Reverence and Hope of a Believer 1 Peter 1:17-21 How can we stand against the Trials and Temptations of Life? When we are severely attacked to such a point that we cannot understand, how can we bear it? Is there anything anyplace that can help us to bear it? Yes! There is the fear of God. If a person fears God and fears Him enough, he will stand against temptation and he will endure the trials of life. Holy Fear and Reverence. Whether Peter spoke of judgment that would come in this life or the future judgment is not explicitly stated. Either or both would be appropriate. The Only Hope for Mankind is to Live on Earth in Reverence of God. BELIEVERS ARE TO REVERENCE GOD. 1. Because you call God “Father” v.17. 2. Because God shall Judge the World v.17. 3. Because you are a Stranger and Pilgrim on Earth v.17. 4. Because you have been Redeemed v.18-20. 5. Because you believe in the God who raised up and glorified Christ v.21. The New Testament, however, describes and defines a Christian in terms of a person’s relationship to God through Jesus Christ. It involves a spiritual birth and an ongoing spiritual transformation wherein a person is set apart by faith unto the Lord to a new lifestyle.