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Outline 093 of 100 · 1 Peter

Born Again to a Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3-9 — The new birth and the inheritance guaranteed by Christ's resurrection

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Peter opens his letter with praise, not instruction: 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.' The new birth is God's initiative, rooted in mercy, and guaranteed by the historical fact of the resurrection, not by fluctuating feelings. This hope anchors an inheritance 'incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven,' for believers who are themselves 'kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.' Present trials — manifold temptations that grieve for a season — are not evidence against this hope but the proof-testing of a faith more precious than gold, which will be found unto praise and honor and glory at Christ's appearing. Peter's readers, though they had not seen Christ, loved Him, and rejoiced with joy unspeakable — the very definition of a faith that rests entirely on what God has done, not on what can be seen.

  1. I. The new birth from mercy

    • Begotten again unto a living hope
    • According to God's abundant mercy, not human effort
    • By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

  2. II. The inheritance guaranteed

    • Incorruptible, undefiled, unfading
    • Reserved in heaven
    • Kept by the power of God through faith

  3. III. Trials as proving, not disproving, faith

    • Manifold temptations for a season
    • The trial of faith more precious than gold
    • Found unto praise and honor and glory at Christ's appearing

  4. IV. Love and joy without sight

    • Whom having not seen, ye love
    • Believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable
    • Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls
The appeal

Your new birth rests not on your fluctuating feelings but on the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ, and your inheritance is kept safe in heaven right now. Will you let that living hope anchor you through whatever trial you face today?

Key points

  • The new birth is God's merciful initiative, guaranteed by Christ's resurrection.
  • The believer's inheritance is secure in heaven, kept by God's power through faith.
  • Trials test and refine genuine faith rather than disprove it.

Key passages

  • 1 Peter 1:3-5
  • 1 Peter 1:6-7
  • 1 Peter 1:8-9
  • Romans 8:16-17