Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:8–17

Introduction

A. During the great persecution under Nero, Christians needed to recall the reasons for their hope more than ever (1 Peter 3:8–17).

B. As Christians tried to make disciples of others, they may have been asked often why they believed there was any hope in the faith that cost them so much.

Discussion

I. Our hope is not to be defined as the world defines “hope.”

A. With the word “hope” we often link the sense of uncertainty.

B. There is no wishful thinking to our hope, but rather an “earnest expectation” (Philippians 1:20; cf. Acts 2:26–27).

C. Our hope is surety for that which we have but cannot yet see (Romans 8:14–25).

II. Our hope is something that we do not share with anyone else.

A. This is not because we are unwilling, but because our hope belongs only to those who are “begotten again” (1 Peter 1:3–5).

B. In Christ, we have the hope of resurrection (Acts 24:15), righteousness (Galatians 5:5), salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:8), heaven (Colossians 1:5), and eternal life (Titus 1:2).

C. While we do in fact possess these presently (Acts 2:47; John 10:28), they cannot yet be seen by those who do not share our hope.

III. We have good reason for our hope that we want to share.

A. Faith gives us reason for our hope (Hebrews 11:1).

B. The Scriptures give us reason for our hope (Romans 15:4).

C. Our Lord’s resurrection gives us reason (Ephesians 1:18–23).

Conclusion

A. Hope does wonderful things for us (1 Thessalonians 4:13, Romans 5:5), but sadly there are some who have given up their hope (Luke 24:21).

B. We need to fortify our hope and make sure it is founded on the Rock.