Hope and Joy in the midst of Trials

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 1:3-5

I. The apostle Peter strengthens troubled believers by showing them their hope based on God’s salvation, which in turn ignites a response of joy. This salvation is shown in its 3 dimensions:

1. God’s mercy in giving them new birth and a living hope
a. God is praise-worthy because of His mercy – “Blessed”
b. Being born again changes our worldview from pessimism and futility to firm assurance – “Living hope”
c. The basis of our hope is that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead
2. God’s promise of a future inheritance
a. What is the inheritance?
b. Who are the beneficiaries of the inheritance?
c. The surpassing value of the inheritance
i. Will not decay – incorruptible
ii. Has no impurities – undefiled
iii. Will not lose its charm – unfading
iv. Secure – reserved in heaven for you
3. God’s power in guarding them now for the future salvation
a. What is God’s power, and how does it work?
b. The importance of trusting
c. How are you being guarded
d. What gets revealed in the last time

II. The purpose of the passage: To ignite joy and holy fear as the readers move their sights upwards from the present trials to the coming Christ. This practically works out in the following ways (based on 1 Peter 1:13ff):

1. Set your hope on the future grace
2. Be holy in all your conduct
3. Conduct yourselves with fear