A Living Hope

Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2

SHOW NOTES:

Do you remember reading about Peter (one of Jesus’ first disciples) in the 4 Gospels? It seems like he speaks out of turn, flounders in the Sea of Galilee, or totally misses the point of Jesus’ teaching. Yet by the time he authored the book of First Peter, he was more than 30 years older and had learned some valuable lessons. Peter helped bring unity to the disciples after Jesus’ departure to heaven and he shared the gospel message with Jews and Gentiles alike.

Peter’s audience lives in a difficult world, facing trials and difficult situations. He calls his readers to focus on the work of God the Father, the Spirit, and the Son. In his greeting, Peter extends these words of hope and encouragement to them, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” (1 Peter 1:2)

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Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-16

SHOW NOTES:

Are you facing trials, hardships, troubles, and struggles? The One we follow, the One we are to model our lives after, was mocked, rejected, scorned, and suffered terribly. The true source of strength for each new day is our personal trust in the Lord.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him … you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

– 1 Peter 1:8

Each of us must prepare our minds for action, control our actions and words, and have our hope set fully on the grace that will be brought to us when Jesus Christ is revealed. He will reward our faithful commitment.

As believers, we are called to walk in holiness. This future reward merits the discomfort of our current trials, troubles, and sacrifices. Let’s live as obedient children and not be conformed to our former passions.

Listen to the Full Episode:

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Show Notes

This episode is a re-release from the 2021 The Names of God series.

Show Notes:

The LORD is my Shepherd.

He leads, restores, and guides the sheep. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and the sheep know His voice. The agricultural imagery in this Psalm provides great insight about the LORD’s care and provision for each one in His flock. He invites each of us into a personal relationship with Him.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

– Psalm 23

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

– John 10:11-15

Show Notes

1 Peter 1:17-25

SHOW NOTES:

Peter has these powerful words for his audience. We are chosen, and we are called to be holy. In verses 14 and 15, “do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

The Lord’s call on our lives should have a direct impact on how we live each day. Peter heard Jesus speak these words, recorded in Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” And we should walk in holiness and obedience to Him.

Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, shed His precious blood to pay the penalty of our sin – you and me. We were ransomed from our sin-filled lives.

The words from this hymn … My Hope is in the Lord:

My hope is in the Lord who gave Himself for me,
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.
No merit of my own His anger to suppress,
My only hope is found in Jesus’ righteousness.

Listen to the Full Episode:

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Show Notes

1 Peter 2:1-8

SHOW NOTES:

As we read and study the book of First Peter, this word comes to mind: “Rich. This book is so rich – verse by verse.” Peter is addressing the topic of our salvation and deliverance from sin. Our lives should be changed, and this is God’s work of sanctification in you and me. Peter continues with his instruction to believers in chapter two. Put away your negative behavior and change bad habits. The call is for positive action. You should crave the pure spiritual milk, and then you will grow in your personal walk with the Lord.

Peter moves from “eating” to “construction.” Jesus is the Living Stone, chosen and precious. He is the solid rock and the Cornerstone. Verse five says, “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” As living stones, we are called to serve and to worship. Christ is the Cornerstone, and we are the living stones.

Listen to the Full Episode:

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Show Notes

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-17

SHOW NOTES:

Peter addresses his audience as “Beloved,” my dear friends. We are bound together in Christ’s love. Each of us is called to do good deeds so His name will be glorified.

And Peter continues this theme in verse 10, where he alludes to the Old Testament prophet Hosea.

Once, you were not a people, but now you are God’s people;
once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

We are chosen from all eternity. From our perspective, we were lost, hopeless, and helpless, dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, our gracious God extends mercy to us. He calls us to be His people!

Peter’s summary for God’s children (1 Peter 2:17).

1. Show proper respect to everyone – recognize each one’s value in God’s eyes.
2. Love the family of believers – we are the children of God.
3. Fear God – live in reverential awe of the Lord.
4. Honor the emperor – respect those in authority over you.

Find it on the Discover God’s Truth website, on Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.