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Hope for the World

  • Writer: Ps David Jones
    Ps David Jones
  • 6 days ago
  • 6 min read

Ps David Jones

Sunday Morning’s message 23rd of November 2025


Part three in the Hope series.


Leaders note:

This study is a guide—use it flexibly. Adapt the questions and follow the flow of your group. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and create space for God to move as you grow together.


Introduction


This message explores the growing sense of hopelessness across our nation—and the powerful, unshakable hope we carry in Christ. While New Zealand’s (and the world's) mental wellbeing statistics paint a bleak picture, Scripture reminds us that believers are called to shine brightly in dark times. In a culture marked by confusion, shifting values, and emotional uncertainty, the people of God are invited to live differently: anchored, steady, and full of hope.


Peter writes to the early church during a time of intense hardship. Though our challenges differ today, the call remains the same—sanctify Christ in our hearts, remain ready to share the reason for our hope, and carry this hope to those around us. This study will help explore what it means to live as people of hope in a nation searching for answers.


1 Peter 3:14–15 (NKJV) But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear


Christ as Lord of Our Lives


1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear


Peter begins by directing believers inward: hope starts in the heart. To “sanctify Christ as Lord” means to set Him apart as the supreme authority and devotion of our lives. In a culture where beliefs shift and emotions rule, believers are called to root their lives in God’s truth. This is not simply about moral alignment but about spiritual allegiance—a life centred on Christ’s Lordship. His Word becomes our standard, our lens, our anchor among competing voices.


Peter understood this deeply. When he rebuked Jesus for speaking about the cross, he was corrected for thinking according to human concerns, not God’s (Matthew 16:23). The invitation is the same for us: to be mindful of the things of God rather than the things of men. Hope grows where Christ reigns. When He is truly Lord in our hearts, our lives look different - set apart, confident, steadfast, and full of hope that the world cannot manufacture.


Discuss:

  • What does it practically look like to “sanctify Christ as Lord” in the middle of everyday pressures?

  • What should our response be to hopelessness?

  • How does placing Christ first strengthen our hope?


Be Ready


1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear


2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV - Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.


Peter calls Christians not only to possess hope but to express it. Being “ready” means cultivating a life where hope is visible, explainable, and compelling. This isn’t about having perfect arguments—it’s about living in such a way that people notice the difference Christ makes. When life is pressured or confusing, a grounded, gracious believer stands out. Readiness comes from Scripture, relationship with God, and a heart willing to speak when opportunities arise.


The word “defence” (Greek: apologia) does not imply defensiveness but clarity. It means offering a thoughtful, gentle explanation of why we trust Jesus. The Holy Spirit uses our words—and even our demeanour—to draw people toward Christ. Readiness is not about forcing conversations; it is about being prepared when God opens the door. Hope that is seen and shared becomes hope multiplied.


Discuss

  • What helps you feel more prepared to share your hope in Christ?

  • How can we live in a way that naturally causes people to ask about our faith?

  • What opportunities has God given you recently to share your hope?


We Have Hope


Romans 8:18 NKJV - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

 

Romans 8:24-25 NLT - We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. 25 But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)


Christian hope is not wishful thinking—it is anchored in the character and future promises of God. Paul reminds believers that the suffering of this present age is temporary, but the glory ahead is eternal and incomparable. This perspective fuels resilience. When we remember that God is unfolding His purposes even through hardship, our hearts remain steady. Hope lifts our eyes above our present circumstances to the eternal reality God has prepared.


Paul and Silas model this beautifully in Acts 16. Even beaten and imprisoned, they worshipped because their hope was anchored in God’s presence and promises. Their hope was not circumstantial—it was spiritual, unshakeable, and contagious. We too can live with this confident expectation, knowing that God is at work in all things and that our future in Him is secure. When we carry this kind of hope, it influences how we respond to every situation we face.


Discuss:

  • How does remembering the “future glory” shape the way you handle challenges?

  • What part of Romans 8:24–25 encourages you the most/stands out to you?

  • Where in your life do you need to rediscover confident hope in Jesus?


Hope for Others


Acts 16:29–32 (NIV)The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.


Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV) You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.


Hope was never meant to be contained—it is given so it can be shared. When Christians live with visible, resilient hope, it draws people to Jesus. Paul and Silas didn’t simply preach hope; they lived it in the darkest of circumstances. Their faith didn’t only set them free—it brought salvation to an entire household. The hope within you is more powerful than you know. It can soften hearts, open conversations, and bring spiritual breakthrough in your family and community.


Jesus describes His followers as light—a hope-filled presence that cannot be hidden. Even small acts of kindness, courage, and faithfulness shine brightly in a hopeless world.


The Holy Spirit in you makes your life a beacon for others. Your everyday witness—your peace, your patience, your compassion, your consistency—can awaken hope in someone else’s heart. Light is contagious, and so is hope.


Discuss

  • Who in your life may be drawn to Christ through the hope they see in you?

  • What does it look like to be a “light on a hill” in your workplace, school, community or family?

  • How can your group support one another in being hope-carriers to others?


With Meekness and Fear


1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear


Peter emphasises the manner of sharing our hope. Meekness is not weakness but strength under control—Christlike humility that refuses to lecture, dominate, or belittle. When we carry the Father’s heart, our words are life-giving rather than forceful. Jesus, though powerful, approached people with compassion and gentleness. Likewise, our witness must reflect His character, not pride or superiority. People are far more receptive when hope is shared with humility.


Fear, in this context, speaks of reverence for God—recognising that we represent Him when we speak. Sharing the gospel is not about winning arguments; it is about honouring God and loving people well. Many believers can recall moments when zeal overshadowed wisdom—yet God invites us into maturity. As we grow in Christlike gentleness and reverence, our words become instruments of grace that lead others to life.


Discuss

  • What does “gentleness and respect” look like when sharing your faith?

  • Why do you think humility makes our witness more effective?

  • How can we guard against sharing hope with the wrong tone or attitude?


Hope is like oxygen—without it, people slowly fade. Just as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation brings the “kiss of life,” we are called to breathe hope into a world gasping for air. We carry the life-giving breath of the Holy Spirit, and everywhere we go we can be a breath of fresh air to someone who desperately needs it.


God has placed someone in each of our lives who we are to reach. So be ready. Be filled with hope. Shine His light. Who is your one?

 

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