Our Great Hope

Our Great Hope

Text: 1 Peter 1:13-21 (NIV)

13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

17Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

I.       Introduction: Too often the tendency is to consider salvation so final that we have nothing to do. We think that since Christ’s work was finished on the cross, our work is finished on earth. Though we don’t say it, our attitude reflects the idea that holiness is optional and salvation is secure.

II.    Our Hope Is Reflected In Our Conduct: Our Final Salvation is Pending

A.    Hope Reflected In Readiness: Personal Preparation

B.     Hope Reflected In Holiness: Godly Imitation

C.     Hope Reflected In Expectation: Respectful Anticipation

III. Our Hope Is Provided Through Christ: Our Present Salvation Is Precious

A.    Salvation At Great Expense: Appreciate The Sacrifice Offered By Christ

B.     Salvation For The Sake of Man: Appreciate The Value Placed On Man

C.     Salvation Leading Us To God: Appreciate The Goal Of Faith

IV. Conclusion: Salvation is reflected in the way we conduct ourselves from day to day. Our present hope is inextricably tied to our future hope. Our actions reflect our beliefs about this. True redemption not only changes our eternal destiny, but our present behavior. Living for the devil will tie us to his destiny. Salvation changes our course and conduct so that they are in harmony with heaven. If you truly hope for heaven, then all the pleasure derived from those things that heaven shuns will evaporate. The value you place on salvation is reflected in your values day by day.