Our Future Is Bright!
Your salvation has nothing to do with you. Your new life has been given to you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
KEY VERSES
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NASB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4 To obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
UNDERSTANDING
What are some reasons a person might think his or her future is bright? What are some reasons a person might think his or her future is grim and dark?
When in your own life have you had the greatest sense of optimism about your future? Why?
What about right now? Do you tend to think your future is bright, or do you tend to think your future is grim? Why?
What have you personally learned about God the Father that would lead you to praise Him as Peter did in this verse? What was Peter’s optimism (i.e. “living hope”) based on?
What was God’s motivation for giving you new birth? What key event does your salvation hinge upon?
Why is the need for “salvation” a culturally unacceptable idea?
What does it mean to have received a living hope, and how does Jesus’ resurrection deliver it to you?
What key words in verses 3-5 describe the evidences or results of salvation?
What do these verses tell you about the character of God? What do these verses tell you about people who put their trust in Him?
What are believers shielded from (v. 5)? How does God’s power shield you through faith?
How do you see evidences of God’s provision in the past, present, and future in verses 4-5?
Which idea in 1 Peter 1:3-5 encourages you most? Why?
In what ways does suffering provide an opportunity to show you believe in Jesus and rejoice?
How can testing or trials actually strengthen your faith?
When have you experienced times in your life that seem like those Peter was describing— times that you felt great distress but in the end you were able to praise God? How can this be possible?
In verse 9, what did Peter identify as the goal of your faith? How is this goal achieved?
If salvation was at least partially of your doing, how might that impact the way you lived in the midst of persecution and suffering for your faith?
APPLICATION
Pastor Jeff made the following points of application in this week’s message: Jesus has shown that He has a track record of keeping promises. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work protecting you. Your future is as sure as the resurrection. Which of those three statements speaks to you the most about your present and your future? Explain.
When have you experienced difficulties and been encouraged to continue to have faith because you trusted God’s promises? In what situation do you need to do that now?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.