A LIVING HOPE
1 Peter 1:1-9
Key Verses 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you…”
The new year has begun, and we thank God for allowing us to finish the past year in His grace and to begin this new year with the abundant word of God through the New Year conference and JBF retreat. Today’s message is the New Year’s Key Verse for UBF this year. As I prepared and meditated on the passage, I was deeply grateful for the clear direction it provides as we begin this new year. Today’s message is based on the New Year’s message delivered by P. Ron Word.
The book of 1 Peter is believed to have been written in the mid-to-late 1st century, during the reign of Emperor Nero in the Roman Empire. Under Nero’s rule, Christians faced severe persecution, as they were falsely blamed for the Great Fire of Rome in A.D. 64. Many believers were scattered, becoming a minority group within the Roman Empire, and they experienced religious and social rejection and discrimination. Peter wrote this letter to comfort and encourage these suffering believers.
In many ways, our UBF community today resembles the church of Peter’s time. Many UBF chapters consist of just two or three families, and in some cases, only one family. While there are a few larger chapters with over 100 members, UBF chapters are not like traditional churches with large buildings, big congregations, and numerous full-time ministers offering various community services. Instead, they are self-supporting, often humble and unknown. Their programs are simple: Bible study, prayer, and worship services—often held in living rooms. Our New Jersey center, too, has been holding worship services without a church building of its own for over a decade, constantly moving from one place to another. Every week, we carry heavy loads, set up, and clean up repeatedly. We struggle to survive, care for our children, and face many painful trials. Yet, in the midst of these struggles, we remain faithful.
To the world, such efforts may seem insignificant. However, from God’s perspective, we are precious—God sees us as the most valuable people in the world! Just like the early Christians, however, we also need encouragement. The Apostle Peter wrote his letter to remind the believers of their identity, their hope, and how they should live. I believe that God is speaking to us today through this passage. I pray that through today’s message, we may receive comfort and guidance for the new year. May God bless us with direction and strength as we journey forward in 2025.
I. Our identity: who we are (1:1-2; 2:9,11).
Let’s read verse 1-2. “1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”
As we all know, Peter was a fisherman from the remote region of Galilee. His primary concern each day was how many fish he could catch. He lived an aimless life of repetitive routine just to survive, crying and laughing at the fish. Then, one day, Jesus came to him. By His one side of grace, Jesus called Peter to become a fisher of men. Then Peter spent three years receiving Jesus’ love and growing as a disciple. But he was weak and undeserving that he denied Jesus three times out of fear before a servant girl. Yet, the risen Lord sought him out again and restored him. Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter became a bold servant of God. He preached to crowds, leading 3,000 to repentance in a single day, and became a rock-like leader, caring for many of God’s flock as a shepherd of the early church. Now, with the clear identity of an apostle of Jesus Christ, Peter writes to encourage the suffering believers.
Look at verse 1 again. The believers Peter addressed were described as exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. They became “exiles” simply because they believed in Jesus. Persecution forced them to leave behind their jobs, homes, and even their homeland. They lived as strangers in foreign lands (1 Peter 1:17; 2:11). We can only imagine how difficult their lives were. They were separated from their family members, struggling to make ends meet with menial jobs just to survive. They faced language and cultural barriers and were subjected to discrimination and constant threats from ungodly people.
Apostle Peter understood their situation well, but he did not pity them. Instead, his letter is filled with thanksgiving, praise to God, and overflowing joy. This is because of what God was actually accomplishing through them. They were neither victims nor defeated, but victors and recipients of great grace.
First, Peter reminded them that they were “God’s elect.” If someone is elected by people, they feel very special. In November of last year, Donald Trump was elected as the 47th president of the United States by the choice of its citizens. At the end of this month, he will begin his four-year term. Being chosen as a president of the United States is very honorable. How much more special and honorable it is to be elected by God, the Creator! This election is not for a short period, but for eternity. It was not a random selection, but according to the foreknowledge of God. Our salvation is part of God’s eternal plan, rooted in His sovereign love and purposeful foreknowledge. It does not depend on our merit, but solely on God’s grace. As Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). Truly, this is amazing grace. So we should be thankful and praise God in all circumstances.
God’s choosing is put into effect by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit sets us apart from the corruption of the world and draws us into a relationship with God and equips us to serve his holy mission. The fruit of the Spirit’s work is our obedience to Jesus Christ. The sprinkled blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sins and seals us in a new covenant relationship with him. In the old covenant, humanity failed because we have no strength to obey God. However, now the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in obedience to God. Peter mentions God the Father, the Holy Spirit and Jesus – the Triune God. They are all at work together to bring about our salvation. This means that our salvation is not only precious but certain, built on a firm foundation.
Though we are God’s elect, people in the world do not honor us as such. Rather, we are treated as strangers and weird people. It is because our lifestyle and value system reveal God’s presence and expose the unbelief of the world. Instead of repenting, worldly people slander us and treat us with contempt. When this happens, naturally we can question our identity: “Who am I? Am I strange, foolish and useless as they say?” We may feel alienated, sorrowful and confused.
We also tend to identify ourselves based on our current circumstances. For example, students might identify themselves by their grades or talents, especially if they feel they are not as outstanding as others. Others might define themselves by the college they attend or the job they have. Some may base their identity on their financial contributions to their family or the fruits of their ministry. However, we must not identify ourselves by our circumstances or conditions. Instead, we must firmly hold onto the truth of who we are. Our identity should be grounded in truth, not in our external situations.
The truth says that we are very precious in the sight of God. We are God’s elect, God’s chosen people. In 2:9, Apostle Peter declared: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession….” By his great mercy, we are chosen by God to be his children. What a privilege this is! Children of wealthy and influential people have many privileges simply because of their parents. How much more privileged we are to be children of God, the Creator of heaven and earth! God is our Father. He loves us unconditionally. He hears our prayers and protects us; he provides for our needs, and guides us in the best way.
Furthermore, God gave us a great mission as a royal priesthood to declare his praises to people who are lost. From God’s perspective, we are the hope of each nation. That is who we are! Indeed, we are truly great people in the sight of God. Let’s have confidence that we are God’s elect, God’s chosen people, ambassadors of his salvation message to the world.
II. Our living hope: an eternal inheritance (1:3-5).
After reminding believers of their identity, Peter proclaimed what our hope is. Hope is very important in our practical lives. Man cannot live without hope. These days so many young people are depressed and powerless because they despair; they have no hope. Despair even can lead people to death. At one time in Korea, the term “Sampo Generation” was widely used. It referred to a generation that had given up on three things: dating, marriage, and having children. Many young people, feeling left behind in the competition of life, believed there was no hope in society. More recently, the term “N-po Generation” has emerged, referring to those who have given up on numerous things. Because of this widespread hopelessness, South Korea has the highest suicide rate among OECD member countries.
Clearly, we need hope. Albert Camus once said, “Where there is no hope, it is incumbent on us to invent it.” Hope makes us feel alive. Hope motivates us to do many things. Many people are coming to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. In South America, many people risk their lives and walk hundreds or even thousands of miles to come to the United States because of the hope that they can have a better life than the one they have now.
However, most hopes people hold onto are worldly hopes. These hopes are limited and temporary. At the end of our lives, they hold no value. Even the glory of emperors who once ruled the world has faded into history. Simply put, the things of this earth are vain hopes—dead hopes. Solomon, who enjoyed all the wealth and splendor of the world, summarized worldly glory in this way: “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
But what about the hope of God’s chosen children? Let’s read 1 Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” We have a living hope. This is not a dead or fleeting hope, but an eternal hope. We received this living hope through God’s great mercy. We were once powerless, hopeless, and without God (Ro 5:6-10; Eph 2:12). Death and judgment are inevitable (Heb 9:27; 2Co 5:10), and nothing we do—money, education, or good deeds—can save us. Yet, God showed mercy by sending Jesus, whose death and resurrection brought us new birth and a living hope. This living hope assures us that we will live forever in God’s perfect kingdom, with perfect bodies, in perfect relationships.
Why is it called a “living” hope? Because it comes from the living resurrected Christ (1 Pe 1:21). As Christ’s resurrection is certain and he is alive, so our hope is certain and living. This living hope does not disappoint us. The living hope always gives us a blessed assurance — because our inheritance is kept in heaven for us. It is in a kind of heavenly bank account which always increases and never decreases. As we await this inheritance, through faith we are shielded by God’s power. We will surely receive this inheritance when Jesus comes again (5).
This living hope is like an anchor for our souls (Heb 6:19). An anchor keeps a ship grounded so that it does not drift away. We Christians are vulnerable to being blown off course. There are winds of temptation, health problems, financial issues, trials with our children, or sudden tragedies, like the death of a loved one. But with the Living Hope as our anchor, we can pass through the stormy winds; instead of becoming weaker, we become stronger and stronger. This living hope grows until it is fully realized in heaven. No matter what happens around us, we become more and more hopeful as time goes by. Apostle Paul said, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Cor 4:16).
Look at verse 4. “…and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you….” In Jewish thought, inheritance referred to the family estate which was passed on from generation to generation. This inheritance gave them a sense of belonging, security, and peace. However, when the early Christians scattered, they lost this inheritance. Living in foreign lands they felt like refugees.
They tended to shrink back with a sense of poverty. But they were children of God! Their rich Father God had a great inheritance for them. This should give them a sense of security and dignity. The same is true for us. We should not feel impoverished in this world. Rather, we should recognize our immense inheritance in heaven, and live with inner peace and dignity as children of God, and carry out God’s great mission in this world.
God has given us a heavenly inheritance more valuable than all the wealth of the world. Revelation 21:3b-4 describes it like this: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” When we think about what God has done for us, we cannot but praise God. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
III. Our lifestyle – how we should live (1:5-9; 13-16; 22-2:3; 2:11-17; 3:15-17; 4:7-13; 5:1-4).
So far Peter has shared a heavenly perspective of our Christian lives. We are God’s elect! We have a living hope! This living hope empowers us to live a joyful and sacrificial Christian life. However, we are not in heaven yet. We live in this real world. In the rest of his letter, Peter shares practical exhortations for us to live by. Let’s focus on some key teachings.
Rejoice in our sufferings (1:6-9). In the past, we tried to avoid suffering as much as possible, regarding suffering as harmful and a cause of misery. But when we have living hope in our hearts, we can see that sufferings are necessary. Through suffering, our false hopes are removed and our hearts purified. Through suffering, our faith becomes genuine and strong. Through suffering, we grow in perseverance, character and hope (Ro 5:3-4). Through suffering, Christ’s glory is revealed in us (4:13). As we see how God uses suffering for our good, we experience inexpressible and glorious joy. Strengthened by this joy, we can embrace sufferings all the more.
Be holy (1:15-16). 1:15-16 say: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” When we hear the words “be holy,” it may sound like an unrealistic, burdensome demand. But actually it is what we desire most. The word “holy” means “set apart.” When we live a holy life, we grow in the character of God rather than following the trends of the corrupted world. A holy life is the happiest life.
Love one another deeply (1:22). 1:22 tells us that those who grow in holiness love one another with pure hearts. They can build up a community of love, respect, and trust – a beautiful spiritual family. On the other hand, the world is like “the survival of the fittest.” It is marked by jealousy, hatred, and slander. People recognize this cold reality and seek something better. When they find a real Christian community with the genuine love of Jesus, they are willing to join. As we love one another deeply from the heart, our witness to Jesus becomes powerful and effective.
Crave pure spiritual milk (1:23-2:3). It is not easy to practice holy love (Ro 12:9). So we must grow spiritually. How? Peter encouraged us: “…like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1Pe 2:2-3). Newborn babies crave milk as a matter of life and death. In the same way, let’s crave God’s word with a “do or die” spirit and grow up spiritually.
Do good deeds and share the reason for our hope (2:11-17; 3:15-17). Doing good deeds is one of the main themes of 1 Peter. 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 2:15 says, “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” Why did Peter emphasize doing good? Doing good is not the way to salvation, but a fruit of saving faith (Tit 2:14). It is a powerful way to transform the world.
The motive of doing good deeds is to reveal Christ. As we do good deeds, we should tell why. 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” When the living hope in Christ fills our hearts, it gives us joy and meaning in all that we do. When people in the world see this, they are attracted and want to know what our secret is. We should always be ready to share Christ with those who ask, at any time and anywhere.
Finally, be shepherds for God’s flock (5:1-4). The Apostle Peter exhorted leaders: “be shepherds of God’s flock,” not as a duty, but willingly; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over the flock, but being examples. Why is this so important? All people, regardless of social or economic status, ethnicity or nationality, need good shepherds. Let’s be good shepherds for God’s flock. When we do so, our Chief Shepherd Jesus will give us a crown of glory that never fades away.
Peter wrote this letter to the early Christians with a great vision that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Though they lived on the bottom of society, despised and persecuted, they lived holy lives with a clear identity as God’s chosen people. They could overcome all hardships and troubles with a living hope in Christ. What happened? History attests that the Roman Empire was transformed through them. They were indeed world changers! Likewise, the Lord sees our house churches with great vision to raise disciples of Jesus all over the world. He has given us a living hope, our eternal inheritance. May this living hope fill our hearts and empower us to transform the world with the message of Christ.