A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3)

Sermon on 1 June 2025 by Pastor Paul

Introduction

What does a living hope mean? A living hope means there is something to look forward to. Our faith is not empty, not futile. It is ‘living’ because Christ has been raised from the dead. Jesus Christ is our living hope.

Message

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, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. - 1 Peter 1:3-5

And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:12-13

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. - Romans 8:24-25

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. - 1 Corinthians 15:12-14

And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. - 1 Corinthians 15:17-18

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - Colossians 1:27

We receive joy which is inexpressible and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8). We receive salvation (1 Peter 1:9); we have eternal life. We are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:17-19). God has redeemed us but we have to do our part to continue living a righteous life. We are purified through obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:22-25).

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. - Colossians 1:28

1. Be perfect in Jesus Christ

We strive to be perfect in Jesus Christ through preaching, warning and teaching of God’s words. We have to be careful not to waste the precious gift that God has given us. If our heart yearns to be close to Jesus, He will help us to be perfect in Him. Are we willing to humble our hearts?

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 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, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 1:6-7

2. Have faith in Christ must be genuine and unwavering

We can go through trials and sufferings so that our faith in Christ is genuine and unwavering. Why does suffering come? It could be self-inflicted - the consequences of our actions. Another reason is because we are close to Jesus. In this world, we will go through suffering but we can find our strength in Him. Job was an upright man. Although he went through much suffering, he did not stop praising God.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:13-16

3. Be obedient children of God and holy

We must be obedient children of God. Be holy in all our conduct, not conforming to former lusts as in previous ignorance. Christ has made us holy by His blood. We have to be careful not to go back to our former addictions.

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, - 1 Peter 1:22

4. Love sincerely and fervently with a pure heart

We must continue to love one another sincerely and fervently with a pure heart - a heart that can recognise the will of God. We have a relationship with God, and also with others. Jesus wants us to love one another not according to our own standards, but in the way that Jesus loved us, so that His glory can be manifested.

Closing

Our faith is a living faith. Jesus Christ is our living hope. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God. He lives forevermore. In Him we have eternal hope.