THIS BOOK HAS BEEN CALLED THE EPISTLE OF THE LIVING HOPE, IT SUPPLIES FOR US FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE

1. The Believer is in a Hostile World,- in Peter is a ringing appeal for steadfast loyalty to Christ
2. Since 19th Century -critics have tried to dump I Pet. as too deeply doctrinal - esp.re: atonement
3. Did he copy Paul, or John? Or did the same Lord over all speak through each one?

I Cor 13:13-Trilogy; I Thess 1:3 - expanded- Work of Faith; Labor of Love; Patience of Hope-

I.- A LIVELY I Pet HOPE 1:3

Peter changes the order - but still these three great graces are gifts from God - Claim them

A.- ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE HATH BEGOTTEN US! John heard Jesus say- "Ye Must Be Born Again"

1. The fact of physical life - Birth - means you had a mother & a father! -Born into woe & misery
2. But Peter praises God and tells how we are born twice - Begotten of God! I Pet 1:23-25
3. Our ability to take physical nourishment comes from our 1st birth- & so Spiritual birth-& food

B.- HE HATH BEGOTTEN US AGAIN INTO A LIVELY HOPE! -Living is one of Peter's favorite words 2:5

1. Our nation lives in despair-set to self destruct. Christians almost revel in Total Depravity
2. But even though we know the end- Tribulation & fire - yet we know the glorious eternity to come
3. If your hope does not reach beyond 7 years tribulation, and a Baptism of fire, you have no hope

C.- BUT WE ARE BEGOTTEN INTO A LIVELY HOPE BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST - a Past Fact -

1. We have more than a future hope- We have a lively hope today! - vibrant, powerful, claim it!
2. Quit looking at Eternity- & look at right now! -Paul did-Phil 3:10-14-Power for right now!
3. Most are sleeping on a mule-when we could be riding a Moon-Rocket! Dream of stars, or claim Moon right now!

Put your hope into life and action NOW! What can you claim of resurrection power- 

II.- A PROVEN FAITH I Pet 1:5-7

The theme of 1 Peter is "How the Saints are to Suffer" - and Christ is our strength-if we believe

A.- THANK GOD WE ARE KEPT BY HIS POWER. v.5. AS BAPTISTS WE BELIEVE IN SECURITY IN CHRIST!

1. Eternal Security is the Property of the Believer- but remember- it comes from Christ alone
2. It is only possible by His power- not the power of your faith, for that might vary or change
3. In the last day- He will reveal everyone He has saved. Phil 1:6 -He finishes what He starts!

B.- BUT WE DO FACE TRIALS TODAY, THAT TEST OUR FAITH IN THE LORD. SOME ARE GREAT TRIALS - v.6

1. Salvation is permanent, but our trials are just for the moment -Suffering in Birth- & in life
2. The best example of faith is given in Heb 11: esp v.24-27 which is worth most-?sin or faith?
3. The greatest curse of our age is our lack of faithfulness! -II Tim 2:13 -He abideth faithful!

C.- IT IS THE TRIAL OF OUR FAITH THAT SHOWS THE GLORY, MORE PRESCIOUS THAN GOLD!- v.7

1. Trials-(Proving) not temptations to evil, but tests! "Might be found" Aorist-once for all!
2. Gold is precious- so it is tried in furnace! Faith is more precious than Gold!
3. Fire only burns up the impurities! Is your faith of wood, hay, stubble; or gold, silver, jewels?

If your faith is in Christ- the tests the world throws at you only makes heaven seem sweeter

III.- A JOYFUL LOVE I Pet 1:8,9

The center of our hope, faith, and love is Jesus Christ! Real love makes you joyful!- not miserable

A.- JESUS PROMISED A SPECIAL KIND OF BLESSING TO THOSE WHO WOULD BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING! John 20:29

1. We have been told of Jesus, and have believed! Our faith sustained & supported -deep love
2. Yet though he is very close, NO HUMAN EYE ON EARTH NOW HAS SEEN HIM! We have not seen Him!
3. If we could see Him- our love might be of the flesh! But now only God can give this love!

B.- PETER WROTE TO PEOPLE WHO HAD SEEN JESUS ONLY IN THE EYE OF FAITH, YET THEY LOVED HIM!

1. Maybe a few of the Strangers scattered abroad had seen Him- but yet they had a greater vision
2. Paul II Cor 5:16 -claimed a greater love than a visual one- greater faith than just sight!
3. The Shekinah of Glory cannot be seen by human eyes- it can be seen by the eye of faith! Glory

C.- OUR LOVE CAN BE JOYFUL BEYOND WORDS IF WE WILL BUT ALLOW GOD TO GIVE IT TO US! Like faith & Hope

1. I see young people falling in love and getting hurt! (Puppy love), but real love brings joy!
2. Paul's prayer- Eph 3:19- was that we might know the love of Christ- & return this love!
3. John was pointed- your show your love for Jesus by the way you love the brethren!- Do you?

The more you exercise Christ's love to others- the more joy comes into your life!
The more you demand from others- the more misery comes from such immature love!

GOD HAS A GREAT GIFT TO HELP SEE YOU THROUGH THESE LAST DAYS HIS GIFT OF HOPE, FAITH, & LOVE

1. These are given through the Lord Jesus Christ- If you want them- come to Jesus and seek them
2. If you are a Christian- let the Lord refine these jewels until they shine for His Glory!
3. Only you can let your Hope live; your Faith shine; and your love give your joy!