The Contender Vol. 1

Contending for the Living Hope "Our success often times depends on our view." 1 Peter 1:1-17 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout 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, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 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, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you,searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. _________________________________________________________________________________________ - In a relationship with Jesus, there are going to be times of trials, sacrifice, and suffering. But don't give up! - A trial tests our faith--it doesn't show God where we are at, but shows us where we are at with God. - 1 Peter 1:8: reminding us what our view is, reminding us of what our view should be; the living hope of Jesus! - What is it that you place your hope in? - 1 Peter 1:13: In a relationship with Christ, we must actively set our minds on the living hope of Jesus. - If our foundation is on Jesus Christ and our mind is actively set on Him, a transformation happens inside of us. - Jesus is not calling us to "barely enough", or "good enough"; rather, He is calling us to "all I got, and then some". - If you set your mind on Christ, holiness comes. - Radical obedience in one area of our lives does not excuse obedience in another area.