SIMON PETER WROTE TO THE SUFFERING SAINTS TO LIFT THEIR EYES FROM THEIR HURT TO THE GLORY OF JESUS

1. Peter obviously had in mind the scattered Jews who knew Christ, facing problems for race & faith
2. This message was good for Gentile Christians too- 2:10 for they needed reassurance too.
3. Though he had in mind the poor and suffering, it fits for the wealthy and troubled of our age

Though we all have problems, we need to see things in the light of our "lively hope". V. 3b

1.- BEGOTTEN UNTO A LIVELY HOPE v. 3b

We are born into a world of suffering and dying But know that we can be born again unto life

A.- BLESSED BE GOD . . . WHO HATH BEGOTTEN US AGAIN UNTO A LIVELY HOPE v. 3b

1. Peter is writing to those who are born again- but we must not presume this- cf. v. 23,25
2. This is the same basic message as given in John's Gospel- John 3:3,5, the matter of new birth
3. God's abundant mercy has made this available,- and proof that it is a lively hope-resurrection

B.- BECAUSE OF THIS WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE THAT IS INCORRUPTABLE AND UNDEFILED v. 4

1. The nation of Israel had been given a land for an inheritance- & lost it!
2. But our family inheritance is not in earthy houses or lands- but Matt 6:19-21-in heaven
3. There are rewards; but today just think of the inheritance-Eph 1:3 -"All spiritual blessings"

C.- IN SPITE OF TEMPORARY TRIALS, WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE THAT IS RESERVED IN HEAVEN FOR US! 4b

1. Many do not believe in assurance- 1M masses for Kennedy-; What do you believe? Can you Know?
2. Peter wrote of a heaven that could be realized by Faith- kept, & reserved for us!
3. If you have a check for a million dollars- you wouldn't mind walking to the bank-would you?

If your "hope" is not a lively one- then you have every right to feel bad, but correct it! v.5

II.- KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD

We live in a world that is swept with uncertainty today- the book- Future Shock worries us

A.- BUT IF WE HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN, WE ARE KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD! v. 5a NOTE the Words

1. If you held on to your treasure- someone might take it from you! Rewards-yes! Heaven-NO!
2. We are kept physically in a special way- Rom 8:28 is in the Book! physical hurt is temporary
3. But our Salvation- our Souls- kept & reserved - John 10:27,8- We belong to the Lord! His Hand

B.- HOW ARE WE KEPT? WHAT PLACES US UNDER THE PROTECTION OF GOD "FAITH UNTO SALVATION! " 5b

1. Our feelings may vary- some allow fears & forgetfulness to hurt them- it pays to check up!
2. Knowing a time & place helps- Tues, Feb 8, 1944 I received Christ as my saviour! I remember.
3. God made a change in my life- & lest I forget it I have records! If I forget it- God'won't!

C.- THIS SALVATION MAY NOT BE AS REAL TO ME NOW AS IT WILL BE WHEN IT IS REVEALED -5c, 9

1. Our way now may be dim & hard; OT prophets searched v. 10,11, but Christ revealed to us, 12
2. We have but tokens of our Salvation today- Eph 1:14 speaks of earnest -until then!
3. If you have this hope in you- what manner of person ought you to be?- II Pet 3:11b

Security does not give you a license to sin- but it gives you wings for your "leap of faith".

III.- REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE 8b

Happiness is knowing the Lord- & knowing that you know Him! But HOW CAN WE EXPRESS THAT JOY?

A.- WE CAN REJOICE, THOUGH NOW FOR A SEASON IF NEED BE, WE ARE IN HEAVINESS THROUGH TRIALS v.6

1. Don't you ever think for a moment that trials are not real, or that you do not have breaking point
2. But deep in your soul-never forget that no matter how heavy- with wings of faith-you fly!
3. That which has you so burdened for the moment- is just a trial; it will pass away! Heaven won't

B.- WE CAN REJOICE FOR THE TRIAL OF OUR FAITH IS LIKE THE TRIAL (PURIFYING) OF GOLD -v.7

1. Remember I told you that Gold was burned until it showed the goldsmith's face as a mirror?
2. A lot of the world's glittering temptations lose their power when we suffer - do you need it?
3. Will your faith be found praising Jesus when He comes? second before? maybe! after-YES!

C.- IF YOU WILL REALLY BELIEVE THIS, YOU CAN REJOICE NOW WITH UNSPEAKABLE JOY! SO WHY MISS IT? 8

1. Thomas was blessed because he believed-having seen! YOU HAVE NOT SO SEEN! -yet- John 20:29
2. If you have faith for Eternal Salvation- why not have enough for joy now-Salvation from circumstances
3. The end of your faith is Salvation full & complete- v.9, why not have the Shekinah now?

You may have temporary hurt- but is like the bride whose shoes are too tight on way to wedding

ARE YOU ON YOUR WAY TO THE WEDDING SUPPER OF THE LAMB? SECURE AND HAPPY? IF NOT, WHY NOT?

1. If you have not been born again- surrender to the Love of God in Christ- accept Christ now!
2. Be true to Him- Let Him change your life, draw you away from worldly loves that destroy
3. Confess any backsliding; stop complaining at His trying you -till you mirror His face!

Rejoice that your name is written down in heaven!