Bible Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: 1 Peter, The School of Suffering

1.  Whatever our trials or challenges, we must remember that we are not only chosen, redeemed, and set apart by God (vv. 1,2) but we are also kept by God’s power (vv. 3-5).  Peter addresses the question “How do you survive in a world that can take everything away from you.”  He answers the question this way: “You focus on what the world cannot take away from you.”  We may be weak, but it is God’s power which secures us and assures us of salvation.

2.  We have a living hope (vs. 3) and a lasting inheritance (vv. 4,5) through the new birth.

3.  New birth is “to have a spiritual transformation.”  It is a spiritual rebirth (born again, born from above, regenerated). Because we are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) we need spiritual transformation, regeneration not renovation. It’s not enough to become “better” people we must become new people by the power of God through faith..

4.  The new birth is:

-the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-8; Titus 3:5).

-through the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18)

-through the will of God (John 1:11-13)

-it results in righteous living, love, and victory (1 John 5:18; 4:7; 5:4)

5.  Through the new birth we have a “living hope”

-living because Jesus, through His resurrection, conquered death

-living because Jesus gives, not only life after death, but also abundant life  here and now.

6.  Through the new birth we have a lasting hope, an inheritance which can never be lost or taken from us for it is “kept watch on” by God Himself.  Our salvation is secured by God.