Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#45]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM CHRISTMAS
1 Peter 3:16
Introduction:
This morning, as we continue our “3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope” Series, I want us to also begin our Advent Series. The word “Advent” means “arrival”, and it refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
In this Scripture, we find the message and meaning of Christmas. The 1st week of Advent is about the hope that comes from the arrival of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Hope is what keeps us going as God’s people. It is difficult to live in this body in this world and get it right; but we have the hope of eternity with Jesus Christ to keep us and others going day to day.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
What do you have? If you are a Christian, you have hope. Not only should your life be changed by the hope that you have through Jesus Christ; but other’s lives should be changed by the hope that you have through Jesus Christ. Christian hope is different than the world’s hope. The world hopes that the weather will be good tomorrow. The world hopes that the price of gas will go down. Christian hope knows that when this life is over that we will be in Heaven with Jesus. As a Christian, my hope isn’t wanting something to happen, my hope is waiting for it to happen. We are not to be discouraged and one of the best ways to do that is to remember your hope that you have through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:13-14 (NIV)
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
A Christian’s hope…
1. Does not fear.
A person can spend their entire life in fear. How do you do that? It’s simple- Sit around and worry about everything. You can fear being broke, being hated, being cheated, being lied to, etc… Christians, don’t let those things get you. Stop worrying about what could happen or what someone might do and remember who you belong to. Look at what you have to look forward to- Heaven. Enjoy life and when challenges come don’t forget your hope. There is nothing that anyone can do to you to take Jesus from you.
1 Peter 3:15-17 (NIV)
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
A Christian’s hope…
2. Has answers for that hope.
Not reacting incorrectly to trouble is only part of the Christian’s task. We are to put Jesus first in our lives and when people ask us why, we need to be able to tell them why. Why do you have hope in Jesus? What has Jesus done in your life that gives you hope? We are to be ready to tell people about the hope that Jesus has given us and when we tell them we need to do it without attitude. There are some Christians that do more damage by telling others that they are Christians than if they were just secret about it. Please notice that it says, “When asked”. We are not to cram it down their throats; but be ready to answer when they ask.
When people see the hope of Jesus Christ in our lives and we aren’t afraid to tell them why, our hope will shut them up; but even more importantly, our hope may change them.
1 Peter 3:18-22 (NIV)
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand- with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”
A Christian’s hope…
3. Is centered on Jesus.
What would you have if you didn’t have Jesus? For many people in the world, their sad answer to this question is they don’t have Jesus in their lives. Jesus Christ left a perfect Heaven and took on the form of man so that we could be given hope. Each and every day of your life should be about Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:
Christians, when you get discouraged remember where your hope comes from.
