Living Hope Day 2

Read

Living Hope Day 2 reading:

1 Peter 1:3-9

Ponder

After Peter greeted the readers of his letter, he turned to the important truths he wanted to make sure these early Christians understood: the nature of salvation, the reality of trials and the certainty of hope. 

• The Nature of Salvation Peter makes it clear that salvation is not about anything we can do in our power or strength; it is only accomplished through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, God’s gracious and merciful plan of salvation. There is a “now-and-not-yet” reality of this salvation. We have been saved in the moment we first placed our faith in Jesus and his sacrifice; we are being saved as the Holy Spirit works in our lives to make us more like Jesus; and our salvation will be made complete when Christ returns. Salvation is not dependent on us, and the “inheritance” of true saving faith is eternal life with God. It will never fade or decay. 

• The Reality of Trials In verses 6-7, Peter stresses that the Christian life will not be trouble-free. Trials will come, but they serve a purpose: to show that our faith is genuine and pure. When we face suffering, we often want the trial to end as soon and as easily as possible. No one enjoys suffering, yet Peter encouraged believers to rejoice in the face of trials. Rather than focusing on the pain, he stresses a different point of view: how God is using this suffering to refine your faith and make you more like Jesus. 

• The Certainty of Hope In verses 8-9, Peter stresses the certain hope we have as believers. In the midst of very real trials, Peter invited his readers not to gloss over the reality of their suffering, but to trust in Christ and rejoice in his goodness. We will face suffering in this world—mockery, persecution and more—but we can rest in the character of our sovereign God whose promises are true. We know that our faith will end in sight and all the injustice and pain of this world will one day made right, and that truth should fill us with an inexpressible joy that sustains us in times of trial and suffering. 

Journal

• How are you living in the “now-and-not-yet” reality of your salvation? How do you see that tension in your life during this current season? 

• What trials are you currently facing? Lift them up to God in prayer. 

• Examine your attitude toward those trials. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see them as opportunities to trust God more. 

• How does the hope we have in Christ change your attitude toward suffering? 

• What steps will you take today to rest in the sovereignty and goodness of God, despite the very real trials you are facing?