More thoughts on HOPE

I Peter 1:13-25

Our hope in Christ changes how we view the world and live in it.

I read recently that “Living as strangers in this world … [means that] we are no longer driven by the culture’s values and demands.  We fight the battle of the mind …”

This statement got me to thinking about how we fight this battle of HOPE so as I read through I Peter 1:13-25, I kept looking for clues.  I invite you to do this same activity right now.

Get some paper and a pen and make two columns.  Label one column “What God does” and label the other column “What we do.”  Then, as you read through this passage verse by verse, note what you find that indicates the role God plays and/or the role a Christian believer plays in the development of HOPE in one’s life.  Here is the list I found.  I would love to hear what you found!

WHAT GOD DOES:

v. 17 = acts fairly

v.18-19 = provides a means of redemption

v.18 and 23 = provides salvation that cannot be destroyed

v.21 = raised Jesus from the dead

v.21 = provides a reason for faith and hope

v. 23 and 25 = provides His Word [that never changes or dies or fades away)

WHAT WE DO:

v.13 = be ready for action

v.13 = be alert (sober-minded)

v.13 = be focused on Jesus’ grace

v.14 and 22 = be obedient

v.14 = be different (do not be conformed to sinful ways of thinking and acting)

v.15 = be impeccable (i.e., “holy”) in your conduct

v.17 = act reverently (respect all that God has done for us and treat others with respect)    

v.22 = love others from a pure heart

What else did you find for these two columns about HOPE?

So much of the power of our HOPE depends upon our response to what God has so abundantly provided for us.  Let’s pray that together we will increase the strength of our HOPE so it can help us face these uncertain times more confidently, displaying God’s love and mercy to others.  By doing so we will be bringing HOPE to others as we increase our own.  It is a win-win scenario!