A Hope That Is Alive Series

Introduction: The World's Hope

Brothers and sisters, think for a moment about the word "hope." In our world, hope is often a fragile thing. We hope we get the job. We hope the medical tests come back negative. We hope our children make good choices. This is a hope based on circumstances, a wishful thinking that things might turn out okay. It’s a hope that can be, and often is, disappointed. It is a hope that is passive and uncertain.

But the Apostle Peter, writing to believers who were scattered and suffering, doesn't speak of this fragile, worldly hope. He erupts in praise for a different kind of hope entirely. It’s not a "hope-so" hope; it's a "know-so" hope. It is a lively hope, and it changes everything.

This morning, let's break down this powerful verse and see the foundation of our faith. We find here the Source, the Reality, and the Guarantee of our Christian hope.

I. The Source of Our Hope: Abundant Mercy

Peter begins not with a request, but with an explosion of praise: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..." Why? What has God done to deserve such praise?

The verse tells us immediately: it is "according to his abundant mercy."

It's Not Earned: Notice, our new life is not according to our good works, our wisdom, or our righteousness. It is based entirely on God's mercy. Mercy is not getting the judgment that we deserve.

It's Not Scarce: And it isn't just a little bit of mercy. Peter calls it abundant mercy. It is an overflowing, inexhaustible, lavish supply. God is not stingy in His salvation. He poured out His mercy upon us in a flood of grace.

Our hope begins with God's character. Before we did anything, God, in His great mercy, chose to act. This is the source. It is a gift, pure and simple. We do not achieve it; we receive it. And because it depends on His mercy and not our merit, it is eternally secure.

II. The Reality of Our Hope: Begotten Again

What did this abundant mercy accomplish? The verse says He "hath begotten us again..."

This is the language of a new birth. We often hear the phrase "born again." This is what Peter is talking about. It is not about simply turning over a new leaf or trying to be a better person. It is a radical, spiritual transformation.

A New Beginning: To be "begotten again" means we were spiritually dead, and God made us alive. He gave us a new nature, a new identity, a new family. We were born once of the flesh; we must be born again of the Spirit.

A New Reality: This isn't just a change in behavior; it's a change in being. A caterpillar that becomes a butterfly is not just a "better caterpillar." It is a new creation. In Christ, you are not just a cleaned-up version of your old self. You are a new creation.

This new birth is the reality of our hope. We are no longer who we were. We have been fundamentally changed by the power of God.

III. The Guarantee of Our Hope: A Lively Hope

So, we are born again by God's mercy. But born into what? The verse gives us the glorious answer: "unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

What is a "Lively Hope"? The King James "lively" is perfect. It means a living hope. It is not dead, static, or passive. It has power. It breathes. It grows. It endures. Why? Because its source is alive!

The Unshakeable Foundation: And what is the foundation that makes this hope alive? It is "the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

This is the anchor of our faith. Our hope is not based on a feeling, a philosophy, or a well-reasoned argument. It is based on a historical, verifiable event: an empty tomb.

Because Jesus walked out of that grave, we have a living hope.

Because He conquered death, we have a hope that death cannot destroy.

Because He is alive today, we have a hope that is active and powerful in our lives right now.

The resurrection is God's divine proof. It is the ultimate guarantee that His promises are true, that sin is paid for, and that eternal life is ours.

Conclusion: Live in the Hope

So, what does this mean for us today, as we leave this place and face the week ahead?

Respond with Praise: Our first response should be the same as Peter's: "Blessed be God!" Let gratitude for His abundant mercy be the song of your heart.

Live in Your New Identity: You have been born again. You are not defined by your past failures or your present struggles. You are a child of God. Live like it.