Hope from the Word
November 4
1 Peter 1:3-9
“WHY THE WORLD NEEDS
H I L L S D A L E
FREE METHODIST CHURCH”
1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (NIV: The Holy Bible, New International Version; Zondervan, Grand Rapids MI, 1984).
“We raise our praise to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his amazing mercy we are born again and have hope that’s alive to the fingertips, thru the mighty resurrection power of Jesus Christ” (NRV: New Ramundo Version, HFMC, 2018).
From this verse, three dynamic truths about God’s gracious and audacious hope that enables us to live a hope-filled, hopeful life:
A MERCIFUL _________
MAKES HOPE ____________
A RISEN __________
MAKES HOPE ___________
A NEW __________
MAKES HOPE ___________
* * *
A.T.M. (Apply The Message)
A Guide for
Personal, Family, Class or Small Group
Study
1 Peter 1:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (The Holy Bible, New International Version; Zondervan, Grand Rapids MI, 1984).
“We raise our praise to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his amazing mercy we are born again and have hope that’s alive to the fingertips, thru the mighty resurrection power of Jesus Christ” ( The NRV, New Ramundo Version paraphrase!).
- Our topic is hope. From the people you know to the national and international scene, what signs do you see of people needing hope?
- Read the setting of the text to this message: 1 Peter 1:3-9. In those nine verses, what are some of the things that stand out to you? Since the author of those verses, the disciple Peter, was one of the first persons Jesus appeared to after his resurrection, how do you think that experience affected what he writes here? And keep in mind Peter was writing to believers scattered by and living under intense persecution.
- From your knowledge of Scripture, and perhaps aided by a concordance, what are some other verses on hope, and what do they teach us? To get started, Romans 15:13 would be a great one to think about.
- Our verse teaches living hope comes through Jesus’ resurrection. Look at Romans 8:11 and discuss the implications of that verse to the believer’s life.
- How has knowing the Lord Jesus brought hope into your life?
- As you finish, thank God for the hope you have, hold on to, and hold out to others, and ask him to help you and our church reach out to those so much in need of hope.
TOP TEN TIPS…
FOR A HOPE-FILLED LIFE
- Know Jesus personally. Spend time with him daily.
- Spend time in the Bible, be encouraged in the Psalms, seek God’s perspective.
- Keep in step with the Spirit.
- Avoid sources of despair—negativity, toxic people, excessive news, etc.
- Whatever you focus on the longest becomes the strongest; so focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
- Listen to inspiring, uplifting music; especially Christian music.
- Keep a journal of your blessings, lessons learned, inspirational sayings, and other hope builders.
- Never let anyone dull your sparkle.
- Spend time with godly friends.
- “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” Jim Elliot