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Peter's letters were written to encourage believers who would likely face trials and persecution under Emperor Nero. So he exhorted them to take the long view and focus on God's salvation that would deliver them from the hostility of an unbelieving world. Of course his readers understood that, in another sense, their salvation had already commenced from the moment they were "born again."

1 Peter 1:3-6

1. When were you included among those to whom God has bequeathed a "priceless inheritance"?
2. What is the solid basis (v. 3) for your confidence that you will obtain this inheritance?
3. What does Peter say (v. 4) is the advantage of having your inheritance reserved for you in heaven?
4. What, according to verse 5, is your outlook for living now? And for the future?
5. Why should you be glad now (v. 6) for joy that is still future?
6. Some have ridiculed the believer's hope as "pie in the sky bye and bye." What is inadequate about the perspective of these critics?

Ask God to deliver you from the human tendency to a shortsightedness that overvalues the temporary and under-rates the permanent.

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Lord, for the hope of heaven. Use it in my earthly life to inspire and sustain my passion and purpose.

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