Home / 1 & 2 Peter: Verse by Verse / 1 Peter 1
Born Again to a Living Hope
- Passage
- 1 Peter 1
- Taught
- November 16, 2025
Summary
Peter opens his first letter to “elect exiles” scattered across Asia Minor: chosen by God, yet strangers passing through this world. The lesson looks at the Greek words behind that greeting (elect, exile, dispersion) and sets election alongside human responsibility, using Scripture and the Baptist Faith and Message.
The first section (1:3–12) is praise for a living hope. Through the resurrection of Jesus we are born again to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, and God’s power guards us through faith. Trials test our faith the way fire refines gold, and the prophets themselves searched out this salvation, serving us in what they foretold.
The second section (1:13–25) turns to holy living. Believers are to prepare their minds for action, set their hope fully on grace, and be holy because God is holy, knowing they were ransomed by the precious blood of Christ. Being born again through the living and abiding Word shows up in a sincere, earnest love for one another.
Where the letter begins
Peter’s letter moves from what God has done to how we should live in response.
- 1:1–2. Greeting to elect exiles, chosen by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, sprinkled with the blood of Jesus.
- 1:3–12. Praise for a living hope, a secure inheritance, and faith refined by trials.
- 1:13–25. A call to holiness, redemption by Christ’s blood, and sincere love born of the living Word.
Practical takeaways
The slides draw out these lessons:
- 1 Peter 1:3–12: Live with hope anchored in the resurrection, embrace trials as refining fires, and treasure the gospel you have received.
- 1 Peter 1:13–25: Set your mind for action and live with an eternal perspective, pursue holiness in all your conduct, and love deeply from a pure heart.
Questions to talk about
- What does it mean to live as an “elect exile” in today’s world?Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), so we live as people passing through.
- How does the sanctifying work of the Spirit shape my obedience to Jesus Christ?We are being transformed into His image from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18).
- Is my hope fixed on the resurrection, so that trials refine my faith instead of shaking it?Trials test genuine faith the way fire tests gold (1 Peter 1:6–7; James 1:2–4).
- Am I pursuing holiness in all my conduct, and loving other believers earnestly from a pure heart?Peter ties holy living and sincere love to the new birth through the living Word (1:13–25).