Enduring Word, Eternal Hope - 1 Peter 1:24-25
Introduction:
Church, we live in a world that’s constantly changing. Trends shift, people come and go, and the things we once held dear can fade. But today, in 1 Peter 1:24-25, we’re reminded that while everything around us may fade, God’s Word endures forever. Today’s passage is a beautiful reminder of the frailty of human life and the unfailing, eternal power of God’s Word.
Let’s read our key verses:
1 Peter 1:24-25 (NLT): "As the Scriptures say, ‘People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And that word is the Good News that was preached to you."
In these verses, Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah, calling us to remember the fleeting nature of life but also to take comfort in the eternal nature of God’s Word. Today, we’ll explore three main points: the frailty of human life, the power and permanence of God’s Word, and our response to this truth.
1. The Frailty of Human Life
Peter’s first reminder to us is the shortness, the fragility of human life. “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades.” This metaphor draws a vivid picture: grass and flowers, once vibrant, quickly wither and fade. In the original Hebrew context in Isaiah, the word for “wither” (?????, nabal) means to dry up or decay, showing the inevitable end that comes to all earthly things.
When we look around, we see so many examples of this fleeting nature. Just think about how quickly seasons change. Flowers bloom in spring and fade by autumn. Or think about our lives and how quickly time passes—children grow up, we age, and things that once seemed permanent start to disappear. Everything in life is transient.
Psalm 39:5 (NLT) - “You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”
David here recognises our limited time on earth. We are not promised tomorrow. Understanding this doesn’t mean we should live in fear, but rather with purpose. It’s a reminder to invest in what truly lasts.
Pastor John Piper says, “Life is too short, too precious, too painful to waste on worldly bubbles that burst.”
How often do we invest in things that have no eternal significance? When we understand the frailty of life, it shifts our priorities. We start to care more about what has eternal value—our relationship with God, loving others, living a life that reflects Jesus.
2. The Power and Permanence of God’s Word
Peter contrasts the frailty of humanity with the power of God’s Word: “But the word of the Lord remains forever.” While everything in our world has an expiration date, God’s Word is eternal, unchanging, and alive.
The Greek term for “word” here is rhema, which means the spoken, living word of God. In this case, it’s not just the Scriptures written long ago, but God’s living Word, constantly relevant and active in our lives today. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the Word of God is “alive and powerful.” It has the power to transform, convict, heal, and restore.
Isaiah 40:8 (NLT) - “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah’s prophecy declares the eternality of God’s Word. Everything else will fade away, but God’s truth endures. This promise is not only comforting but a foundation for our faith. When we base our lives on God’s unchanging Word, we are standing on solid ground.
The Hebrew word in Isaiah for “stands” (????, qum) implies a firm, established presence. God’s Word doesn’t just last; it stands firm against all challenges, it is resilient against all attacks, and it is relevant in every season.
Church, God’s Word is an anchor for our lives. When everything around us seems unstable, we can cling to His promises. His words of love, guidance, correction, and hope are there for us always. Let us treasure the Bible, the Good News of Jesus, and build our lives upon it.
Charles Spurgeon said, “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
This quote reminds us to immerse ourselves in God’s Word daily, letting its truth shape us and give us strength.
3. Our Response to the Eternal Word
If God’s Word endures forever, our response is to embrace it, live by it, and share it. Peter concludes by saying, “And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.” The Good News—the Gospel of Jesus—is central. It is the Word of salvation, the Word of hope, and the Word that transforms us.
James 1:22 (NLT) - “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
James gives a clear call to action. The Word is not something we merely hear and forget. We are called to be doers, to live out its truth. God’s Word instructs us to live in holiness, compassion, love, and service.
Think of a tree planted by the water. As it draws from the water, it grows strong and bears fruit. In the same way, when we are rooted in God’s Word, we will produce the fruits of righteousness and faithfulness.
Church, let us commit ourselves to the living Word of God. Read it, meditate on it, apply it, and let it transform your heart and mind. Jesus calls us not only to read but to live by His Word, to let it shape our daily decisions, attitudes, and actions.
Rick Warren says, “The Word of God is not just meant to inform us; it’s meant to transform us.”
Conclusion and Call to Action:
As we reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the eternal strength of God’s Word, let’s ask ourselves: Are we living with eternity in mind? Are we standing on the unchanging Word of God, or are we distracted by temporary things? Let’s embrace the truth of 1 Peter 1:24-25 and build our lives on what will last forever.
Today, make a commitment to dive deeper into God’s Word, to let it speak to you, to let it transform you. And if you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, know that He is the Word of Life. He offers salvation, peace, and purpose.
Invitation to Faith in Jesus:
If you’re here today and haven’t experienced the life-changing power of Jesus, today is your opportunity. Jesus, the living Word, came to offer us eternal life. He is the way, the truth, and the life. By believing in Him, you can experience forgiveness, hope, and a relationship with God that lasts forever. Place your trust in Him, and let His Word be your guide.
