Go! And Live In The Hope Of Christ! Series

Go! And Live in the Hope of Christ!

Introduction:

Today, we gather to reflect on the powerful words of 1 Peter 1:3, a verse that overflows with the hope and assurance we have in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3 (NLT): "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation."

This verse declares a fundamental truth of our faith: through God's great mercy, we are born again to a living hope! We do not wander aimlessly in this world; we walk in the confident expectation of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

But what does it mean to live in this hope? How do we practically apply it in our daily lives? Today, we will explore this in light of God’s grand plan revealed through Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus, the Fulfillment of God’s Promise

To understand the significance of our living hope, we must first see how Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills God’s redemptive plan.

Matthew 5:17 (NLT): "Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose."

Here, Jesus affirms that He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. The Greek word for "accomplish" (p?????, pleroo) means to complete, to bring to its intended purpose. Christ did not reject the Law; He embodied it, demonstrating God's righteousness and fulfilling the sacrificial system.

When we trust in Christ, we trust in the One who has completed God's plan for redemption. Our hope is not uncertain; it is anchored in the accomplished work of Jesus.

2. The Mercy of God in Our New Birth

1 Peter 1:3 tells us that our rebirth is an act of great mercy. We do not earn salvation—it is a divine gift.

Titus 3:5 (NLT): "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."

The word "mercy" here in Greek (eleos) refers to God’s active compassion. His mercy is not passive; it is transformative, bringing us from death to life.

Have you embraced the mercy of God in your life? Living in hope means walking daily in the awareness of His mercy, not in guilt or fear, but in freedom and gratitude.

3. The Power of the Resurrection

Peter writes that our hope is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the resurrection, our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Because Jesus conquered death, we have the assurance of eternal life.

Romans 6:4 (NLT): "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."

The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our daily walk. We are spiritually resurrected with Christ, called to live in newness of life.

Does your life reflect the power of the resurrection? Are you living as one who has been made new in Christ?

4. A Hope That Changes Everything

Because of this living hope, we live differently. Our outlook, our choices, our relationships—all are transformed by the reality of Christ in us.

Romans 15:13 (NLT): "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

A hopeful life is a joyful life! Trusting in God brings peace and confidence, even in difficulties.

Are you allowing hope to transform your daily life? Hope is not just for the future—it changes how we live now.

Conclusion: Go! And Live in the Hope of Christ!

This living hope is not something we keep to ourselves. It is something we share! Christ came to fulfill God’s plan (Matthew 5:17), and we are now called to go and proclaim His truth to the world.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT): "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’"

Call to Action:

Go and live in this hope!

Share the mercy of God with others.

Let your life be a testimony of Christ’s resurrection power.

If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus, today is the day! Repent, believe in His name, and experience the joy of a living hope.

Invitation to Salvation:

If you have never accepted Jesus as your Saviour, I invite you now to pray and receive Him into your life. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise, the embodiment of mercy, and the source of eternal hope.

Final Blessing:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen!