"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

Living Hope - because of the resurrection of Christ, believers have a vibrant, life-enhancing attitude of hope, which underscores the daily rule of Abba Father and the expectation of an eternity of incomprehensible happiness in heaven.

Inheritance - purchased by the work of Christ which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven. This inheritance builds grace-filled CONFIDENCE in the life of the child of God.

• Imperishable/Undecaying

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25

“...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God…” 1 Peter 1:23

• Undefiled/pure/untainted

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” Hebrews 7:25

• Unfading/permanent

Our inheritance leads to grace-filled confidence.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,” Hebrews 10:19

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

OBSERVATIONS

1. For an inheritance to be enacted there is a guarantor. “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.” Hebrews 7:22
2. Because our inheritance is secure, it builds bold confidence in the life of the recipients.
3. Confidence in the inheritance leads to idol-destroying action, bold (full-orbed) worship, and thankful (self-humbling) love.
4. The life of the Christian is continually guarded by the power of God through a faith that continually looks to the finished work of Christ upon the cross, and the empty tomb.

1-3-1

1= Seek God as the first priority of each day.

3= Make 3 phone calls per day.

1= Say a good word for Christ and perform an act of kindness for a neighbor friend once a week.