71. Final Exhortations to the Church Pt 9_The God Who Promises

Final Exhortations to the Church: The God Who Promises

When this letter was read in front of the churches for the first time, it was all at one time. It would have taken 15-20 minutes to read it all. When I think about it, I am reminded of when I was a kid drinking water from a hose. We had a pistol grip spray nozzle at the end of ours. The more the handle was squeezed the harder the water came out. On more than one occasion I was not careful about how hard I was squeezing and ended up with water spewing out of my nose. I can imagine this is how they felt. Peter’s letter is the most theological of the epistles. He mentions God more times than any other letter. He also tells us of our duty and responsibility to be obedient children and then spends several chapters fleshing out what that obedience looks like. He then lays the reality of suffering and persecution on them. And the work of the Triune God is sprinkled throughout. We have been preaching through this letter for some time and there have been Sundays where some looked like a deer in headlights. In the studying pf this letter there were many times I have felt like a deer in the headlights. It isn’t difficult to imagine those who heard this letter for the first time being in a bit of a shock but then Peter brings us back and causes us to focus on our sure and steadfast hope.

1Pe 5:1-11  The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:  (2)  Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;  (3)  nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;  (4)  and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.  (5)  Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."  (6)  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,  (7)  casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  (8)  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  (9)  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  (10)  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  (11)  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

There are two points. The first is 1. the God who Promises and the second is 2. the promises of God.

This morning we will look at the first point. The God who Promises.

There are 3 subpoints.

1. God is the Author and Fulfiller of His promises.

2. He is the God of all grace.

3. God in His Activity in His Purpose.

Throughout this sermon I will repeat the main points of the letter. What does repetition indicate? It stresses importance. We have spent a lot of time in 1 Peter. By the time we are through there will have been over 70 sermons. It would pain me to think that we would not finish this letter and not have a grasp of what he wanted to communicate to the churches throughout what is now Asia Minor.

1) all the redemptive grace granted to them presently and in the future. Peter lays out these truths throughout this letter. 2) Peter also lays before them all that God requires of them in obedience discharged in the power of God’s grace. 3) Suffering would mark them during the time of their stay upon the earth.

In other words: Right doctrine, right practice, suffering and persecution for both.

But before we dive in there are some exegetical issues to address. With any translation there is never going to be an exact word for word translation from the Greek to English. Decisions are made for the sake of readability and/or understandability. But the issue for me in pursuing readability is that in the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to Peter in writing the letter every word is ordered just as it should be, every word has meaning. So it is helpful to reconstruct a proper rendering of the verse.

NASB77 1Pe 5:10  And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

NASB 1Pe 5:10  After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

NKJV 1Pe 5:10  But may (there is no may in the Greek text) the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after ( there is no after in the Greek text) you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

ESV 1Pe 5:10  And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

KJV 1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

But the best literal translation would read something like this:

The Greek word ‘De’ can be translated (And, but, moreover, now) the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ or Christ Jesus (some manuscripts include Jesus but regardless there is only on Christ and that is Jesus), you having suffered a little (the Greek word used for little is of uncertain affinity it can refer to duration, or extent, number or value.), shall Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Even how we translate the word ‘de’ changes the tone of the verse. And – continues the line of thought from verse 9. But- shows the contrast between God’s plan for us and the devil’s evil intent for us in verse 8. Moreover – which means beyond what was stated, brings the entire letter into the context, and now- gives it the flavor of doxology.

Moreover the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, you having suffered a little, shall Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Verses 10,11 serve as the closing of Peter’s letter. Verses 12-14 serve as a postscript. Verse 10 and 11 are the summary of the letter. A summary of what God has done, what He is doing and what He will do. From the opening of verses 1 and 2 chosen aliens, elect exiles, elect pilgrims. Chosen before the foundation of the world but once called on the appointed day of their salvation they became citizens of another country. They were considered strangers among their own people and so they were to consider themselves as sojourners in a foreign land. And as such they were to conduct themselves in such a way to be distinct and separate from those around them being in the world but not of it.

Through the inspiration of the Spirit it was Peter’s determination that they would know three things: 1) all the redemptive grace granted to them presently and in the future. Peter lays out these truths throughout this letter. 2) Peter also lays before them all that God requires of them in obedience discharged in the power of God’s grace. 3) Suffering would mark them during the time of their stay upon the earth.

In other words: Right doctrine, right practice, suffering and persecution for both.

With each declaration of redemptive truth there is a call for a response of obedience. Peter is fulfilling His Master’s command to feed My sheep’. Being the Apostle appointed by Christ, he is the preacher and pastor of the early church and refers to himself as ‘your fellow elder’ in the beginning of chapter 5. And he, understanding the weakness of our flesh focuses first on God. Why? Because he knows that our response to any promise made is based upon our perception of the character and the ability to bring it about by the one who promised it. Ex: politicians campaign, they make promises, and if it is their first run at the office we are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. But we know when career politicians make a promise it is worth less than the air it takes from them to speak it. We see them speak but never do. Every election year we hear the same old tired solutions to problems that they never seem able to address once they get in office. The abused spouse does not invest in the apologies and promises of her/his abuser. But Peter directs us to our God and lays out for us our confidence is His promises. Though Peter is the hand that pens the letter it is God the Spirit that directs it. Ultimately Peters writing of this text is a promise by God Himself to His people. And that brings us to the first Subpoint under the heading of the God who Promises.

I. God is personally committed to fulfill it. shall Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

We have spent five years in this letter. We have taken our time to digest all the rich truths found in it. We have had time to ponder and meditate on it. But at its first reading can you imagine how they felt coming to the end of it. How can I remember all that Peter has spoken of concerning redemptive grace? How am I able to submit to governing authorities that are abusing and persecuting me? To my master? My husband? How am I to fulfill my duties to my wife and in my congregation when there is nothing but reviling, false accusations thrown at me in the community. How? How am I supposed to resist the devil, my adversary, whose schemes my worst end and seeks to devour me. This being of great power though limited by God his hate and fury for the people of God is unabated. Peter knows from experience the futility of resisting the devil without the Spirits help in his denial of Christ 3x’s. He also knows the power of God’s forgiveness and restoration in Christ Jesus when Jesus 3x asks Peter if he loves Him. It is here that Peter the elder, rather Jesus the Chief Shepherd of verse 4 speaks to quells the anxiety of the believer’s heart. In the midst of it all God Himself will do it.

Peter did not need to insert the pronoun (Himself) into the text for the sake of grammar. It would have been fine without it. But having it displays the heart of God for the people of God. It displays the passion of God for His people. He could have decreed another course but He does not. He does not sit idle and delegate help for His people. No! He who created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. He who rules and reigns overall. He who is all powerful, all knowing, everywhere present, perfect in holiness wisdom and knowledge. Who is infinite in love, grace, and mercy. There is nothing He cannot do except one. God cannot lie. He is truth, the embodiment of truth and whatever He says in truth He does in truth. How do we know this?

Num 23:19  "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

From the fist promise of Gen 3:15 where the seed of the woman will crush the serpents head through the prophetic utterance of John in Revelation of redemption complete Rev 21:1-4  Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  (2)  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  (3)  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.  (4)  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

If there is no more death, mourning, crying or pain, there is no more sin. There is no more adversary that stands to accuse us.

But as God decreed sometime in eternity past, during the course of human history God is active in fulfilling His redemptive plan. The writer of Hebrews reminding them of the certainty of God’s promise said: Heb 6:17-18  In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath,  (18)  in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us.

So we have full assurance/confidence that our God has/is/ and will fulfill His every promise to us Himself.

II. He is the God of all Grace

Peter identifies the God as the God of all grace. This is the only place in Scripture that the God of all grace is used. Paul in 2 Cor. 1:3 Uses the same phraseology in “the God of all comfort”. All that God does for us foul sinners comes from the fountain of God’s infinite grace. When we speak of infinite grace it is not only in terms of quantity, it is also in kind.

There is common grace that God shows to creation. Established at creation, codified in the Noahic covenant and verified by Christ. Mat 5:44-45  "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you  (45)  in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

There is saving grace – the gift of faith through the Spirit in His regeneration and renewing us.

There is God’s preserving/sustaining grace. Php 1:6  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

1Pe 1:5  who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Paul knew this particularly in pleading with God concerning his thorn in the flesh. 2Co 12:9  And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

God confers to us that grace which we need. He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. In our weakness and frailty, we can cry out increase my faith and He will do it. When we are in despair and sorrow God in His infinite grace will supply all that you need. Believer, you are protected by the power of God and have the river of God’s endless supply of grace for your every need.

III. God in His Activity in His Purpose – Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ

In this short phrase we see the past, present and future working of God. He has called us. Past tense. In a point in time in history of God’s appointed day of our salvation. That which he decreed before the foundation of the world comes to pass. He is presently at work in us with the ultimate and sure purpose of bringing us at some point in the future to His eternal glory. All this He has done is doing and will do in Christ Jesus.

He is the God who has called you. What does call mean? When we use the word call it means to summon. But in the Scripture there are only a couple of references in the NT where the word is used in this way. In all the epistles call, called is used exclusively to describe God’s securing of His elect in salvation. It is known as effectual calling.

1Pe 1:15  but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;

Called here is not merely a summons but it is clear from the context it is those that have been saved by the grace of God for the purpose of holy living.

1Pe 2:9  But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

It is clear in this verse that those called are secured in salvation. The people of God are called ones. There is the general call in the gospels. The general call is the free offer of the gospel that is preached but not all who hear with their ears, hear with faith and is that gospel seed that falls on the road where it takes no root. But again in the epistles the called are those predestined and now in time have been secured in salvation. Our union in Christ.

We see our being called is nestled in between eternity past and the future in Paul’s order of salvation.

Rom 8:30  and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The end of our calling, is not in the present blessing which is great in the giving of His Spirit, salvation, forgiveness of sins, brought into the household of God as adopted children, enjoying the fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness but in His eternal glory. That is His purpose for us. That we would be brought home. That we will see the glory of God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we will be in the presence of our God and we will live no longer by faith for we shall see confirmed with our own eyes what we have known by faith. I can’t imagine. I go back to Rev 21:1-4 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (2) And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. (3) And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, (4) and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

And the final assurance or confidence is ‘in Christ’. That is how we will see God’s eternal glory. He has already been demonstrated in Christ we have been redeemed

1Pe 1:18-21  knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,  (19)  but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.  (20)  For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you  (21)  who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

In Christ our sin removed 1Pe 2:24  and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

And our debt paid 1Pe 3:18  For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

According to God who cannot lie, He has called us to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus. What comfort in times of our sorrow and distress. The God who promised is the God who does. And just as Jesus wept with Mary and Martha though He knew what He was about to do. Our God enters into our struggles.

We are the passive recipients in this text. It is not dependent on the one who runs but upon the God of all the ages who wills according to His good pleasure for the infinite and eternal good of His people who once like sheep had gone astray each turning his own way but God caused the iniquity of us all to fall upon Him.