Hope and Hostility - 1 Peter 1:17-25

As pressures mounted upon the people, Peter urged believers to look inwardly to their salvation.

To see Jesus, the one who saved them them from their sins.

A true inheritance of salvation guarded and protected, and undefiled.

What was written about Jesus in the Old Testament was true.

The gospel’s work amazes even angelic beings.

Last week, Peter urged the people to see a holy way of living.

READ 1 PETER 1:17-25.

1. Fear God.

Believing the gospel was meant to impact the way people lived in the modern age.

“Father who judges” - He is not only a Father, but a Judge.

“Reverence” - Fear God, not those who persecute.

Matthew 10:28

28 Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

“Go inside and get the feed.” (Granddad gave clear instructions.)

Fearing God does not mean you are a slave.

You revere him. The believer fears God and so has no one else to fear.

People do not define our life.

2. Refrain From Looking Backward.

“Empty way of life.” - Jews = law and Gentile = false worship.

“precious blood” - As of a lamb. “You have an umblemished lamb, a year old male;” - Exodus 12:5.

More valuable than silver or gold.

Jesus has always been and is now revealed to all humanity.

God demanded a price for sin.

He sent Jesus to pay our ransom and redeem mankind.

Romans 4:24-25.

24 but also for us. It will be credited to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Jesus offered himself as a “once for all” sacrifice.

Lemonade at the Fair. “What makes it so good?” People always want more.

Christ spilled His own blood so we could access forgiveness and a life of righteousness.

To choose anything other than Jesus will end in emptyness.

Your eyes are meant to rest on Christ.

3. The Gospel Transforms Society.

Peter urges men and women to have sincere love toward one another because of the transformative nature of the gospel.

“purified their souls” - Ritual used in Judaism.

“imperishable” - From temporary to eternal life. Secure.

Isaiah 40:6-8. - Contrasts the lasting message of redemption with temporary suffering.

Word (rhema - spoken word, kurios - Lord instead of theos)

Peter identified Jesus as God.

Psalm 119:89

89 LORD, your word is forever;

it is firmly fixed in heaven.

“This word is the gospel…proclaimed to you.”

You have not to look far from the word of God.

A church that fully embraces the gospel of Jesus.

The gospel must be made clear to all and never be abandoned.