Born Into Hope | 1 Peter 1:1-12 | 5 Devotions on Identity and Inheritance

In the opening verses of 1 Peter, we’re reminded that this world is not our home—and that’s good news. Peter writes to weary believers scattered across the Roman Empire, calling them “elect exiles” and urging them to find strength in a living hope that cannot fade.

These five short devotions are drawn from that message. Each one explores a different aspect of the passage—from our identity in Christ to the security of our inheritance, from the fire of trials to the joy that comes through faith. Whether you’re reading them during a quiet morning or reflecting at the end of the day, may these words help anchor you in the unshakable hope we’ve been born into through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Let’s walk in that hope, even as exiles—because we know where we belong.

These devotions are based on the sermon on 1 Peter 1:1-12 “Born Into Hope.”

Day 1: Not Home, But Chosen

📖 Scripture: Philippians 3:20–21

💡 Reflection: When Peter calls us elect exiles, he reminds us that we don’t quite fit here—and that’s intentional. Like travelers in a foreign land, we are shaped by a home we haven’t yet seen. Paul echoes this in Philippians: our citizenship is not earthly but heavenly. That doesn’t mean we disengage from the world—it means we live in it with a different allegiance. God has chosen us, set us apart, and secured our future. Like Mark’s story about his passport in Ethiopia, we hold tightly to our identity because we know where we belong.

🙏 Prayer: Father, thank You that my citizenship is in heaven. Help me to live with that identity in view—not clinging to what fades, but resting in the security of being chosen by You. Strengthen me to live faithfully here while I long for home. Amen.

Day 2: Grace That Goes Before

📖 Scripture: Ephesians 1:3–6

💡 Reflection: Peter says we were chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. That’s not just God knowing about us—it’s God setting His love upon us before we ever responded. Ephesians 1 confirms this: God chose, predestined, and adopted us—not because of anything in us, but because of His mercy and love. That changes how we view grace. It’s not a reward for effort; it’s the foundation for everything. We obey not to earn grace, but because we’ve already received it.

🙏 Prayer: Gracious Father, Your love was set on me before I even drew breath. Help me live today in the freedom of Your grace—not trying to earn it, but responding with joyful obedience. Thank You for adopting me through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day 3: A Better Inheritance

📖 Scripture: Romans 8:16–17

💡 Reflection: Peter describes our inheritance as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It’s kept in heaven for us. That means our future is not tied to retirement plans, reputation, or even our health. Romans reminds us that we are heirs—co-heirs with Christ. The world chases temporary rewards. We rest in a secured inheritance that death cannot touch and time cannot tarnish. It’s better than gold because it’s guarded by God.

🙏 Prayer: Lord, thank You for an inheritance that can’t be taken away. Help me treasure what is eternal more than what is temporary. Let my priorities reflect the hope I’ve been born into. Amen.

Day 4: The Fire and the Faith

📖 Scripture: James 1:2–4

💡 Reflection: Trials test us, but they also refine us. Peter compares our faith to gold—precious and purified through fire. James tells us these trials produce steadfastness, and that’s not just grit—it’s grace-fueled endurance. God doesn’t waste our pain. He uses it to shape us, strengthen us, and draw us nearer to the living hope we have in Christ. The fire hurts, but it purifies. And it reveals that our faith is real.

🙏 Prayer: God, when the fires of life come, remind me that You are with me in them. Strengthen my faith. Make it more genuine. Help me trust that You are using every trial to make me more like Jesus. Amen.

Day 5: Joy That Can’t Be Explained

📖 Scripture: John 20:29

💡 Reflection: Peter says of his readers, “Though you have not seen him, you love him.” That’s us too. We weren’t there at the empty tomb or the ascension—but we believe. And that belief produces joy inexpressible and full of glory. Jesus said this kind of faith is blessed. That means even in our sorrow, there can be joy. Even when we suffer, our hearts can rejoice—not in the pain, but in the Savior who has overcome the grave and secured our souls.

🙏 Prayer: Jesus, I haven’t seen You with my eyes, but I love You. I believe in You. Fill my heart with joy that can’t be explained—a joy grounded in Your victory and my salvation. Help me live today with that joy on display. Amen.

This devotion is part of our journey through 1 Peter.

If you’re finding hope in God’s Word, you’ll find more in the full Living Hope series.
Visit the series page →