[ ] 3/23/2008 #766
OUR LIVING HOPE
1 Peter 1:3
INTRODUCTION: The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides hope for us. The hope we have is an undying hope. It is not wishful thinking, but the steadfast confidence in the living Word of God and the living Son of God. In first Timothy Paul declares, “our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, who is our hope.” There is life after death. For the Christian, the best is yet to come. Peter tells us that this living hope is built upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ Himself.
I. A LIVING HOPE
A. GIFT OF HOPE.
God has given us His abundant mercy. He has “begotten us” by the means of the new birth. We have been “born again . . . by the Word of God.” (1 Pet. 1:23) Our hope is founded upon the resurrection of Jesus, the Author of our salvation.
B. GUARANTEE OF HOPE.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the guarantee of our salvation and eternal hope. Salvation is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) Jesus is our hope. (1 Tim. 1:1)
“Our hope lies, not in the man we put on the moon, but in the Man we put on the cross.”
II. A GROWING HOPE
Our hope grows because it is a living hope. All the dreams and hope of the world die. The lost have no one or anything to hope for in eternity.
A. ENCOURAGEMENT FROM SCRIPTURE.
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4)
B. EXPERIENCES IN LIFE.
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:2-5
III. A BLESSED HOPE
A. RETURN OF CHRIST.
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity.” (Titus 2:13-14)
B. RESIDE WITH CHRIST. (John 14:1-3)
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. “Life with Christ is an endless hope, without him a hopeless end.”
2. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is our hope today. It is our assurance that we
have His presence with us in this life and the promise we shall be with Him at life’s end. We have His promise. “In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began.” We have His proof because Jesus is risen from the dead!