Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:10-18

How does the blessed hope stimulate us to godly living in this present age?

·        1 John 3:2-3; 2 Cor. 3:18; John 17:24: The blessed hope increases our likeness to Christ simply because it increases our focus on Him.  This is a principle of Christian living, that we must set our affection on Christ (Col. 3:1-4).  We are transformed into the image of Christ, from glory to glory, when se behold Him (focus on Him).  I marveled, several years ago, at the way the associates of Billy Graham sounded like Billy Graham and had similar pulpit mannerism as Billy Graham.  But why not?  They spent a lot of time with Billy Graham.  That’s the way it works.  I am not much of a golfer but I do know that I play better after watching some professional golfers on the television.  John says we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.  Meditation on the blessed hope is another way to set one’s mind on Christ!

·        Titus 2:12; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Phil. 3:17-21: The blessed hope decreases our struggle with the fleshly and worldly lusts of this age.  Paul connects this hope which introduces the coming age with this present age.  Peter reminds us that this world and the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat.  These events of the future, ridiculed by those around us, must be part of the teaching of the Church.  We are much less likely to live captive to that which is temporary.  Paul taught that our current afflictions are light and for a moment and were working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, as we look at the unseen, eternal things, a truth that helps us to not lost heart (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

·        2 Peter 3:17-18; Phil. 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:7: The blessed hope helps us to grow in patience.  Again, it is Peter, believing he was near the end of his own life and about to enter Christ’s presence (2 Pet. 1:14), who reminds us of this truth.  Since you know this beforehand, beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness.  As faith produces work and love produces labor, so hope produces patience (1 Thess. 1:3).  Paul’s great affirmation at the end of his life (2 Tim. 4:7) was given in the context of reminding Timothy that he would appear before Christ and that Paul himself was anticipating the reward of Christ in that day.  We are encouraged to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith when we consider the blessed hope.  Note also 2 Thess. 2:13-17 where Paul encourages the brethren to stand fast and punctuates his exhortation with the reminder that God has given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace.  

Are you seeing how much we are missing if we are not meditating on the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ?