The Realities

1 Peter 1:1 CSB

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen

INTRO—

Future…futures. When it comes to trading, “the market,” dealing in futures involves a great deal of speculation and risk—unknowns.

When it comes to life, having a God who deals in futures is a certainty. On our way back from Oklahoma last week (NYE), we watched (listened to) a message by Louie Giglio, which is the basis of the study That One Class is currently doing…his message, ‘Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table,’ based on Psalm 23. An excellent message and an excellent study…

I believe Peter, an Apostle…one of the OT (Original Twelve)…understood quite well that our Lord is one who deals in futures—and in ways, as Louie puts it, “That brings a benefit (good; grace; blessing) to you and glory to God.”

Peter’s story adds significant weight to a couple of biblical letters he wrote back in the day to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Beginning today, I want to take a journey with you through the letters of First and Second Peter.

FIRST PETER

(1)By Peter {2: In Rome]

(1) To Believers [2: In various places—Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, & Bithynia; area is Turkey today]

(1) In about AD 60-67 [3: Timeline]

**REAL People, REAL Place, REAL Problems**

THE REALITIES

PETER

Simon (‘hearing’ or ‘listening,’ shama like Deut 6.4ff; he [God] hears)

Peter (Gk) // Cephas (Ar) = rock, stone

John 1:40–42 “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”).” [U = v. 41]

Apostle of Jesus…(the) Christ

One of the O12!

…of Jesus Christ—Matthew 16:15–18 ““But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” [U = vv. 16, 18]

PEOPLE…

Chosen… [COMFORT]

according to foreknowledge of God (PLAN)

Prescription, not description/awareness

through sanctifying of the Spirit (POSITION)

Set apart for a purpose

sprinkled with the blood of Jesus (PROCESS)

Cleansed; Sins forgiven and forgiveness ongoing

Exiles… [CHALLENGE]

Dispersed (Scattered)

Areas mentioned = modern Turkey (300+ k sq. mi.)

…Also, three of these (Pontus, Cappadocia, & Asia) are mentioned in Acts 2.9 as those who heard—in their own language—the message of the disciples & Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost.

The Diaspora — In the Jewish setting of Peter’s day (if Mary knew, surely Peter would’ve, too!), this would evoke thoughts of The Exile (a significant ‘teaching moment’ from Jewish to Gentile brothers and sisters).

Until we believe that we are exiles, sojourners, aliens, pilgrims, strangers—I don’t think we will see the kind of kingdom fruit we desire to see in our church—in our lives.

Prayer (for them)… [COMFORT]

Peter’s prayer for his brothers and sisters = multiplying (increasing; ‘be done for/to you all’) …

Grace (the blessings, good from God…especially salvation and the ongoing blessings related to it). Grace first and then…

Peace (shalom…wholeness, well-being, and meaningful life) … [is this some kind of joke, taunting?? Think about it: if the grace bringing God’s wholeness to them was only in the Holy Land, how is that Good News to anyone else, etc.]

Come get me out — take me back — prepare a table for me far away from the presence of my enemies (but… Psalm 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”)

Obedience… [CALLING]

The result (goal) in focus for believers (US; must be our identity…all the time and anywhere we are)

Obedience involves hearing & doing. (Can be hard to hear, let alone do, when we are in the midst of a challenge…yet…)

“Asking what you must (can) do for the Kingdom…for the church.”

This question is always before us in various ways—

What must I start doing?

What else should I be doing?

Should I still be doing what I am doing, or something else?

How can I help others do what the are to be doing?

CONCL—

“So, you get good (grace; blessing…) and God gets glory.”

…sounds like a great future—with God at the helm.

So, will you ask that question [What can I do?]…with a boldness like Peter encourages his sojourning brothers and sisters in his biblical letters as he encourages them to continued AND GROWING faithfulness?

INVITATION:

Salvation

Boldness

Preparation (for Lord’s Supper)

THE LORD’S SUPPER:

BODY (Bread)

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.””

BLOOD (Cup)

1 Corinthians 11:25 “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””

PROMISE

1 Corinthians 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

1 Peter 1:2 CSB

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.