Field Guide - 1 Peter 5.12.24

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Scripture
1 Peter 1:3-9

Sunday Refresher
I want to emphasize the absolute necessity of hope in our lives, especially as we navigate the tumultuous and often hostile environment of our fallen world. Without hope, we're left without resilience and perseverance. Every day, we're tempted to place our hope in worldly things—our skills, our health, our relationships, or our financial stability. However, these sources of hope are fragile; they are tested by life’s challenges and often crumble under pressure, revealing their inability to sustain us through our trials.

This is why Peter urges us to embrace a superior kind of hope—the living hope available through Jesus Christ. This hope is unlike any other; it is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, securely kept in heaven for us. It's a hope that not only survives but thrives under the pressures and trials of life because it's grounded in the eternal victory of Jesus' resurrection. We must reject all lesser hopes and anchor ourselves in this steadfast, unshakable hope that has the power to sustain us through anything we face, providing us with peace and joy as we look forward to our ultimate salvation.

Personal Reflections

• What did God say to you through this passage and teaching?
• Did God reveal anything new to you?
• How is this relevant in your journey to make disciples who Love God and Love people?

Questions

• What are the key differences between "living hope" and the typical hopes people have in their daily lives?
• How does the sermon describe the impact of trials on lesser hopes, and what is the intended outcome of these trials according to the sermon?
• Why is the hope described as "living" particularly significant in the context of the resurrection?
• Can you explain the metaphor of hope as "a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul"? What does this imply about the nature of hope in adversity?
• How does the sermon suggest one should respond when their lesser hopes are challenged or fail?

Additional Scriptures

• Hebrews 6:19
• Romans 15:13

Prayer