The Book of Hope

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While the Jews garner most of the blame for persecution rendered on the first century church, the truth is that they were not alone. In addition to the Jews, Christians had to contend with pagans who had no moral or religious standard and thus thought Christianity to be utter foolishness because it emphasized a standard of godliness. It was unto various Christians scattered abroad subject to such vengeful persecutions that Peter penned his first epistle in order to instill in them hope amidst troubling times. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied” (I Peter 1:1-2). And would Peter not be one who had credibility along these lines in the sight of the brethren. Yes, during his association with Jesus he was sometimes sporadic distributing a character of impetuousness, courage, restlessness, and ambition; but since time as he worked as an apostle and evangelist he had more often than not been brave, energetic, patient, trustful, and loving. He himself had suffered as a Christian and was able to overcome through hope. Thus it is that which gave him strength that he now relates to others who were in danger of sinking in the depths of trial.

To a people facing such opposing odds, though, is it possible to enjoy any degree of hope? The world did and does have a strong influence among even dedicated children of God, and if that sense of worldliness is able to stabilize a stronghold in someone’s life what power can that person exhibit over it? Hope is a common theme throughout the Bible and especially the New Testament. The word itself occurs in the New Testament alone fifty-three times in various contexts, and often is used to refer to the hope we have in Christ. In fact, twice in the book of Romans, Paul gives excellent expositions regarding Christian hope. For example, in Romans 5:1-11, Paul discusses the love of God which made possible the sacrifice of Christ that provided the great justification from sin, and ultimately it is that justification that gives us hope in looking toward eternity. So the clear position of the Bible is that hope is possible, but only in Jesus Christ. Thus it is now in turning back to I Peter that we notice what Christ offers in order to provide this hope that those brethren needed in their situation, and the hope that all Christians need in the midst of their lives.

First, the hope we have is the salvation we can enjoy in Christ. To those in the depths of tribulation the understanding that it is but temporary is a comfort. One day all of the trouble that the world heaps upon our shoulders will cease. But the hope we have is that our glory will last forever. To those poor souls under increased pressure, Peter wrote about the great inheritance and treasure made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which begets every child of God unto a lively hope (I Peter 1:3-5). Yes, we will suffer in this life because of our conviction, but one day that will end, and forevermore will we enjoy the gracious blessings of our God in heaven above.

Second, our hope is increased as we grow spiritually and live faithfully in the sight of God. Peter encouraged those brethren to desire the milk of the word that provides the growth so desperately needed in every life. As we then submit ourselves to that word a number of truths will be revealed to us that makes us appreciate that hope all the more. And then by living faithfully, the hope is secured whereby we then may enjoy it without fear.

Third, that hope is going to cause us to live a life of honor before Christ. What earnest soul bought and purchased by the blood of Christ is not truly appreciative of that sacrifice? That appreciation is going to instill within the heart of that individual a deep desire to honor Christ by everything they do and everything they say. In I Peter 3:8ff, Peter provides some divine suggestions by which man can honor Jesus Christ. By giving heed to that counsel, we can look forward to one day having our soul eternally quickened unto life.

Fourth, the hope we enjoy is going to lead to suffering in our lives. That was the situation in which these Christians found themselves, and such will be the case with every child of God openly living Christianity. Important to understand is the fact that suffering is not uncommon to any of us. But we should rather rejoice that we can be partakers of Christ’s sufferings (I Peter 4:12-13). “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (I Peter 4:19).

Then fifth, this hope enjoyed is made possible by the true grace of God. What hope might this provide? By simply stating the source of hope one might believe that no further comfort is being administered. However, by citing the grace of God as being eternal, then is the hope provided by that grace also understood to be eternal. That grace is eternal (I Peter 5:10), and thus our hope is eternal as well. And if that is not a statement of great comfort, then surely we are comfortless.

The specifics may be different, but the application will forevermore remain the same. We as children of God maintain hope in Christ regardless of the trials and tribulations the world may heap upon us. Accept that hope, abide in that hope, and forevermore enjoy that hope because of what our gracious God has done for us all.

-Andy Brewer

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