50 Days of Unleashing Hope

“Play Great Defense”

Pastor Duane Cross | 06.08.14

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. The inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy!’” 1 Peter 1:13-16(NIV)

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you...” 1 Peter 1:10 (NIV)

“Be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 (NIV)

“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” 1 Peter 1:22-23 (NLT)

1. We need a new mindset.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action...” 1 Peter 1:13a (NIV)

2. We need a new goal.

“Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13b (NIV)

3. We need a new identity.

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” 1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)