1 Peter 1:3-12

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Observations + Meaning:
  • According to his great mercy he has caused us to be born again to a living hope (v3a)
    • It is only through God’s mercy that has allowed us to be born again through the resurrection of Jesus
    • Not only born again -> but born again to a LIVING HOPE
    • This living hope is an unshakeable hope that we have in our future for our own resurrection with Christ in heaven that is guaranteed
  • Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (v3b)
    • It is only possible through the resurrection of Jesus that we have this hope
    • It is a pivotal part (and indeed the foundation) of the hope that we have in Christ
  • To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you (v4)
    • Because we have been born again, we are now sons and daughters of God
    • As such, we have the right to an inheritance that will NEVER fade 
    • The “hope” that we have is now described as an inheritance
    • Nothing can tarnish or extinguish our secure inheritance
  • In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials (v6)
    • Because of this imperishable inheritance that we have, we REJOICE
    • Peter knows that this joy that we have is mixed with grief -> however it is only a little while - referring to our short time on earth
  • so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ (v7)
    • These sufferings God’s will for his people, so that faith might be purified and shown to be genuine
    • The purification and genuineness of our faith should cause to give praise and glory and honour to God 
    • Through our faith and understanding of the revelation of Jesus Christ -> cause us to give praise and glory to God
  • you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory (v8)
    • Joy is not something that is reserved for the future 
    • Even now, his followers love him, believe in him and rejoice with an inexpressible joy
  • obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls (v9)
    • The end result is eternal salvation - the completion of God’s saving work
 
Application:
  • What did I learn about God?
    • God’s endless mercy, grace and love means that we are born again through Jesus Christ
    • God’s will may to test the genuineness of our faith
  • What does it mean for me?
    • We are born again to a living hope 
    • This means we rejoice even through the suffering and grief of this world
    • The testing of our faith will result in a refined faith that leads to praise and glory and honour 
  • Through any trial we can rejoice because of the living hope that we have in Christ
  • This joy should be FILLED with glory to the God who is merciful, graceful and all loving

  

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