Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-12
Background: Most likely written under the power of Emperor Nero around 64-67 AD. Peter is at the height of his influence in the church and he uses that influence to “shepherd the flock” that has been entrusted to him by Jesus. Peter wrote this book with the intention of encouraging believers in Jesus to persevere through the current circumstance. He also desired that the leaders would lead them well as though they are doing it for Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.
Lesson: Only through Jesus Christ is a living hope possible.
Living hope grants more than a conviction of beliefs; it allows us to know with absolute certainty what our inheritance is and how “worth it” it is. In the midst of trials and pains, our faith is shown to bring God praise and glory. Peter uses very interesting language when he speaks of our inheritance and seems to draw us back Isaiah 53, which directly addresses the sufferings of Christ. More than that, Peter draws us to Jeremiah 31, which talks about a new covenant that includes the audience of Peter and Christians today. We are a part of the covenant spoken of in Jeremiah 31.
Main Point/Takeaway: The testing of your faith should result in praise, honor and glory to Jesus Christ, who is our Living Hope.
Questions: (These questions are suggestions designed to spur discussion. Feel free to ask others.)
1: What is something from the text that comes from God’s mercy? (Living Hope)
1a: Is the living hope we get completely free? (It cost Jesus’ death)
1b: What are you hoping for?
1c: What should we hope for? vv. 4-5
2: Why do we go through trials? vv. 6-7
2a: Can anything good come from our trials or hardships?
3: Read vv.8-9. Are these verses true for you today?
3a: Why do we love Jesus? 1 John 4:19
3b: What good is produced by our love for Jesus?
4: What were the sufferings of Christ? Isaiah 52:13-53:12
4a: What are “the subsequent glories”?
4b: Read v. 12. How were the prophets serving Peter's audience?
4c: Do they serve us today? Jeremiah 31:31-34
Conclusion: As you go through the rest of the week, remember the Living Hope that we have. It is not a hope that can easily be put to shame, but one that we can depend on and lean on. The promise doesn’t come from a distant god who sits on the bench watching things go on. The God we serve not only created the universe and holds it together but also knows us in a deep and personal way. He wants us to hold onto living hope that is found in Jesus Christ.