A Living Hope

Text: 1 Peter 1:1-9

Peter began his first epistle focusing on the hope of salvation. This hope that we have is a “living hope.”

God’s Work to Save Us (v. 1-2)

Peter mentioned all three members of the Godhead being involved in our salvation – God the Father, by His foreknowledge, crafted a plan to save us (cf. Ephesians 3:11); Jesus shed His blood on the cross so we could be sprinkled with His blood (cf. Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 3:18); the Spirit sanctifies us through revelation (John 17:17; 16:13) and the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38)
Our salvation is only possible because of God – yet we still have a role to play in our salvation; we must “obey Jesus Christ” (cf. Hebrews 5:9)

Born Again to a Living Hope (v. 3)

What it means to be born again – Jesus explained this to Nicodemus (John 3:3-5); buried in baptism, raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4)
According to His great mercy – we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and deserve punishment (Romans 6:23); by His mercy, we have the opportunity to be saved (Titus 3:5)
This is a living hope – looks forward to eternal life in heaven (1 Peter 1:4); this hope is not lost in death (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; Revelation 14:13); this hope remains even through trials (1 Peter 1:6; Acts 14:22)
Made possible through the resurrection of Christ – His resurrection gives us hope (1 Corinthians 15:20-22) if we will conform to His death (Romans 6:4-5)

What We Hope to Obtain (v. 4-5)

An inheritance in heaven – imperishable, “undecaying” (Strong’s), where moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:19-21); undefiled, signifies purity (cf. Hebrews 7:26; 13:4), nothing corrupt there (Revelation 21:27); will not fade away, eternal (2 Corinthians 5:1)
Reserved for us – the Lord has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3); reserved for those who are “born again” (1 Peter 1:3) and remain faithful (1 Peter 1:9)

Reaching Our Hope (v. 6-7)

We are first distressed by various trials – we will suffer as Christians (1 Peter 4:12, 16)
Enduring proves our faith – we are assured of our hope and convinced of what is yet unseen (Hebrews 11:1)
Will result in praise and glory and honor – the Lord will exalt us (1 Peter 5:6)
This will happen at the revelation of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:4) – our hope is not in this life (1 Corinthians 15:19); we must keep our minds set on things above (Colossians 3:1-2)

The Outcome of Our Faith (v. 8-9)

We have not seen Christ, yet love Him (John 20:29) – because of what He has done for us (1 John 4:9-10, 19)
We do not see Christ, yet believe in Him – Jesus said we are blessed for this (John 20:29); belief is based upon the testimony of witnesses (John 17:20; 1 John 1:1-3)
We must rejoice in our hope through Him (cf. Romans 12:12; 5:2) – should always be a cause of joy for us
The outcome of faith is salvation – faith is necessary for salvation (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24); this faith must continue until the end (Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 10:35-39)

Conclusion