
What is significant about Peter writing about a “living hope”?
Why do we need a living hope?
• Things we typically put our hope in are finite - health, status, wealth, relationships, successes, dreams of an ideal future
• “There is no way to get through life unless you know how to get through suffering, and there’s no way to get through suffering unless you have a living hope.” Pastor Tim Keller
• “Life only has meaning if we have a hope and a meaning that suffering and even death cannot destroy.” Victor Frankel
What is special about this living hope?
• It’s kept utterly safe and secure for us until Jesus is revealed - it cannot be taken from us (vs 4-5)
• It is so great that it allows us to have joy even while suffering (vs 6)
• Suffering actually makes it stronger! (vs 7)
What is the living hope?
• Receiving the praise, glory and honor from Jesus (vs 7) that he deserves instead of the condemnation that we deserve
How do you receive this living hope?
• Love Jesus, believe in his resurrection, have faith in him (vs 8-9)
In Holy Communion we remember Jesus’ willingness to endure great suffering because his living hope was our salvation.