In his sermon “Grace Abounding: Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering,” Pastor Allen Victor of Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville explored 1 Peter 1, teaching how believers can find grace and hope during times of suffering. He began by addressing the common experience of being falsely accused, which can lead to loss of reputation, friendships, and jobs. The sermon emphasized that Peter’s letter offers a guide for navigating suffering with grace. Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ, is introduced as the letter’s author, and his life can be seen in three stages: first, as a fisherman searching for truth; second, as a disciple who made bold declarations but also significant mistakes; and third, as an apostle leading with the truth of the Gospel. Peter’s transformation reflects God’s grace and mirrors the faith journey of every believer. The letter is addressed to the “pilgrims of the Dispersion,” Christians scattered across regions of modern-day Turkey, reminding them of their heavenly citizenship. Peter’s message extends to all Christians today, who, like the early church, live as foreigners in this world. Despite their suffering, Peter reminded them that they were chosen by God, sanctified by the Spirit, and cleansed by the blood of Christ. Grace and peace would be multiplied to them through faith.

The sermon emphasized reasons to bless God, as seen in 1 Peter 1:3-5. Believers are to bless God for His abundant mercy, which has given them a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection. This living hope contrasts with false hopes placed in wealth, politics, or relationships. Peter reassured believers that their inheritance is incorruptible and secured by God’s power through faith. Pastor Victor also stressed the importance of faith, which enables Christians to look beyond their present suffering. Though trials grieve believers for a time, faith, which is tested like gold, will bring praise and glory when Christ is revealed. This faith, more valuable than gold, grants eternal life, peace, joy, and love—things that money cannot buy. Believers were encouraged to invest more in faith than in earthly riches since only faith has eternal value.

Another key point was the warning not to take grace for granted. Peter explained that the prophets who foretold this grace did not fully understand it, but their writings were meant for future generations. Pastor Victor likened this to how people sometimes take for granted the grace and understanding of God’s Word that we now have. Using the “Sunk-Cost fallacy” as an analogy, he demonstrated how people tend to value what they invest in, urging believers to invest in their relationship with God so that their faith would grow in value.

The sermon also offered practical guidance from 1 Peter 1:13-16. Peter urged believers to be mentally prepared for action, live soberly, and adopt a biblical perspective in daily life. They were encouraged not to conform to their former sinful desires but to respond in holiness, reflecting God’s character. Instead of relying on emotional reactions or personal strength, believers should rest their hope fully on God’s grace.

Finally, the sermon concluded with a call to respond to grace by living with reverence, knowing that believers were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. This redemption should inspire Christians to live in a way that represents Christ. Pastor Victor also highlighted the need to love one another sincerely, as Peter instructed in 1 Peter 1:22. The message closed with a call to live according to the eternal Word of God, which contrasts with the fleeting nature of worldly wisdom and self-help books. Pastor Victor reminded the congregation that their faith and hope rest in God’s eternal Word, which continues to work powerfully in the lives of believers today.

Tags: #GraceAbounding #FindingHope #SufferingAndFaith #FaithInTrials #LivingHope #GraceAndPeace #PeterTheApostle #ChristianInheritance #EternalFaith #RespondingToGrace