WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.219 Good morning. It is great to be with you brothers and sisters and to be able to preach God's word. 00:00:07.160 --> 00:00:13.380 Our main text today will be 1st Peter 3 verses 1st Peter 1 verses 3 through 9. 00:00:13.839 --> 00:00:17.420 But before we go to 1st Peter 1, we're going to be in Philippians 1. 00:00:17.879 --> 00:00:20.120 So if you will take your Bible and turn to Philippians 1 with me. 00:00:21.320 --> 00:00:24.679 During this time, we're going to consider the nature of hope through various scriptures, 00:00:24.679 --> 00:00:28.780 and then we'll spend the majority of our time in 1st Peter 1. 00:00:28.780 --> 00:00:46.040 Great. So today I have the privilege to talk on the Advent theme of hope. 00:00:46.700 --> 00:00:50.320 The letter of 1st Peter is considered a letter of hope to a suffering people. 00:00:51.060 --> 00:00:54.380 In this letter, Peter has been called the apostle of hope. 00:00:54.840 --> 00:00:57.060 In chapter 1, hope is mentioned multiple times. 00:00:57.060 --> 00:01:04.320 And in 1st Peter 1, he's writing to the elect exiles who are part of the dispersion. 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:07.560 So these are people who were living in their home and then has been dispersed. 00:01:07.840 --> 00:01:12.740 They have been sent to a different area, removed from their home, and forced to live somewhere else. 00:01:13.599 --> 00:01:17.560 These believers were called exiles because of that reason. 00:01:17.659 --> 00:01:20.079 So that's why Peter introduces the letter like that. 00:01:20.079 --> 00:01:27.140 They are living as sojourners in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:34.039 The believers of 1st Peter are acquainted with suffering and have experienced the effects of sin against them. 00:01:35.060 --> 00:01:42.459 Peter seeks to encourage them that their hope and their value and their satisfaction are not in this world, 00:01:42.459 --> 00:01:46.099 but it is in a person, and his name is Jesus Christ. 00:01:46.099 --> 00:01:53.179 So as they have been displaced and as they are suffering, Peter is writing this letter to them to let them know that where they're at, 00:01:53.239 --> 00:01:55.119 all their hope is not in their home. 00:01:55.479 --> 00:01:57.799 It is not in their comfortable place. 00:01:57.859 --> 00:02:01.719 It's not in wishful thinking, but it is in Jesus in the life to come. 00:02:02.679 --> 00:02:10.199 So with that said, like the elect exiles of 1st Peter, we are in a world where we are weary pilgrims. 00:02:10.199 --> 00:02:14.619 We are people who have experienced the ups and downs of life. 00:02:15.239 --> 00:02:21.699 We understand that suffering is a reality and that life can be very hard. 00:02:22.299 --> 00:02:24.060 We go through seasons of difficulty. 00:02:24.659 --> 00:02:27.679 Some seasons where our children are not easy to parent. 00:02:28.339 --> 00:02:32.000 Some seasons where our marriage is really hard. 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:37.579 In some seasons where we lose someone that we dearly care about. 00:02:37.580 --> 00:02:42.100 We experience life where sometimes tragic events happen. 00:02:42.600 --> 00:02:45.920 Things that should have never happened, happen to us. 00:02:46.720 --> 00:02:52.720 And in these moments, we experience, it sometimes leads us to despair. 00:02:53.260 --> 00:02:55.560 Sometimes leads us to feeling hopeless. 00:02:56.740 --> 00:02:58.100 Brothers and sisters, have you been there? 00:02:59.260 --> 00:03:01.780 Have you experienced the griefs of this world? 00:03:02.660 --> 00:03:05.040 Have you experienced the dark nights of the soul? 00:03:05.039 --> 00:03:08.000 Are you familiar with despair? 00:03:09.259 --> 00:03:10.799 I've been there myself. 00:03:11.219 --> 00:03:16.319 I've been up through all hours of the night worrying about immediate family. 00:03:16.659 --> 00:03:18.139 Hoping that they're okay. 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:21.500 I have cried till there's no strength left. 00:03:21.879 --> 00:03:28.180 Casting all my anxieties, all my sorrows, all my griefs to the Lord who cares for me. 00:03:28.199 --> 00:03:28.939 To our Father. 00:03:29.560 --> 00:03:33.680 I've stayed up next to a loved one as I've watched them pass away. 00:03:33.680 --> 00:03:41.300 In these moments of great sorrow, in these moments of great despair, we often feel helpless. 00:03:42.080 --> 00:03:44.540 And we often feel hopeless. 00:03:45.300 --> 00:03:51.300 In these moments, we feel as if we're in a cold, dark dungeon and we can't get out. 00:03:51.680 --> 00:03:56.040 We feel as if we are in a deep and narrow pit, languishing. 00:03:56.039 --> 00:04:02.419 It is as if we are spiritually cold and numb and in despair. 00:04:02.680 --> 00:04:09.120 But in these darkest moments and in these greatest despair, there is hope. 00:04:10.139 --> 00:04:11.900 This hope is not wishful desires. 00:04:12.780 --> 00:04:16.219 This hope is not lasting relief from our sorrows. 00:04:16.819 --> 00:04:19.879 This hope is not in a quick fix solution. 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:23.879 This hope is in the person of Jesus Christ. 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:28.040 In his life, in his death, and in his resurrection. 00:04:29.159 --> 00:04:30.800 He is the bright and burning sun. 00:04:31.420 --> 00:04:33.839 He is the radiance of God's glory. 00:04:34.459 --> 00:04:38.680 In him, our sins are buried and our glory is found. 00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:40.899 He is the hope of glory. 00:04:41.019 --> 00:04:45.779 And by the spirit of living God, he has instilled hope in our hearts. 00:04:46.560 --> 00:04:48.100 Scripture communicates this to us. 00:04:48.100 --> 00:04:50.260 Psalm 40, 1-3 00:04:50.260 --> 00:04:53.220 I have waited patiently for the Lord. 00:04:53.820 --> 00:04:56.040 He inclined to me and heard my cry. 00:04:56.720 --> 00:05:04.200 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 00:05:04.640 --> 00:05:08.520 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. 00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:12.800 Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. 00:05:13.820 --> 00:05:15.740 Colossians 1, 13-14 00:05:15.740 --> 00:05:25.740 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. 00:05:26.319 --> 00:05:28.360 And in Psalm 42, 1-5 00:05:28.360 --> 00:05:34.660 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 00:05:35.160 --> 00:05:38.160 My soul thirsts for you, for the living God. 00:05:38.600 --> 00:05:40.860 When shall I come and appear before God? 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:45.740 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, 00:05:45.740 --> 00:05:47.840 Where is your God? 00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:51.319 These things I remember as I pour out my soul. 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:56.079 How I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God. 00:05:56.439 --> 00:06:00.900 With glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. 00:06:01.860 --> 00:06:04.319 Why are you downcast, O my soul? 00:06:05.180 --> 00:06:07.740 And why are you in turmoil within me? 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:12.439 Hope in God, for I shall again praise him. 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:15.019 My salvation and my God. 00:06:15.860 --> 00:06:19.960 With that said, truly, there is hope in God for our weary hearts. 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:21.920 But what does it mean to hope? 00:06:22.019 --> 00:06:23.840 What is this concept we talk about as hope? 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:25.360 We know it's not wishful. 00:06:25.460 --> 00:06:28.759 We know it is not just feelings, but it is much more. 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:37.300 Hope is the inspiring confidence and expectation in the Son of God and the glorious inheritance we receive in him. 00:06:37.839 --> 00:06:39.060 It is not wishful. 00:06:39.300 --> 00:06:41.399 It is not just a movement of feelings and desires. 00:06:41.539 --> 00:06:43.000 It is full of faith. 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:48.860 It is full-hearted reliance on Jesus and all that he has promised to us. 00:06:49.180 --> 00:06:57.920 It is a grasping and taking hold of Christ and all of his wonderful benefits that we receive in him and in the heavenly places. 00:06:57.920 --> 00:07:06.040 Hope is confidence in our promised future, but it also provides us with great confidence. 00:07:06.800 --> 00:07:11.280 Paul had this attitude in Philippians 1, 19-21, if you'll read with me. 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:16.360 Philippians 1, 19. 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:26.300 For I expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have in the past. 00:07:26.300 --> 00:07:33.460 And I trust that my life will bring honor or magnify Christ, whether I live or die. 00:07:33.879 --> 00:07:37.740 For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:41.280 This hope inspires us to rejoice. 00:07:41.800 --> 00:07:43.900 It inspires us to love. 00:07:44.939 --> 00:07:52.019 It inspires us to live in such a way that every thought, every emotion, and every action would make Christ look lovely, 00:07:52.019 --> 00:07:55.299 make him look beautiful, make him look glorious. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:08:03.060 It is because of our expectant confidence in Jesus Christ that our living is for Christ, 00:08:03.479 --> 00:08:05.240 and our dying is gain. 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:08.399 And not just gain, but our dying is great gain. 00:08:08.759 --> 00:08:11.240 Paul says it is far better than living. 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:15.579 Our death and fulfillment of our hope is much more greater, 00:08:16.019 --> 00:08:20.539 and it is much more wonderful and much more glorious than anything we have in this world. 00:08:20.540 --> 00:08:23.920 Paul comes to this conclusion also in Philippians 3. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:25.780 If you'll turn over a page with me and read. 00:08:27.540 --> 00:08:29.560 Beginning in verse 7, he says, 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:35.180 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 00:08:35.740 --> 00:08:41.560 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:08:41.559 --> 00:08:46.879 For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, 00:08:46.879 --> 00:08:51.179 in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. 00:08:51.739 --> 00:08:54.619 Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, 00:08:54.819 --> 00:08:57.119 but that which comes through faith in Christ. 00:08:57.539 --> 00:09:00.059 The righteousness of God that depends on faith. 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:03.179 That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, 00:09:03.179 --> 00:09:06.919 and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:11.739 that by any means possible, I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 00:09:12.979 --> 00:09:16.899 Therefore, brothers and sisters, our hope is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ 00:09:16.899 --> 00:09:19.439 and the glorious inheritance we receive there. 00:09:20.359 --> 00:09:21.439 So turn with me to 1 Peter. 00:09:21.440 --> 00:09:21.500 1 Peter. 00:09:39.600 --> 00:09:42.540 We'll be reading verse 3 through 9. 00:09:45.840 --> 00:09:48.960 Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:48.960 --> 00:09:53.879 According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope, 00:09:54.340 --> 00:09:56.940 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 00:09:57.720 --> 00:10:01.800 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, 00:10:02.379 --> 00:10:03.660 kept in heaven for you, 00:10:04.200 --> 00:10:06.960 who by God's power are being guarded through faith, 00:10:07.280 --> 00:10:09.860 for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 00:10:10.820 --> 00:10:13.740 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, 00:10:14.139 --> 00:10:16.660 if necessary, you've been grieved by various trials, 00:10:16.659 --> 00:10:19.360 so that the tested genuineness of your faith, 00:10:19.740 --> 00:10:21.579 more precious than gold that perishes, 00:10:21.959 --> 00:10:23.419 though it is tested by fire, 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:27.600 may be found to result in the praise and glory and honor 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:29.519 at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:10:30.279 --> 00:10:32.779 Though you have not seen him now, you love him. 00:10:33.159 --> 00:10:34.659 And though you do not see him, 00:10:34.939 --> 00:10:35.879 you believe in him, 00:10:36.299 --> 00:10:39.839 and rejoice with the joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:42.240 obtaining the outcome of your faith, 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:44.000 the salvation of your souls. 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:48.179 So in 1 Peter 1, beginning of verse 3, 00:10:48.460 --> 00:10:51.240 there is one Greek sentence all the way to verse 12. 00:10:52.179 --> 00:10:53.179 And in this Greek sentence, 00:10:53.379 --> 00:10:56.720 the purpose is that we would understand that salvation is from God 00:10:56.720 --> 00:10:58.600 and should instill hope in us. 00:10:59.019 --> 00:11:02.179 We were once dead and we've been born again to a living hope. 00:11:03.340 --> 00:11:05.360 This hope that we're born again to cannot be destroyed. 00:11:05.919 --> 00:11:08.399 It will not falter during trials and it is not cold. 00:11:09.039 --> 00:11:12.100 And it is in this, when we get to verse 13 of 1 Peter, 00:11:12.100 --> 00:11:14.220 after this one sentence that we read, 00:11:14.560 --> 00:11:18.220 therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:21.480 set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you 00:11:21.480 --> 00:11:23.279 at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:26.560 So after this beautiful exposition of our salvation 00:11:26.560 --> 00:11:30.740 and how the prophets and the angels long to see Jesus 00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:33.639 and see all the promises that were fulfilled in him, 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:35.919 then Peter says, 00:11:36.419 --> 00:11:38.960 now, in light of this, prepare for action 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:43.600 and set your hope fully on this grace you will receive at Jesus Christ. 00:11:44.279 --> 00:11:48.320 And this should move us to think that hope is so important 00:11:48.320 --> 00:11:51.560 because Peter urges the saints to live in such a way 00:11:51.560 --> 00:11:54.240 that their hope is set on Jesus and his grace in the future, 00:11:54.240 --> 00:11:55.940 not in this moment, 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:58.200 not in the things we have or the things we do. 00:11:59.419 --> 00:12:01.500 So today, as we spend our time together, 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:03.779 my aim is that you'd see that hope 00:12:03.779 --> 00:12:07.039 is an inspiring confidence and expectation 00:12:07.039 --> 00:12:08.159 in the Son of God 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:11.139 and the glorious inheritance we share with him. 00:12:11.539 --> 00:12:13.060 We'll see this in three points. 00:12:13.720 --> 00:12:14.659 Our hope is living, 00:12:15.279 --> 00:12:16.960 our hope is secure, 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:19.960 and our hope is full of joy. 00:12:19.960 --> 00:12:23.240 So let's read verses 3 and 4 again. 00:12:24.320 --> 00:12:27.100 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:28.720 According to his great mercy, 00:12:29.019 --> 00:12:31.500 he has caused us to be born again to a living hope 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:34.200 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:36.720 to an inheritance that is imperishable, 00:12:37.180 --> 00:12:38.759 undefiled, and unfading, 00:12:38.960 --> 00:12:40.320 kept in heaven for us. 00:12:41.420 --> 00:12:42.759 Prior to being a Christian, 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:45.460 we were enemies of God, 00:12:45.560 --> 00:12:46.900 according to Romans 5.10. 00:12:47.320 --> 00:12:49.340 We were dead in our sins and trespasses, 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:51.060 according to Ephesians 2.1. 00:12:51.600 --> 00:12:52.800 We love the world, 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:54.480 according to 1 John 2, 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:56.680 and we practice lawlessness, 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:57.879 according to 1 John 3. 00:12:58.920 --> 00:13:01.399 The 1689 London Baptist Confession says 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:03.360 that we are before Christ, 00:13:03.740 --> 00:13:04.980 utterly indisposed, 00:13:05.480 --> 00:13:05.920 disabled, 00:13:06.340 --> 00:13:07.840 and made opposite to all good, 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:10.160 and wholly inclined to evil. 00:13:11.060 --> 00:13:11.759 With that said, 00:13:11.899 --> 00:13:13.300 apart from Jesus Christ, 00:13:13.720 --> 00:13:14.540 we are hopeless. 00:13:15.820 --> 00:13:17.320 But in this passage, 00:13:17.320 --> 00:13:19.160 it says that according to his great mercy, 00:13:19.340 --> 00:13:21.019 he has worked in our lives. 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:23.360 He took our dead, 00:13:24.060 --> 00:13:24.820 lifeless soul, 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:26.259 and gave us new life. 00:13:26.820 --> 00:13:27.480 The verse says, 00:13:27.720 --> 00:13:30.399 he has caused us to be born again. 00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:31.940 We were hopeless, 00:13:32.019 --> 00:13:33.879 but now we're born into a new life 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:35.200 with a new hope. 00:13:35.540 --> 00:13:37.040 This hope is a living hope. 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.660 Before Christ, 00:13:38.740 --> 00:13:39.940 the things that we hoped in 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:40.840 were vain, 00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:42.160 they were dead, 00:13:42.280 --> 00:13:43.620 and they were perishing. 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:45.899 This hope was temporary. 00:13:46.779 --> 00:13:48.159 But our hope now in Christ, 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:49.019 being born again, 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:50.639 is not dead, 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:51.759 temporary, 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:52.360 and vain, 00:13:52.539 --> 00:13:54.100 but it is steadfast, 00:13:54.179 --> 00:13:54.840 it is immovable, 00:13:54.919 --> 00:13:55.519 and it is sure. 00:13:55.659 --> 00:13:56.500 It is strong, 00:13:56.840 --> 00:13:57.639 and it is because 00:13:57.639 --> 00:13:59.480 Jesus Christ is alive, 00:14:00.019 --> 00:14:01.179 and he's raised from the dead, 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:02.399 that we have hope. 00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:04.700 The foundation of the hope we have, 00:14:04.779 --> 00:14:06.299 according to 1 Peter 1, 00:14:06.699 --> 00:14:09.179 is that he has rose from the dead, 00:14:09.219 --> 00:14:11.219 and he is now with God. 00:14:11.459 --> 00:14:12.319 We see in verse 3, 00:14:12.419 --> 00:14:14.099 he said that we've been born again 00:14:14.099 --> 00:14:15.859 to a living hope 00:14:15.859 --> 00:14:16.559 through the resurrection 00:14:16.559 --> 00:14:18.039 of Jesus Christ from the dead. 00:14:18.500 --> 00:14:20.699 Our hope is grounded and found 00:14:20.699 --> 00:14:21.659 in Jesus Christ 00:14:21.659 --> 00:14:22.759 and his resurrection. 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:25.240 We see this also in 1 Corinthians, 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:26.779 when Paul was talking about 00:14:26.779 --> 00:14:27.439 the resurrection. 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:30.159 He says in 1 Corinthians 15, 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:31.139 17 through 19, 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:33.359 if Christ has not been raised, 00:14:33.599 --> 00:14:34.779 your faith is futile, 00:14:34.779 --> 00:14:36.899 and you are still in your sins, 00:14:37.579 --> 00:14:39.240 then those also who have fallen asleep 00:14:39.240 --> 00:14:40.259 in Christ have perished. 00:14:40.699 --> 00:14:41.480 And if in Christ 00:14:41.480 --> 00:14:43.039 we have hope in this life only, 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:44.799 we are of all people 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:46.079 most to be pitied. 00:14:46.679 --> 00:14:47.600 According to Paul, 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:49.679 if our hope is only in this life, 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.279 we are most to be pitied, 00:14:51.459 --> 00:14:52.639 because it means there's nothing 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:53.980 after this life that comes. 00:14:54.339 --> 00:14:55.159 There is no future 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:56.120 to look forward to. 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:57.720 But the beautiful thing 00:14:57.720 --> 00:14:59.339 about the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:14:59.339 --> 00:15:01.059 is that when he lived 00:15:01.059 --> 00:15:02.139 and he died for our sins, 00:15:02.339 --> 00:15:03.399 he also rose. 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:04.899 And we are a part of that, 00:15:04.980 --> 00:15:05.600 rising again. 00:15:06.059 --> 00:15:07.159 According to Ephesians 2, 00:15:07.319 --> 00:15:08.840 we will rise with him. 00:15:09.819 --> 00:15:11.019 So, with that said, 00:15:11.079 --> 00:15:12.840 if Jesus Christ did not come 00:15:12.840 --> 00:15:14.459 and he did not die 00:15:14.459 --> 00:15:16.259 and he did not rise again, 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:18.899 we would be left hopeless. 00:15:20.240 --> 00:15:21.980 We would have been left in our sins 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:23.139 and we would have been condemned 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:24.459 as guilty. 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:27.120 But, our God did come. 00:15:27.539 --> 00:15:28.639 He did die 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.840 and he did rise again. 00:15:29.840 --> 00:15:32.700 Therefore, our hope is alive. 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:33.899 It is living. 00:15:35.300 --> 00:15:36.500 According to verse 4, 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:38.040 this hope that we have 00:15:38.040 --> 00:15:39.240 is inheritance also. 00:15:39.420 --> 00:15:40.019 It's in Jesus 00:15:40.019 --> 00:15:41.440 and we receive an inheritance 00:15:41.440 --> 00:15:42.180 with him. 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:44.500 It says in verse 4 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.200 that this inheritance 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.800 is imperishable, 00:15:47.320 --> 00:15:48.280 it's undefiled, 00:15:48.820 --> 00:15:49.840 and it is unfading. 00:15:50.639 --> 00:15:50.899 Therefore, 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:52.940 this inheritance we receive 00:15:52.940 --> 00:15:53.500 in Jesus, 00:15:53.940 --> 00:15:55.080 this life to come 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.220 that we will receive, 00:15:56.580 --> 00:15:57.540 is everlasting. 00:15:57.539 --> 00:15:58.899 It is pure 00:15:58.899 --> 00:15:59.740 and it is precious. 00:16:00.519 --> 00:16:01.679 It will not be destroyed, 00:16:02.019 --> 00:16:03.339 it cannot be defiled, 00:16:03.559 --> 00:16:04.959 and it will not fade. 00:16:05.559 --> 00:16:06.279 According to verse 4, 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:07.699 it states that this inheritance 00:16:07.699 --> 00:16:09.299 is of heavenly substance. 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:11.139 It says that it is kept 00:16:11.139 --> 00:16:13.019 in heaven for us. 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:14.579 Therefore, 00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:16.759 our hope should stir us 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:17.500 to desire 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:19.679 to live a heavenly-minded lifestyle, 00:16:20.079 --> 00:16:21.120 a mind that is based 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:22.419 in life to come. 00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:24.240 We are sojourners 00:16:24.240 --> 00:16:25.659 bound for the promised land. 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:27.419 We have a glorious 00:16:27.419 --> 00:16:28.719 and precious estate 00:16:28.719 --> 00:16:30.459 that is awaiting us, 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:31.019 that is prepared 00:16:31.019 --> 00:16:32.360 by our Father for us. 00:16:32.759 --> 00:16:34.019 When we are received 00:16:34.019 --> 00:16:35.579 and we receive Jesus 00:16:35.579 --> 00:16:37.980 and all of his benefits for us, 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.719 we will receive our hope. 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:41.679 When our hope is fulfilled 00:16:41.679 --> 00:16:43.179 and our Savior comes, 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:44.399 all our tears 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:45.319 will be wiped away, 00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.779 all our grieves 00:16:46.779 --> 00:16:48.240 will be relieved, 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:50.019 and our aching sadness 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:51.279 will be changed 00:16:51.279 --> 00:16:53.559 into an ever-springing gladness. 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:55.119 All the dark shadows 00:16:55.119 --> 00:16:56.319 and the gloomy clouds 00:16:56.319 --> 00:16:57.619 of this life 00:16:57.619 --> 00:16:59.000 will be gone 00:16:59.000 --> 00:17:00.239 forevermore 00:17:00.239 --> 00:17:01.039 in Christ 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:01.939 and the life to come. 00:17:02.879 --> 00:17:03.479 This is the hope 00:17:03.479 --> 00:17:04.399 we are made alive to. 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:05.200 This is the hope 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:05.819 that is living. 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:06.980 This is the hope 00:17:06.980 --> 00:17:08.460 we receive in Jesus. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.819 And this is the hope 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:11.279 we have to live for. 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:13.940 This hope is also secure. 00:17:14.720 --> 00:17:15.359 Point number two, 00:17:15.419 --> 00:17:16.299 our hope is secure. 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:19.059 Read verse 5 with me. 00:17:19.059 --> 00:17:21.440 Who by God's power 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:22.259 are being guarded 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:23.019 through faith 00:17:23.019 --> 00:17:23.819 for a salvation 00:17:23.819 --> 00:17:24.799 ready to be revealed. 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:27.019 In verse 4, 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:28.940 we are promised as saints 00:17:28.940 --> 00:17:29.839 that our inheritance 00:17:29.839 --> 00:17:30.759 is through Jesus 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:32.679 and it is of heavenly substance 00:17:32.679 --> 00:17:33.899 that will not be destroyed. 00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:35.799 It will not fade away. 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:37.079 In verse 5, 00:17:37.440 --> 00:17:38.039 Peter goes on 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:39.099 to encourage us 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:40.799 as weary pilgrims 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:41.460 that this inheritance 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:42.339 will last forever 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:43.639 and is secure. 00:17:43.980 --> 00:17:45.279 And it is because of God 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:46.220 that it is secure. 00:17:46.220 --> 00:17:49.500 But there are various viewpoints 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:50.579 in our culture 00:17:50.579 --> 00:17:51.460 we hear about 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.579 that teach 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:53.620 in a different man. 00:17:53.680 --> 00:17:54.360 They teach something 00:17:54.360 --> 00:17:55.180 that is contrary 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:57.380 to being able 00:17:57.380 --> 00:17:58.140 to be secure. 00:17:58.779 --> 00:17:59.360 There are viewpoints 00:17:59.360 --> 00:17:59.740 that teach 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.480 that we can lose 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:01.019 our salvation, 00:18:01.140 --> 00:18:02.000 that we are not secure 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:02.600 in Christ. 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:04.420 In Roman Catholicism, 00:18:04.519 --> 00:18:05.319 believers receive 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:07.299 this infusion of grace 00:18:07.299 --> 00:18:08.220 and then are called 00:18:08.220 --> 00:18:10.200 to do sacramental acts 00:18:10.200 --> 00:18:12.200 to achieve God's favor, 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:13.620 to remain in this grace. 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:15.200 In Arminianism, 00:18:15.200 --> 00:18:16.380 it is said that we are 00:18:16.380 --> 00:18:17.680 saved upon a profession 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:18.220 of faith, 00:18:18.340 --> 00:18:19.420 but we can fall away 00:18:19.420 --> 00:18:20.319 and be an unbeliever 00:18:20.319 --> 00:18:21.720 if we fall into sin 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:22.160 too long. 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:23.860 In both these views, 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:25.920 there is no full assurance 00:18:25.920 --> 00:18:27.620 that we are saved. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:29.700 In this view, 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:31.180 our salvation is conditioned 00:18:31.180 --> 00:18:32.620 on one's action 00:18:32.620 --> 00:18:34.759 and it does not provide us 00:18:34.759 --> 00:18:35.500 great rest. 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:37.420 But, brothers and sisters, 00:18:37.519 --> 00:18:38.440 the good news here 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:40.059 is, according to 1 Peter, 00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:41.759 our hope is not conditioned 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:42.519 on our actions. 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:45.119 There is nothing within us 00:18:45.119 --> 00:18:46.599 that earns this hope. 00:18:47.400 --> 00:18:48.700 Our hope is in Jesus Christ 00:18:48.700 --> 00:18:51.000 and our hope resides with him. 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:53.079 In Christ, there is rest 00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:54.680 and our hope is sure. 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:57.000 Read verse 5 again with me. 00:18:57.700 --> 00:18:58.680 Who by God's power 00:18:58.680 --> 00:19:00.039 are being guarded through faith 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:00.700 for a salvation 00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:01.819 ready to be revealed. 00:19:02.759 --> 00:19:04.039 Our salvation is based 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:04.940 on God's power. 00:19:05.779 --> 00:19:06.900 The word guard here 00:19:06.900 --> 00:19:07.819 refers to God 00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:09.000 keeping watch 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:10.480 over our salvation. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:11.960 From our perspective, 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:13.120 we wake up 00:19:13.120 --> 00:19:13.740 and we read 00:19:13.740 --> 00:19:14.920 and we pray 00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:16.940 and we are working, 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:17.839 we believe, 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:18.480 we rejoice, 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:19.279 we rest. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:21.400 But in reality, 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:22.360 all these good things 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:23.019 come from God 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:24.120 and his almighty power. 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:25.839 By the spirit 00:19:25.839 --> 00:19:26.579 of the living God, 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:27.339 we are enabled 00:19:27.339 --> 00:19:27.960 and empowered 00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:28.860 to pursue holiness 00:19:28.860 --> 00:19:30.640 and God is watching 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:31.279 over us 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.339 and sharing his goodness 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:33.279 with us. 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:36.059 He is truly the found 00:19:36.059 --> 00:19:37.259 from whom all good comes 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:38.140 and he holds us 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:39.180 by his power. 00:19:39.620 --> 00:19:40.580 He guards us. 00:19:41.340 --> 00:19:42.600 Philippians 1.6 says 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:43.940 that he who began 00:19:43.940 --> 00:19:45.259 a good work in us 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:46.080 will bring it 00:19:46.080 --> 00:19:47.440 to the day of completion. 00:19:48.520 --> 00:19:50.280 When I think of this hope 00:19:50.280 --> 00:19:51.500 that is living, 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:52.360 when I think of this hope 00:19:52.360 --> 00:19:53.140 that is secure, 00:19:53.480 --> 00:19:54.480 it makes me think of 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.840 this wonderful hymn 00:19:55.840 --> 00:19:56.700 that we sing often 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:56.960 called, 00:19:57.060 --> 00:19:58.300 He Will Hold Me Fast. 00:19:58.820 --> 00:20:00.200 The words of the song say, 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:02.400 When I fear my faith will fail, 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.600 Christ will hold me fast. 00:20:04.599 --> 00:20:06.879 When the tempter would prevail, 00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:09.059 He will hold me fast. 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:11.459 I could never keep my hold 00:20:11.459 --> 00:20:13.399 through life's fearful path. 00:20:13.879 --> 00:20:15.839 For my love is often cold. 00:20:16.399 --> 00:20:18.339 He will hold me fast. 00:20:18.919 --> 00:20:20.339 He will hold me fast. 00:20:20.719 --> 00:20:22.019 He'll hold me fast. 00:20:22.379 --> 00:20:24.919 For my Savior loves me so. 00:20:25.579 --> 00:20:27.240 He will hold me fast. 00:20:27.939 --> 00:20:28.779 So truly, 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:30.379 God is keeping watch 00:20:30.379 --> 00:20:31.259 over our soul 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:33.179 and He will hold us fast. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:34.600 By God's power 00:20:34.600 --> 00:20:36.180 and His tender care, 00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:37.799 our hope is secure. 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:38.960 Because our hope 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:39.900 is living and secure, 00:20:40.080 --> 00:20:41.840 it is also full of joy. 00:20:42.860 --> 00:20:43.720 Point number three, 00:20:43.840 --> 00:20:44.980 our hope is full of joy. 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:47.320 Read verses six through nine with me. 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:51.440 In this you rejoice, 00:20:51.580 --> 00:20:52.860 though now for a little while, 00:20:53.060 --> 00:20:53.860 if necessary, 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:55.060 you've been grieved 00:20:55.060 --> 00:20:56.180 by various trials, 00:20:56.600 --> 00:20:57.500 so that the testing 00:20:57.500 --> 00:20:58.840 genuineness of your faith, 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:00.340 more precious than gold 00:21:00.340 --> 00:21:00.940 that perishes, 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:02.840 though is tested by fire, 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:04.299 may be found to result 00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:05.740 in the praise and glory 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.399 and honor 00:21:06.399 --> 00:21:07.459 at the revelation 00:21:07.459 --> 00:21:08.399 of Jesus Christ. 00:21:08.899 --> 00:21:10.039 Though you have not seen Him, 00:21:10.139 --> 00:21:10.899 you love Him. 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:12.599 And though you do not see Him, 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:13.720 you believe in Him 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:15.000 and rejoice with joy 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.220 that is inexpressible 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:17.699 and filled with glory, 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:19.059 obtaining the outcome 00:21:19.059 --> 00:21:19.879 of your faith, 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:21.919 the salvation of your soul. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:24.180 So in verse six, 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:25.519 Peter goes from explaining 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.840 the grounds and security 00:21:26.840 --> 00:21:27.480 of our hope 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:28.660 to providing us 00:21:28.660 --> 00:21:29.360 with how it relates 00:21:29.360 --> 00:21:30.220 to our trials 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:31.440 and the fulfillment 00:21:31.440 --> 00:21:32.200 of our hope. 00:21:33.140 --> 00:21:33.800 Because our hope 00:21:33.800 --> 00:21:36.480 is in Jesus Christ 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:38.080 and because our hope 00:21:38.080 --> 00:21:38.779 is secure, 00:21:39.600 --> 00:21:40.660 we have grounds 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:41.480 to rejoice. 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:44.120 So the exilic saints 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:45.080 in first Peter, 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:46.460 they endured great persecution 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:47.019 as we talked about. 00:21:47.039 --> 00:21:47.700 They were dispersed 00:21:47.700 --> 00:21:48.519 from their home. 00:21:49.320 --> 00:21:50.039 In the letter, 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:51.259 it says they had been reviled. 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:53.440 They had been treated unjustly 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:55.420 and they had been dealt evil 00:21:55.420 --> 00:21:56.160 for their faith 00:21:56.160 --> 00:21:57.200 in Jesus Christ. 00:21:57.839 --> 00:21:58.940 These trials have led 00:21:58.940 --> 00:22:00.299 the saints to be grieved. 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:02.740 According to this word, 00:22:02.839 --> 00:22:03.500 the meaning of it 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:04.640 is that there is a severe 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:06.799 mental and emotional distress 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:08.920 or a persisting sadness. 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:10.480 Their experiences 00:22:10.480 --> 00:22:11.200 in the dispersion 00:22:11.200 --> 00:22:11.879 have brought them 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:13.319 to anguish 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:14.680 and to grief. 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:17.420 But according to Peter, 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:18.579 this is only for a season. 00:22:18.720 --> 00:22:19.920 He says that 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:21.240 though now 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:22.259 for a little while, 00:22:22.580 --> 00:22:23.759 it is for a season 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:25.019 that they have been grieved. 00:22:25.560 --> 00:22:26.300 And in this season, 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:27.360 according to first Peter, 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:28.580 that they're being refined 00:22:28.580 --> 00:22:29.600 and their lives 00:22:29.600 --> 00:22:30.840 being more and more 00:22:30.840 --> 00:22:31.759 like Christ. 00:22:32.580 --> 00:22:33.279 He says that 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:34.740 the tested genuineness 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.720 of their faith, 00:22:36.279 --> 00:22:38.000 more precious than gold 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:39.039 that perishes 00:22:39.039 --> 00:22:40.200 those tested by fire, 00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:41.420 may be found 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:42.600 to result in praise 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:43.060 and glory 00:22:43.060 --> 00:22:43.759 at the revelation 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:44.800 of Jesus Christ. 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:47.680 this word tested genuineness 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:49.240 talks about the authenticity 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:51.059 that their faith is genuine. 00:22:51.159 --> 00:22:52.940 So as these trials come 00:22:52.940 --> 00:22:54.240 and as these hard things 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:54.899 come in the lives 00:22:54.899 --> 00:22:55.500 of the saints 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:56.659 in first Peter, 00:22:57.180 --> 00:22:58.359 these hard things 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.539 are pushing them 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:00.399 to Christ 00:23:00.399 --> 00:23:01.720 and push that faith 00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:02.659 in Jesus 00:23:02.659 --> 00:23:03.579 and have hope 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:04.419 in Jesus. 00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.759 And in doing so, 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.819 their faith 00:23:06.819 --> 00:23:08.119 is being beautified 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:08.980 and fortified. 00:23:09.180 --> 00:23:10.619 It is being crafted 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:11.539 through these trials 00:23:11.539 --> 00:23:13.539 so that when Jesus appears 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:14.940 and when their hope 00:23:14.940 --> 00:23:15.599 is fulfilled, 00:23:15.879 --> 00:23:16.779 that their lives 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.259 may be found 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:18.059 to the praise 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:18.839 and glory 00:23:18.839 --> 00:23:20.279 of Jesus Christ. 00:23:21.879 --> 00:23:23.000 So with that said, 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:24.099 we also, 00:23:24.339 --> 00:23:24.819 in our lives, 00:23:24.899 --> 00:23:25.639 have been grieved. 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.879 We go through things 00:23:26.879 --> 00:23:27.700 that are hard, 00:23:28.139 --> 00:23:28.980 things that bring us 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:30.680 mental distress 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.799 and anguish. 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:33.599 Some of us have families 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:34.299 that are really difficult. 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:35.200 Some of us 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:36.639 have went through situations 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:38.920 that are really challenging. 00:23:39.639 --> 00:23:41.079 But in these situations, 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:42.500 there is a hope 00:23:42.500 --> 00:23:44.039 that is so beautiful 00:23:44.039 --> 00:23:44.839 and so wonderful, 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.159 something that we can 00:23:46.159 --> 00:23:47.379 cast our lives to 00:23:47.379 --> 00:23:49.039 and be found in. 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.399 And this hope 00:23:50.399 --> 00:23:51.419 is in Jesus Christ 00:23:51.419 --> 00:23:52.359 in the life to come, 00:23:52.519 --> 00:23:53.799 that when he comes, 00:23:54.299 --> 00:23:55.359 our hope, 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:56.119 our faith, 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:57.279 everything we believe in 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:57.839 will come 00:23:57.839 --> 00:23:59.240 and be fulfilled. 00:23:59.939 --> 00:24:00.699 So with that said, 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.460 in these trials, 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.319 we have great reason 00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:02.960 to rejoice. 00:24:03.819 --> 00:24:04.379 This joy, 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:06.319 according to Peter, 00:24:06.460 --> 00:24:08.139 is inexpressible 00:24:08.139 --> 00:24:09.379 and filled 00:24:09.379 --> 00:24:10.679 with glory. 00:24:11.079 --> 00:24:14.000 the word inexpressible 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:15.079 means exactly 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:15.720 what it sounds like, 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.559 that we cannot 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:17.579 describe it, 00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:18.939 that we cannot express 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:20.199 how wonderful 00:24:20.199 --> 00:24:21.599 this hope is. 00:24:22.299 --> 00:24:22.960 Jonathan Edwards, 00:24:23.039 --> 00:24:24.159 in trying to describe it, 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:24.599 says, 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:26.879 the love and joy 00:24:26.879 --> 00:24:28.019 of the saints on earth 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:29.119 is the beginning 00:24:29.119 --> 00:24:29.879 and dawning 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:30.539 of light, 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.379 life, 00:24:31.559 --> 00:24:32.319 and blessedness 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:32.759 of heaven. 00:24:33.139 --> 00:24:34.219 And it's like their love 00:24:34.219 --> 00:24:34.980 and joy there, 00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:35.879 or rather, 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:37.259 of the same nature, 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:38.659 but not the same degree 00:24:38.659 --> 00:24:39.279 and circumstance. 00:24:40.079 --> 00:24:42.019 So this inexpressible 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:43.319 joy that we have now 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.159 because our hope 00:24:44.159 --> 00:24:44.980 in Jesus Christ 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.959 and the life to come 00:24:45.959 --> 00:24:47.699 is an abounding sweetness 00:24:47.699 --> 00:24:48.639 for our soul. 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.899 It is an enraptured heart 00:24:50.899 --> 00:24:52.159 to the heavenly goodness. 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:54.500 It is an affectionate delight. 00:24:55.080 --> 00:24:55.820 It is warm. 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:56.560 It is resounding 00:24:56.560 --> 00:24:57.340 with praise 00:24:57.340 --> 00:24:59.140 for our treasured Jesus. 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.920 It is the kind of joy 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:01.380 that we have 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:01.880 when we consider 00:25:01.880 --> 00:25:03.340 everything is rubbish 00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:05.040 in compared to knowing 00:25:05.040 --> 00:25:06.120 Jesus Christ. 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:07.440 So even in our 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:08.279 greatest affliction, 00:25:08.880 --> 00:25:10.120 in our hardest trials, 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:11.939 we can rejoice 00:25:11.939 --> 00:25:13.579 because our hope 00:25:13.579 --> 00:25:14.679 is not based in this world. 00:25:15.199 --> 00:25:15.759 There is a much 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:17.159 greater reality to come, 00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:18.619 one that is everlasting 00:25:18.619 --> 00:25:19.639 and will not perish, 00:25:19.879 --> 00:25:20.939 one that is sure 00:25:20.939 --> 00:25:21.759 and secure. 00:25:23.159 --> 00:25:24.419 Edwards further describes 00:25:24.419 --> 00:25:24.859 what our hope 00:25:24.859 --> 00:25:25.639 would be like in heaven. 00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:26.619 He says, 00:25:26.719 --> 00:25:27.639 the love and joy 00:25:27.639 --> 00:25:28.859 that the saints have there 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:29.500 in heaven 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.879 is exceedingly, 00:25:30.939 --> 00:25:32.239 exceedingly great 00:25:32.239 --> 00:25:33.079 and vigorous, 00:25:34.639 --> 00:25:35.599 impressing the heart 00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:36.239 with the strongest 00:25:36.239 --> 00:25:37.859 and most lively sensation 00:25:37.859 --> 00:25:39.659 of inexpressible sweetness. 00:25:40.279 --> 00:25:41.319 So he says that this, 00:25:41.479 --> 00:25:43.219 this love and joy we have 00:25:43.219 --> 00:25:44.500 is exceedingly great 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.159 and vigorous, 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.859 impressing the heart 00:25:46.859 --> 00:25:47.779 with the strongest 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:49.199 and most lively sensation 00:25:49.199 --> 00:25:51.079 of inexpressible sweetness, 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:52.659 mightily moving, 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:53.559 animating, 00:25:53.659 --> 00:25:54.439 and engaging them, 00:25:54.740 --> 00:25:55.339 making them 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:56.819 like a flame of fire. 00:25:57.979 --> 00:25:58.859 So when, 00:25:58.919 --> 00:25:59.979 when things get hard 00:25:59.979 --> 00:26:01.779 and they're not going 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:03.539 as we once thought they would, 00:26:03.639 --> 00:26:04.000 once we, 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:05.379 the way that we wish 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:06.279 they would have went 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:08.000 and we are struggling, 00:26:08.579 --> 00:26:09.819 remember that we have a hope 00:26:09.819 --> 00:26:11.019 and that God 00:26:11.019 --> 00:26:12.299 is refining our hearts 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:12.920 towards him 00:26:12.920 --> 00:26:14.759 and he is fortifying faith 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:15.619 in us. 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:17.259 He is producing a glory, 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:18.639 a masterpiece 00:26:18.639 --> 00:26:19.579 to bring him 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:20.619 great delight 00:26:20.619 --> 00:26:21.319 and praise. 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:23.039 That is why he says 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:23.819 in this passage, 00:26:24.339 --> 00:26:25.299 one that will be found 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.359 to result in praise 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.440 and glory and honor 00:26:27.440 --> 00:26:28.259 at the revelation 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.160 of Jesus Christ. 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:30.480 Therefore, 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.539 let us rejoice 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.240 in our suffering 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:33.579 because it is not 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:34.660 eternal but temporary. 00:26:34.660 --> 00:26:36.540 Let us rejoice 00:26:36.540 --> 00:26:37.400 in our suffering 00:26:37.400 --> 00:26:38.480 because it is not 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:38.980 meaningless 00:26:38.980 --> 00:26:40.519 but is meaningful. 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:42.500 Let us rejoice 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.120 in our suffering 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:44.880 because we have hope. 00:26:45.720 --> 00:26:46.460 Our hope is caused, 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.540 our hope causes us 00:26:47.540 --> 00:26:48.160 great joy 00:26:48.160 --> 00:26:49.880 because it is not momentary 00:26:49.880 --> 00:26:51.120 but steadfast, 00:26:51.660 --> 00:26:52.080 immovable, 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:52.900 and guaranteed. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:54.640 In conclusion, 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.120 praise God 00:26:56.120 --> 00:26:56.920 that he has caused us 00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.680 to be born again 00:26:57.680 --> 00:26:58.740 to a living hope 00:26:58.740 --> 00:27:00.080 that is not based 00:27:00.080 --> 00:27:00.660 in this world 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.980 but based on the person 00:27:01.980 --> 00:27:03.019 of Jesus Christ 00:27:03.019 --> 00:27:03.980 in his resurrection. 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:06.400 This hope is alive 00:27:06.400 --> 00:27:07.960 because Jesus is alive. 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.779 This hope will not fade 00:27:09.779 --> 00:27:10.279 or perish 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:11.299 but is steadfast 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:11.980 and precious. 00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:13.339 It is being kept 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:14.420 by the almighty power 00:27:14.420 --> 00:27:14.960 of God 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:16.180 to be given us 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:16.779 when the day 00:27:16.779 --> 00:27:18.480 of Jesus Christ appears. 00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:20.559 Because this hope 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:21.480 is living and secure, 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.500 it should cause us 00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.200 to spring forth 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:24.059 in great love 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:25.680 and inexpressible joy 00:27:25.680 --> 00:27:27.200 in Jesus Christ. 00:27:27.639 --> 00:27:28.579 Because of this hope, 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:29.920 we get to experience 00:27:29.920 --> 00:27:31.019 the abounding sweetness 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:32.980 and lively sensation 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:33.539 of happiness 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:34.180 in Jesus. 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:35.680 This hope 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:37.420 is an inspiring confidence 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:38.379 and expectation 00:27:38.379 --> 00:27:39.400 in Jesus Christ 00:27:39.400 --> 00:27:40.839 and his glorious inheritance 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:41.480 we have. 00:27:42.220 --> 00:27:43.319 Let us not despair 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:44.700 or be in anguish 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:45.940 but be like 00:27:45.940 --> 00:27:47.720 the psalmist 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:48.680 in Psalm 42 00:27:48.680 --> 00:27:50.139 in hope in God 00:27:50.139 --> 00:27:51.599 for we shall again 00:27:51.599 --> 00:27:52.240 praise him, 00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:53.279 my salvation 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:54.339 and my God. 00:27:55.519 --> 00:27:55.980 So, 00:27:56.139 --> 00:27:57.000 four points to consider 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:58.160 in closing application. 00:27:58.960 --> 00:27:59.519 Number one, 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:01.519 as we go into Advent season, 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:03.220 let us devote time 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:04.339 individually 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.980 with our families 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:07.359 and with our church community 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:09.359 to read scripture 00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:10.339 that are based 00:28:10.339 --> 00:28:10.940 on the prophecies 00:28:10.940 --> 00:28:11.339 fulfilled 00:28:11.339 --> 00:28:12.519 in Jesus' first coming 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.900 and to read 00:28:13.900 --> 00:28:15.019 about the Christmas narratives. 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:16.259 Let us behold 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.819 Christ the newborn king 00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:19.500 in his fullness of glory 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:20.660 and adore him. 00:28:21.579 --> 00:28:22.240 Number two, 00:28:23.079 --> 00:28:24.259 I want to remind you 00:28:24.259 --> 00:28:24.920 of verse 13. 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.319 It says, 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:25.700 therefore, 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:26.980 preparing your minds 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:27.460 for action 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.460 and being sober-minded, 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:29.740 set your hope fully 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:30.340 on the grace 00:28:30.340 --> 00:28:31.180 that will be brought to you 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:31.759 at the revelation 00:28:31.759 --> 00:28:32.600 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:33.700 --> 00:28:34.819 Let us work 00:28:34.819 --> 00:28:35.660 to set our hope 00:28:35.660 --> 00:28:36.319 on the grace 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:37.140 of Jesus Christ. 00:28:37.740 --> 00:28:38.460 Let us intentionally 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:39.340 consider the hope 00:28:39.340 --> 00:28:40.539 we have in Christ 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.960 and rejoice in it. 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:43.440 Our affection 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:44.140 should be warmed 00:28:44.140 --> 00:28:44.920 by the flames 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:45.799 of God's word 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:46.460 and his promises 00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:47.039 to us. 00:28:47.620 --> 00:28:48.180 Let us sit 00:28:48.180 --> 00:28:48.720 by the fire 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.259 of his word 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:50.539 and be inflamed 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:51.240 for him. 00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:53.640 Point number three, 00:28:53.640 --> 00:28:56.000 our journey 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.860 as pilgrims 00:28:56.860 --> 00:28:57.900 to the promised land 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:59.540 is not an individual effort, 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:01.460 but it is a community work. 00:29:02.120 --> 00:29:02.759 In 1 Peter, 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:04.440 it is not the saint 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.120 that is addressed, 00:29:05.300 --> 00:29:06.220 but the saints. 00:29:07.140 --> 00:29:07.520 Therefore, 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:08.400 we should be walking 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:09.640 this pilgrimage, 00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:10.360 this journey 00:29:10.360 --> 00:29:11.140 to the promised land 00:29:11.140 --> 00:29:11.580 together 00:29:11.580 --> 00:29:12.780 with our brothers 00:29:12.780 --> 00:29:13.360 and sisters 00:29:13.360 --> 00:29:14.360 that we're committed 00:29:14.360 --> 00:29:15.000 to in church 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:16.540 and that we're friends with. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.880 So I encourage you, 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:19.300 find people to walk with, 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.380 people that will 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:21.320 hold you accountable, 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:22.919 and find people 00:29:22.919 --> 00:29:23.919 that will invest in you, 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.799 that will disciple you, 00:29:24.839 --> 00:29:25.460 that will help you 00:29:25.460 --> 00:29:27.059 build more and more 00:29:27.059 --> 00:29:28.740 and more mature 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:29.919 so that you can do 00:29:29.919 --> 00:29:30.720 the work of ministry 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.359 better. 00:29:32.439 --> 00:29:32.859 And finally, 00:29:33.200 --> 00:29:34.299 point number four, 00:29:35.500 --> 00:29:36.399 in Jesus Christ, 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:36.980 there is hope 00:29:36.980 --> 00:29:37.759 for this life 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.720 and the life to come. 00:29:39.359 --> 00:29:39.919 We should grow 00:29:39.919 --> 00:29:41.419 in loving him, 00:29:42.159 --> 00:29:42.960 believing in him, 00:29:43.159 --> 00:29:44.119 and enjoying him. 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:45.359 This week, 00:29:45.359 --> 00:29:46.700 take time to bolster 00:29:46.700 --> 00:29:47.679 your love for him, 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:49.339 increase your faith 00:29:49.339 --> 00:29:50.240 in him, 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:51.319 and enjoy 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:53.519 his inexpressible sweetness. 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:55.140 Let us begin 00:29:55.140 --> 00:29:55.720 to experience 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:56.279 the light, 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:56.880 life, 00:29:56.960 --> 00:29:57.700 and blessedness 00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:58.960 of heaven now 00:29:58.960 --> 00:30:00.480 as we prepare 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:01.120 to receive 00:30:01.120 --> 00:30:02.079 the gain of it 00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:03.099 in the life to come. 00:30:03.620 --> 00:30:04.220 Pray with me.