Kaleidoscope Day 10 Un-Annoyed: Digging Deeper

1) What is “living hope” and how can someone acquire it? (verse 3)
Peter, often referred to by Bible commentators as “the apostle of hope”, had more reason than anyone to write about the subject. Thinking he could never be disloyal to his Master and friend, Jesus the Christ, Peter became so afraid of the consequences of his confession that he denied ever knowing Jesus. Possibly his worst day ever, Peter needed hope. (Luke 22:54-62) Now, after the resurrection and the reassurance from Jesus, he is writing to Christians who were suffering persecution in Asia Minor. In this verse, Peter connects “a living hope” with their present salvation and future assurance of Heaven. In the Greek, “hope” refers to “an eager, confident expectation.” Knowing the history of Peter, I think if he were typing this today, he might have put these words in bold type: A living hope. It is a secured reality because of Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:6-8). After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter if he really loved Him. Then Jesus told Peter to care for the sheep. (John 21:17) Peter responded to Jesus’ instruction with obedience. His letter is evidence of how he cared for the believers in Asia Minor. He wanted them to understand that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, they had acquired a glorious future.

2) How is our inheritance kept in heaven for us? (verse 4)
The word “inheritance” (Greek: klēronomian) originally referred to “the portion which one received by lot.” In this New Testament context, it denotes a possession that was already received or was expected (www.preceptaustin.org ) Although this same word is used in other contexts, here in verse 4 Peter clearly means to communicate that the inheritance was an expected possession. The apostle Paul uses this same term in his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 3:23-24). It signifies our citizenship in the heavenly kingdom that will be fully established when Christ returns (Philippians 3:20-21).
As members of the family of God through our salvation, we are fully heirs in the here and now. But the complete and total possession of our inheritance is stillto come (Romans 8:15-17). Just as sure as the Israelites entered the land promised to them by God’s providence (Deuteronomy 31:6-8 ), those in Christ will enter the land of inheritance “that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (verse 4), safely kept in the heavenly places “where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20)

3) What does it mean that we are being guarded by God’s power? (verse 5)
In this context, the Greek word translated “being guarded” (phroureo) means “to provide security, guard, protect, or keep.” It highlights God’s power that is available through the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in our struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil. As we await the day our inheritance will become a final and eternal reality, we are presently and constantly guarded by an all-powerful God Who guarantees He’ll hold us until our ultimate victory over death and sin.  Peter emphasizes this as the foundation of our “living hope”. He stresses to the readers that even though they may not see it now, on the day of Christ’s return, all the suffering will seem minimal and short-lived. (verses 6-7) How long can we expect God to guard the believer? The apostle John tells us “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29)