Sermon Outlines for Seekers, ed.

Seeker issue: The need to develop a hope based on Biblical truth

Keep Hope Alive

1 Peter 1:3–9


  Introduction

  Sometimes in spite of all the positive thinking we can generate, life is really terrible. Simple optimism will not do. Genuine hope must go beyond positive thinking. Genuine hope is not, “Wishing for something you know isn’t going to happen.” It is not an idle wish at all.


  I. The origin of genuine hope (v. 3a).

    A.      All real hope is derived from God and his promises.

    B.      It is a gift of his mercy.

    C.      Genuine hope is a result of our salvation. We were born into a living hope.


  II. The foundation of genuine hope (v. 3b).

    A.      The foundation is the work and ministry of Jesus Christ.

    B.      The resurrection of Jesus is particularly crucial in the formation of genuine hope. It makes all the difference.


  III. The durability of genuine hope (v. 4).

    A.      It is incorruptible. This speaks of its essence.

    B.      It is undefileable. This speaks of its purity.

    C.      It is unfading. This speaks of its beauty.


  IV. The power of genuine hope (vv. 6, 7).

    A.      It helps us to face our trials with courage.

    B.      It helps us to face our trials with joy.


  V. The wonder of genuine hope (vv. 8, 9).

    A.      We love a person we have never seen.

    B.      We long to go to a place we have never visited.

    C.      Genuine hope concerns our greatest need—salvation.


    p 50  Conclusion

  Hope is a powerful concept. Without hope in the future, we have no power in the present. Hope may keep us alive. Without hope there is no reason to live. It has been said, “Life without Christ is a hopeless end, but life with Christ is an endless hope.”


  Illustrations

  She was a hospice nurse. She had ministered to many as they faced death, trying to ease the transition. A minister asked her, “Do Christians die differently from others?” “Most definitely, yes,” she replied, “Christians really do die better.” Why do Christians die better? They know it isn’t over.

  A student athlete was contemplating the height of the bar on the high jump. “I don’t think I can make it,” he said. “Think positive!” said a friend. “All right,” the athlete said boldly, “I’m positive I can’t make it.”


J. Michael Shannon, Sermon Outlines for Seekers, ed. Sam E. Stone, Standard Sermon Starters (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1996). 49-50.