Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship
Resurrection: A Foundation for Hope - 1 Peter 1:3-9
Locations & Times
Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship
1475 Quintana Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Big Idea: Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of heaven give us a firm place to stand in the face of trials and tribulations.
I. Resurrection: A Foundation for Hope (vv. 3-5)
A. Peter starts here with praise for God’s mercy, His gracious gift of salvation, and the hope that results (v. 3). This reminds us that praising God isn’t just for good times, but for tough times as well. While Satan seeks to exploit our trials and struggles to destroy us, God can use them to strengthen our faith and increase our witness.
B. Our foundation to praise God in all things is:
1. Jesus’ bodily resurrection (v. 3; cf. Acts 2:29-33) – The resurrection is a solid foundation for our faith.
2. Our heavenly inheritance (vv. 4-5; cf. Jn. 14:1-3; Phil. 3:20) – As God’s children, heaven is our inheritance and true home, and it cannot be stolen.
C. Peter’s point here is that no matter what happens to us, we have a firm foundation in Christ for our faith, hope, and praise. God’s power, promises, and presence are our source of security, not our circumstances (cf. Rom. 8:31-39).
II. Resurrection: A Response of Joy (vv. 6-9)
A. Peter’s call to rejoice even amid hardship is because of the living hope we have through Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of heaven. Peter doesn’t hide the fact that Christians will face trials and tribulations, but he reminds us that such challenges have a greater purpose in our spiritual lives.
B. We are reminded that trials and struggles have the purpose of:
2. Refining our witness (v. 7b).
3. Refining our love (v. 8a; 2 Cor. 1:3-4).
4. Refining our joy (vv. 8b-9).
C. In considering the myriad challenges we face daily, let’s also remember the significant challenges many Christians around the world are facing for their faith in Jesus. Let’s keep them in prayer and ask God to strengthen, protect, and encourage them.
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