1 & 2 Peter: Our Living Hope
Pastor Tommy Bailey
1 Peter 1
“We may hear our hearts say, “It’s hopeless!” but we should argue back.”
Timothy Keller
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!
A Panoramic View of the Christian Life
- Past: We have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. (vs. 3)
- Present: We are called to a life of holiness by the power of the Spirit. (vs. 2, 15)
- Future: We can live with joy in light of eternity with Jesus. (vs. 5, 6, 7, 13)
“Legalism makes believers think that God accepts them on the basis of what they do. Licentiousness makes believers think that God does not care what they do. Both errors have terrible spiritual consequences.”
Bryan Chapell, Holiness by Grace
A life growing in holiness is a life of deepening love for God.
“There’s a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him.”
J.I. Packer
“The most powerful form of spiritual warfare is obedience.”
Dallas Willard
Examples in 1 Peter of personal transformation through the gospel:
- Fearful people can grow in faith (3:14)
- Lusting people can become pure (4:4)
- Deceitful people can become truthful (2:1)
- Greedy people can become givers (5:2)
- Tyrants can become servants (5:3)
- Angry people can become gentle (3:15)
- Anxious people can have peace (3:14)
- Prideful people can become humble (3:8)
- Grumbling people can become thankful (4:9)
Discussion Questions
- What areas of your life would benefit from a more eternal/panoramic perspective? Is there anywhere you are stuck with a bit of nearsightedness?
- Considering the panoramic view of the Christian life presented in 1 Peter— the hope, calling and joy based on truths presented about the past, present and future, which of these three do you want to focus on in the coming week?
- What things should you be holding loosely? Conversely, what should you be holding with a tighter grip?
“Hold everything earthly with a loose hand; but grasp eternal things with a death-like grip.”
Charles Spurgeon
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!