:9 – at the appearance of Jesus – the faithful child of God will receive the end of his faith – the salvation of your souls.

C.   1:10-12 – The Holy Spirit plays a role in our hope.

1.        Inspired men preached gospel relating good news of salvation through Jesus.

2.        1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Cor. 2:13; Rom. 1:1-2 – they revealed the mind of God to mankind.

D.   Finally – 1:13-17 – we play a role in gaining hope as well.

II. What exactly are we hoping for?

A.    1:4 – something imperishable & undefiled.

B.    1:4 – something that will not fade away.

III. Just how important is this hope?

A.    I believe it is THE source of motivation for Christians.

1.     Note what it did for Paul! See Acts 20:22-27; Philippians 3:8-14

2.     Acts 16:25 - This is what enabled him to sing praises while in jail

3.     2 Cor. 4:7-10 – it is why he could testify as to his perseverance in Christ

B.    Heb. 6:19 – our hope can serve as the “anchor of the soul.”

1.     Song:  “Will your Anchor Hold?”

IV. Hope can sustain us during times of death.

A.    1 Thess. 4:13-18

B.    Peter – someone equipped to give lesson on hope.

1.     W/Jesus’ death – his hope waned.  Everything appeared to be over.

2.     Jhn. 21:3 – Let’s go fishing.

3.     Because of the death of Jesus – He could testify that we can obtain a LIVING hope of eternal life – the salvation of our souls.

V.  Just how secure is our hope?

A.    1 Peter 1:22-25 – based on the word which cannot fail.

B.    Titus 1:1-2 – based on the promise of God.

C.   Where’s the danger? Heb. 2:1-4; 6:4-6 – we can neglect our salvation.

Conclusion:

A.    What hope do you have? Have you obeyed the gospel of Christ?