1 Peter 1:1-5

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

'Living hope': As disciples, we have hope in every situation. Jesus conquered Satan, and since Christ lives in us, we too can conquer Satan in this life and after we die. This passage teaches that we are in a state of hope. We know that God is working with us and in us to make our lives better and better (Psalm 84:7) -- and then we will be with him forever.

hope (def.)

--noun

1. the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

2. a particular instance of this feeling: the hope of winning.

3. grounds for this feeling in a particular instance: there is no hope of his recovery

4. a person or thing in which expectations are centered: the medicine was her last

hope.

5. something that is hoped for. Her forgiveness is my constant hope.

--verb

6. to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.

7. to believe, desire, or trust: I hope that my work will be satisfactory.

8. to feel that something desired may happen: We hope for an early spring.

9. to place trust; rely (usually fol. by "in"). archaic; idiom

10. "hope against hope": to continue to hope, although the outlook does not warrant it: we are hoping against hope for a change in her condition.