How to Be a Living Hope in a Dying World | 1 Peter 1:1-2

Series: A living Hope in a dying world

Title: How to be a living hope in a dying world

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Bottom line: Stand firm in God’s grace as a living hope in a dying world.

Peter encourages suffering Christians to stand firm in God’s grace because of the living hope of the cross and resurrection that they have received through the new birth.

SERMON OUTLINE
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
MAIN REFERENCES USED

SERMON OUTLINE

A New series!

New series through 1 Peter called “A living hope in a dying world.” Today we’ll talk about, “How to be a living hope in a dying world.”

Context

Peter is writing from Rome to encourage persecuted Christians suffering in the region of Galatia (Asia Minor aka Modern Turkey). He wants to encourage these new Christ-followers about 30 years into Christianity max. They are a mix of Gentiles from the region and Jews who’ve immigrated there due to the persecution in Palestine. Peter wants to give them a living hope to sustain them in their cruel, dying world. This is the letter that he writes them.

Introduction

You may have heard it said that the Church is the hope of the world. This was popularized by Bill Hybels at Willow Creek CC in Chicago. Some have criticized that by saying that Jesus is the hope of the world. I ask you, why do we have to choose? Isn’t it both?

Jesus is our living hope and as the body of Christ we should be a living hope as well. And yes we live in a dead/dying/dark world that hungers and thirsts for life, light and love. We get the privilege of sharing that with them.

Peter is one of the twelve disciples. Now that Jesus sends them out with authority, he is one of the twelve Apostles. (13 when you include Paul)

This letter is from Peter. It’s to God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout…

Elect means chosen. Now you may remember that the Jews are God’s chosen in the Old Testament. But this New Covenant is for all nations!

Think back to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”

What’s an exile? It’s someone not in their homeland (for whatever reason) sojourning or traveling through on their way back home. Peter calls Christians this as he writes them to encourage them in the midst of persecution. And while Peter sees a lot of persecution in Rome (where he’s writing from), he hears that it’s bad in Galatia/Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) as well.

Exiles/Sojourners

“My wife, Vesta, and I were traveling from Hungary into Romania right after the breakup of the Soviet Union. We were warned about the great dangers of going across the border, as the border guards tended to be overtly hostile toward Americans. We were riding in an old train from Budapest to Cluj-Napoca in Romania, and we came to the border between Hungary and Romania. Two burly border guards got on the train where there were four of us: Vesta, me, and another couple. In gruff and broken English, the guard told us to empty our suitcases. Just as we were about to follow his command, their leader “looked at our friend, who had her Bible in a brown paper bag on her lap. He grabbed the Bible from the bag and said in broken English, “You no Americans.” We had our passports that identified us as Americans, but he questioned us about our citizenship. He pointed his finger at the Bible text and said, “Look what it say.” We are pilgrims and citizens of heaven. He was a Christian. He turned to the other guards and said, “These people okay. Leave them alone.” We made it through the checkpoint, but we experienced what it means to be pilgrims, sojourners, in a foreign land yet members of the kingdom of God and citizens of heaven”

Excerpt From 1-2 Peter - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul, This material may be protected by copyright

Hughes quotes Clowney when he writes that exiles give us the key to Peter’s whole letter.

“He reminds them that their hope is anchored in their homeland. They are called to endure alienation as strangers, but they have a heavenly citizenship and destiny.” -E Clowney

Some translate this as pilgrim, sojourner, or foreigner. And those are all a part of what is in play here. But exile includes that characteristic of we don’t really belong here and so we’re just passing through on our way home. But as we do, we’re going to be who we are and live out our identity as chosen travelers.

So how do we live as a living hope in a dying world?

We stand firm in the grace of the foreknowledge of God who saved us through the blood of Christ and is saving us through the sanctifying work of his Spirit who lives in us encouraging, equipping and empowering us to be this living hope.

What does that look like?

It looks like confidence in the face of scary things happening in this dark, dying world.

It looks like peace in the midst of the growing chaos in our nation.

It looks like joy in the midst of physical suffering.

Global Catalytic Ministries describes it this way on behalf of the persecuted church in parts of Asia today:

We are Disciples

WE ARE THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH.

We don't just tell stories of the underground church, we are the underground church.

WE OFFER OUR BODIES AS LIVING SACRIFICES.

To love Him so much that nothing else matters. He is worth it all.

WE WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO REACH PEOPLE IN THE DARKEST PLACES.

To reach people no one is reaching, we'll have to do things no one is doing.

WE ALWAYS BRING OUR BEST THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT.

To be set apart with integrity honors God and inspires people.

WE GIVE UP THINGS WE LOVE FOR THINGS WE LOVE EVEN MORE.

It's an honor to sacrifice for Christ.

WE ARE DISCIPLE-MAKERS AND WE EXIST FOR THE WORLD.

If we don't love radically and live with integrity then we have nothing.

WE ARE FAITH-FILLED, MULTIPLYING, OBEDIENT RISK-TAKERS FOR JESUS.

We won't insult God with small thinking and safe living.

WE WILL LEAD THE WAY WITH PROFOUND GENEROSITY.

Unconditional love and family are our heartbeat. Generosity is the blood flow.

WE DON'T JUST SURVIVE PERSECUTION, WE THRIVE.

Whether well fed or hungry, rich or poor, in persecution or freedom, east or the west, we will be content in Jesus and make disciples.

WE WILL MAKE FAMILY, NOT DESTROY THEM.

Nothing is more fun than serving God with the people you love.

DEAD PEOPLE DON'T HAVE OPINIONS.

Our opinions are His opinions, we will seek first and represent His Kingdom always.

Standing firm in God’s grace is bearing the fruit of the sanctifying Spirit of the living God even when we’re tempted to give in to our fear, doubts and impulsive behaviors.

May the Lord give us the grace we need to faithfully do this.

Stand firm as a living hope in a dying world.

Amen.

NOTES

Working Outline (based on P Schreiner Visual Word outline)

As elect exiles scattered in this dying world…

We embrace our living hope as exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2) We do this because

We are Elect exiles (1:1-2)
We have a New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)
We have a New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God’s people. (1:13-2:10)

We live faithfully as exiles - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)

Submit humbly like Christ - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)
Suffer well like Christ - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)

We stand firm as exiles - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)

Suffer in faith joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)
Resist the devil faithfully - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)

We (currently) live In Babylon (5:12-24)

I. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10)

II. They need to live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11)

III. They need to stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11)

OUTLINE Bible + my additions/modifications

1 PETER 1—Peter opens his first letter with an overview of some glorious facts concerning salvation.

I. THE SOURCE OF OUR SALVATION (1:1-2)

From: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.

One of the twelve disciples
The one who first confessed Jesus as the Christ, the son of the living God (Matt 16)
The one who first rebuked Jesus to his face (Matt 16)
The one who denied Jesus Christ 3 times after his arrest
The one who walked on water
The one who preached the first Christian sermon at Pentecost and saw 3,000 conversions and baptisms
The one called out by Paul
The one crucified upside-down
Apostle = sent one from the king

To: God’s elect, exiles (pilgrims, sojourners, immigrants, foreigners) scattered (because of persecution) through modern-day Turkey and who have found salvation through the triune God by

A. Being chosen by the Father (1:1-2a).

B. Being made holy (sanctified) by the Spirit (1:2b).

Have been justified (past) - declared right with God
Are being sanctified (present) - being made holy/Christ-like
Will be glorified (future) - will be completely saved and go home

C. We are cleansed by the blood of the Son (1:2C).

Warren Wiersbe’s commentary is entitled: “Be Hopeful.” Jen Wilkin titled her study “A living hope in Christ.”

I’ve titled our series a living hope in a dying world to encourage, comfort and strengthen us to live full of hope and grace as we persevere in this difficult world that is dying because of sin. We stand firm in his grace because we know that the best is yet to come. Christ Jesus, the hope of glory, will return.

So we look at the 2 key verses briefly to give some overall context per W. Wiersbe:

Key theme: God’s grace and the living hope

Key verses: 1 peter 1:3; 5:12

Are you seeing how this all fits together?

Last week we talked about why God created and saved us and yet leaves us here in this dying world. He did so to encourage us to flesh out the good deeds he prepared in advance for us to do. Good deeds = fruit that will last.

We do this by:

Giving every man, woman and child multiple opportunities to hear, see and respond to the good news.
We do this where we live, work, learn and play—around the corner and around the world.
We do this by loving God and loving people by making disciple-makers.
We do this by being the best neighbors ever where we live, work, learn and play.
This is the way. This is the truth. This is the life.

How can I get started today?

By asking at least one person a day, how can I pray for you today? And then praying for them (and with them if led).

“How can I pray for you today? [pause] May I pray for you right now?”

Globally

3 of 8 billion say they are Christians. What about the other 5?

https://twitter.com/visualcap/status/1647012029159309313?s=12&t=idl32xYvZ1Ibm1ALWyhYlg

Locally

Our good news team will be going out 5 pm Sunday, Oct 8. They will walk the streets of Tall Pines behind our church campus. See Michelle or I for details.

I would add that

People should know you’re in the neighborhood.
They should be glad you’re in the neighborhood.
They should be better because you’re in the neighborhood.

How can I pray for you today? This is the way.

Pray

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process:

Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story

What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Who am I going to tell about this?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Q. What do I want them to know?

A. What 1 Peter is all about.

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

A. Because I want them to have a living hope in a dying world.

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

A. Stand firm in the grace of God and persevere through trials as they share the good news with those around them.

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

A. Because this will sustain them through any trial.

Q. How can they begin to do this?

A. Ask someone today, “How can I pray for you today?”

MORE NOTES

The Visual Word - 1 Peter

“Paradoxes fill 1 Peter. It is a letter written to encourage a slandered and marginalized minority living in the midst of the Roman Empire. They live in the world but are not of the world. They dwell in the cities, but as sojourners. They look, speak, and dress like everyone, but they pass their days on earth as exiles waiting for their inheritance.” (See the Epistle to Diognetus 5)

Peter seeks to encourage believers in Asia Minor in the midst of suffering to stand firm as they consider the blessings of being in Christ, who is the primary example of one who suffered well and now has received glory and honor. If they also continue in their good conduct, become the true household of God, and don’t revert to their old idolatrous practices, they too will receive the crown of life. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10), live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11), and stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11). Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side. (P. Schreiner)

Hope as Exiles 1-2

Elect Exiles 1:1-2
New future 1:3-12
New family 1:13-2:10

Exile Identity 2-4

Submit 2:11-3:7
Suffer well 3:8-4:11

Stand Firm 4-5

Suffer joyfully 4:12-19
Resist the devil 5:1-11
In Babylon 5:12-14

I. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10)

II. They need to live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11)

III. They need to stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11)

“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P Schreiner

Hope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)

Elect exiles (1:1-2)
New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)
New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God’s people. (1:13-2:10)

Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)

Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)
Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)

Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)

Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)
Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)

In Babylon (5:12-24)

Elect Exiles (1:1-2)

“Peter presents the paradox in the first two verses. The God, those in Asia Minor are chosen, but to the world, they are exiles and sojourners. This becomes the theme of the letter (1:17; 2:11; 5:13). It also ties their story to Abraham, who was chosen but also a sojourner on the earth (Gen. 15:13), and Israel, who were God’s wandering people. These elect exiles are dispersed across Asia Minor and living in societies not friendly to the new Christian faith. They are elect exiles according to God’s foreknowledge, but His sanctifying works, and chosen for obedience. This is God’s wonderful plan for their lives.”

Hope as Exiles (1-2)

“After labeling them as elect exiles, Peter’s first section bolsters their hope by praising God for their new future, new family and new calling. Those scattered have been born again and promised a new land. But this new hope cannot be taken away from them because it resides in heaven. Though they suffer now, they a re being guarded for this future (1:3-12). Not only do they have a new future but a new family and calling (1:3-2:10). They are the new exodus people, the new covenant people, and the new temple people. In all of these they have not only a new identity but a new vocation.”

According to the New Testament of the Bible, what is the difference between faith and hope?

“In the New Testament of the Bible, faith and hope are distinct but interconnected concepts. Faith is often described as a firm belief or trust in something, particularly in God or His promises. It involves having confidence in what is unseen or yet to be fulfilled. Hope, on the other hand, is the optimistic expectation or anticipation of something good. It involves looking forward to future blessings, both in this life and the next.

While faith is focused on belief and trust, hope is centered around expectation and anticipation. Faith provides the foundation for a relationship with God and is essential for salvation, while hope sustains believers through trials and challenges, keeping their focus on the promises of God. Both faith and hope are important aspects of the Christian life, working together to inspire and strengthen believers in their journey of following Christ.” -ChatGPT

SUMMARY SO FAR

1 Peter, “Live Such Good Lives”

Let’s live such good lives in this world today that, though they think we’re wrong, they’ll see how we live and follow Jesus anyway because…

They’ll see who we are and that’s we’re different. A new identity: As chosen exiles scattered around the world until Jesus returns+ (1:13-2:10)

Chosen
Exiles/Holy people in the wilderness
New people
New covenant with God
New temple/a people
Kingdom of priests
What else?

They’ll see us living for what matters even though it costs us. Suffering as a witness to Jesus multiplying and magnifying his kingdom (2:11-4:11)
They’ll see us willingly suffer because of our living hope in the future. Suffering in light of an unshakable hope in the future. (4:12-5:9)

From Schreiner:

“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ.”

“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”

“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”

Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our

“Unshakable hope in Christ,
Of the grace poured out on his people, and
Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”

Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance”

“They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”

“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:

the authority of Rome
Unbelieving and cruel masters
Unbelieving husbands

From Helms:

“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”

3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life’s difficulties.

God’s plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”

Peter’s inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”

Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.

So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God’s chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)

Questions answered by Peter:

How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ’s glory?
How are we to live in the wilderness world?

Peter’s answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it’s various forms.

THE BIBLE PROJECT

I. Greeting (1:1-2)

II. Song of praise (1:3-12)

III. A New Family Identity (1:13-2:10)

IV. Suffering as a Witness to Jesus (2:11-4:11)

V. Suffering & Future Hope (4:12-5:9)

We have a new family identity that propels us to bear witness to a living hope that leads us to live such good lives that we willingly suffer for his glory in light of our glorious future.

We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live such a good life that it demands a gospel explanation.

We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live like no one else because we will live like no one else in the future

We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live a life that includes suffering but that leads to glory—for God and us.

HELMS

Life is hard even for Christians.

3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life’s difficulties.

God’s plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”

So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God’s chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)

Peter’s inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”

Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.

“Peter begins his letter with these 2 seemingly incompatible truths:

Our status in Christ AND
Our sufferings on earth.”

Questions answered by Peter:

How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ’s glory?
How are we to live in the wilderness world?

Peter’s answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it’s various forms.

Be holy (1:15)

live out (1:17)

Way of life (1:18)

Live such good lives (2:12)

Behavior (3:1)

Your lives (3:2)

Behavior (3:16)

“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”

Turning point 2:11-12

Peter continues to encourage through examples and exhortation.

He appeals specifically to elders before the community.

“God has

Established our salvation,
Given us our identity,
Conformed our present-day calling,
Secured our future inheritance by means of an inverted irony—namely, the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Therefore, just as the exaltation of Jesus followed a season of humiliation, so too our share in his eternal glory will appear after we have learned to follow in his true and gracious ways.”

Subtitle? How to live as God’s fireproof children in this dumpster fire world.

“We are the elect exiles of the dispersion.”

As God’s chosen, I am encouraged and reminded of his great love for me. And I need this as I live in this broken world.

Elect = chosen, those whom God loves

Israel was sent into exile by God because of their presumptuous sin.

Exiles of a different sort? Peter doesn’t mean it wrt Israel’s ancient sin—or their own—for they were living faithful and fruitful lives at this time. Peter means this is simply “the normative state of any follower of Jesus, so long as he or she remains in this world.”

CS Lewis quote, p. 26

SCHREINER

OUTLINE OF 1 PETER

1 Opening (1:1-2)

2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)

3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)

4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)

5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)

1 Opening (1:1-2)

2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)

2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)

2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)

3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)

3.1 The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (2:11-12)

3.2 Testifying to the Gospel in the Social Order (2:13-3:12)

3.3 Responding in a Godly Way to Suffering (3:13-4:11)

4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)

4.1 Suffer Joyfully in Accord with God's Will (4:12-19)

4.2 Exhortations to Elders and the Community (5:1-11)

5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)

SECTION OUTLINE

2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)

2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)

2.1.1 A Promised Inheritance (1:3-5)

2.1.2 Result: Joy in Suffering (1:6-9)

2.1.3 The Privilege of Revelation (1:10-12)

2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-21)

2.2.1 Setting One's Hope on the Inheritance (1:13-16)

2.2.2 A Call to Fear (1:17-21)

2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)

2.3.1 A Call to Love (1:22-25)

2.3.2 Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1-3)

2.3.3 The Living Stone and Living Stones (2:4-10)

Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our

“Unshakable hope in Christ,
Of the grace poured out on his people, and
Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”

1 Peter “sets forth what it means to be Christians in a hostile world, in a world where Christians were persecuted for their faith…”

Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance”

“They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”

“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:

the authority of Rome
Unbelieving and cruel masters
Unbelieving husbands

They suffered both in:

Every day life
From imperial authority”

IDENTITY

“People of God” “The Lord’s new temple” “priests”

“They are exhorted not to live in fear of human beings but in fear of the Lord, and such fear, paradoxically, would give them confidence and hope.”

“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”

“Obedient children”

“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”

“God’s chose race” “royal priesthood” “holy nation”

PURPOSE

“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ. They demonstrate their hope in this future by standing firm despite injustice and persecution by living holy, blameless lives submitting to their authorities with patient endurance. This shows their belief that this is temporary and that they are citizens of another kingdom and see Jesus as their Lord and king.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul

“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner

“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney

“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner

“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org