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A Living Hope in Troubling Times 1 Peter 1:1-12

“I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for Joy?” C.S. Lewis Surprised by Joy

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials” I Peter 1:6 NASB

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” James 1:2 NASB

“Joy comes from the unchanging, eternal relationship with God.” John MacArthur

Joy Because of Future Inheritance… Preserved by God (1:3-5) Proven by trials (1:6-9) Predicted by prophets (1:10-12)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a results of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB

Inheritance Preserved by God: What is a living hope? Hope is an inheritance Inheritance is imperishable/incorruptibe— never perish Inheritance is undefiled—never spoil Inheritance will not fade away—unfading Reserved in heaven Protected/shielded by the power of God!

“If suffering today means glory tomorrow, then suffering becomes a blessing to us. The unsaved will have their “glory” now, but it will be followed by eternal suffering away from God.” Warren Wiersbe

We can rejoice in the midst of sufferings because of the certainty of our future inheritance.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NASB

Inheritance Proven by the Trials of Persecution Trouble does not last for long (now for a little while) Trouble serves a purpose (if necessary) Trouble brings distress (distressed) Trouble comes in various forms (various) Trouble should not diminish the Christian’s joy (greatly rejoice)

“and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith in the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NASB

“Little faith will take your soul to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.” Charles Spurgeon

“But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!

“when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3 NASB

If you’re going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill

We can rejoice in the midst of suffering because of the certainty of our inheritance which is proven by the trials of persecution.

“The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah’s Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory.

They clamored to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard fro yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled.

Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!” 1 Peter 1:10-12 Message Bible

Inheritance Predicted by the Prophets Read Isaiah 53 Read Psalm 22 Compare those to Matthew 27 Psalm 22 written about 1000 BC Isaiah written about 700 BC Only God knows the future

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21 NASB

God’s Word is True! Genesis 3:15 Isaiah 9:6-7 John 14:2-4 Revelation 22:12-13, 20

We can rejoice in the midst of sufferings because of the certainty of our inheritance which was predicted by the prophets.

Will you, will I, choose to accept our inheritance and have joy in the midst of suffering?