Our Living Hope - October 17

Read 1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Reflect

When you encounter suffering in life, what is your typical response? Does remembering the hope we have in Christ change your attitude towards suffering at all?

No one likes to suffer. Most of us will do almost anything to avoid it. We don’t want to experience pain. Most of us don't even want to experience discomfort! We will do anything we can to make our lives just a little bit easier, a little bit safer, a little more comfortable. So when suffering comes our way, we are rarely ready for it. I don’t know why but I always seem surprised and wonder “Why me? Why is this happening to me?” But I know I shouldn't be surprised. After all, Jesus Himself told us to expect trouble in this world (John 16:33).

The apostle Peter confirmed Jesus’ warning to expect trouble in his letter to believers spread out across Asia Minor written around 64-65 A.D. He had heard reports of growing opposition and persecution toward Christians in that area. He wrote: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13). Peter knew that suffering should not be surprising to us. But Peter’s suggested response to suffering probably does seem pretty surprising. He wants us to rejoice when we suffer? How?

Peter began his letter with the key to being able to rejoice even when we are suffering. We read it in today’s verses. The key is remembering our living hope. As believers born again in Christ, this hope is not just wishful thinking. Rather, we are living in eager expectation because our hope is in our salvation which is completely secure in Christ. Peter spoke of our heavenly inheritance as being “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” It is being “guarded” until it is “revealed in the last time.”

After today’s verses, Peter goes on in chapter 1 to remind his readers that even though they are facing “various trials” and their faith is being tested, they can still feel joy even in the midst of pain and suffering. Why? How? Because we are confident that Jesus will return in glory and we are assured of the outcome of our faith—the salvation of our souls (1 Peter 1:6-9).

Then Peter transitioned to a practical application. In light of the secure, future hope, how then should we live? In 1 Peter 1:14-15 he wrote, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” Our hope in Christ is not just that we will be saved but also that we will be sanctified. In Christ, our lives will be transformed, and we will become more and more like Him.

In chapters 2-3, Peter urged believers to imitate Christ in their personal relationships and out in the world. Jesus modeled service and submission to God-given authority such as the government. He addressed the marriage relationship and told wives to respectfully submit to the authority of their own husbands. But he also told the men to treat their wives with understanding and honor, pointing out that women are “heirs with you of the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands should never abuse their authority because women are also heirs in Christ.

In the second half of chapter 3, Peter returns to the topic of suffering and emphasizes that he is talking about suffering unjustly, not suffering because of sinful, disobedient behavior: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14-17).

Friends, we live in a world in which sin and suffering exist. Some of us have been slandered and reviled because of faith. But we also know that in many parts of the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing extreme persecution for the sake of the Gospel. How are we supposed to hang on to our joy in the midst of such evil? By remembering our living hope. In Christ we have been born again and we have an inheritance in heaven that is reserved for us. Our suffering won’t last forever but we will live forever with Him and never suffer again! So live in confident, eager, expectant hope.

Respond

Lord, sometimes the suffering in this world feels so overwhelming. My heart breaks for those who are experiencing horrific persecution for the sake of Your name. Please strengthen Your people, Lord. Help us all to stand for You despite the pushback and the danger because we are living in the hope of Your promises. Amen.

Reveal

Encourage someone who is going through a difficult season by sharing 1 Peter 1:3-5 with them. Remind them that for those who belong to Christ, suffering is temporary, but our inheritance in Him is eternal and secure. Consider sharing how remembering your living hope in Christ has helped you endure hardship with faith and confidence.