“A Reason for Hope” - 1 Peter

"A Reason for Hope" Study Booklet - Click here

The letter “1 Peter” is a confronting, unsettling letter for a modern “western”, Christian to read. Our lives are often so focused on the good things we are enjoying now, that talk of “future hope” seems a bit empty, even unnecessary. At first.

On the other hand, when things go badly wrong for us personally, or for those we love, then the Christian hope of ‘glory’ takes on more significance. Suffering drives us to hope.

Well, this letter written by the Apostle Peter was originally addressed to Christians who were suffering for being Christians. It is a letter written to encourage these early Christians to hold onto their hope of being with Christ in glory. It is written to urge them, as they have this hope, to live lives in this world that are consistent with this hope. And it is written to urge Christians to be ready to explain that hope, to defend it, to unbelievers who challenge them.

Peter writes:

“In your hearts, set apart 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.”  1 Peter 3:15

As we study 1 Peter this term, we will particularly focus on three questions.

•  First, what is the substance of this “hope” that Peter writes about? What are we Christians to look forward to?
•  Second, what reasons are there for this hope? What is the basis for thinking that this future “state” is ahead, for the believer?
•  Third, what difference will this hope make to how we live now?

I believe we need this letter. We have an enemy who wants us to forget our hope. We have an enemy who wants to rob us of our inheritance. We need to help each other to resist him today.

Kerry Nagel

Jan 2014