A Living Hope in an Anti-Culture World

This morning’s text from Scripture is:

• 1 Peter 1:13-25

Sermon Outline:

• We live in a culture where faith is no longer assumed

• Our hope as Christians is twofold:

  • Past: We have been saved through Jesus

  • Future: We await His return

• We live today between the past and the future hope

• This hope shapes how we live now:

  • We are called to be holy

• Holiness is not something we earn

  • It flows from what Jesus has already done

Comprehension Questions

(These will help you open the scriptures and understand the text.)

1. What does Peter mean by “setting your hope fully on the grace” to be revealed?

2. How does 1 Peter 1:3 describe the source of our “living hope”?

3. What is the connection between past salvation and future grace in this passage?

4. According to verses 14–16, what does it mean to “be holy”?

5. Why does Peter emphasize that we were “ransomed,” and what does that imply?

Life Application

1. Where do you see evidence of a “secular age” in your daily life?

2. What are you most tempted to place your hope in besides Christ?

3. Do you tend to think of holiness as something you achieve or something you receive? Why?

4. Is there a “splinter” in your soul that tells you to “try harder” to earn God’s love?

5. How does understanding that you’ve been ransomed change your view of obedience?

6. In what areas of your life are you most tempted to conform to the culture around you?

7. What would it look like for you to live distinctly as a follower of Jesus this week?

8. How can you intentionally love another member of our church this week?

9. If a visitor came to our church, would they clearly see love among the people? Why or why not?

10. What is one concrete way you can embody “holiness through love” starting tomorrow?

If you have questions about this sermon, please don't hesitate to reach out to David.