Strangers In A Strange Land

In the midst of our struggles, what do we have from our Lord? We have...

Within this figurative usage, two primary meanings of the expression can be derived. (1) The term emphasizes the transitory existence of the Christian in the world, that is, he is a temporary resident of the world, since his real citizenship is in heaven, (compare New International Version [NIV] “strangers in the world”). (2) The term emphasizes the feeling of strangeness among Christians as they live in the midst of pagan neighbors, and as a result, encounter various difficulties

Daniel C. Arichea and Eugene Albert Nida, A Handbook on the First Letter from Peter, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1980), 8.

A HopeToEncourage Us.

Peter could be called “the apostle of hope.”

He wrote to scattered people.

He wrote to persecuted people.

This hope lives, 1:3.

1 Peter 1:3 ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Christ is alive. Because he is, we shall be! Knowing Christ is alive spurred the apostles onward and countless Christians as well.

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This hope lasts, 1:13.

1 Peter 1:13 ESV

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Our hope is not dying.

But trials are temporary.

Temptations are temporary.

This hope loves, 1:21-23

1 Peter 1:21–23 ESV

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. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

This hope is legitimate, 3:15-17.

1 Peter 3:15–17 ESV

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

An Example To Show Us.

Christ showed us how to suffer, 2:21-25.

1 Peter 2:21–25 ESV

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Christ showed us how to submit, 2:13-15; 23-24.

1 Peter 2:13–15 ESV

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

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1 Peter 2:23–24 ESV

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Some Evidence To Convince Us.

We are God’s children, 1:14-16

1 Peter 1:14–16 ESV

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

We are inhabitants of God’s household, 2:4-6.

1 Peter

1 Peter 2:4–6 ESV

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

We are included as God’s people, 2:9-10.

1 Peter 2:9–10 ESV

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Our Humility To Convict Us.

Humble before each other, 3:8.

1 Peter 3:8 ESV

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Peter 3:8 ESV

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Humble toward leaders, 5:5.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble toward leaders, 5:5.

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Humble toward God, 5:6.

Humble toward God, 5:6.

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

1 Peter 5:

1 Peter 5:5 ESV

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

This week, columnist Jim Dennison wrote about...

Ryan Shazier joined his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates for practice this week as they prepared for today's playoff game against Jacksonville. This would not have been news a few weeks ago, as Shazier is one of his team's most disciplined and valuable players. He was a first-team All-American in college and has been named to the Pro Bowl the last two years.

However, on December 4, Shazier suffered a severe injury after a tackle. He underwent spinal stabilization surgery three days later to secure his injured spine and help with neurological recovery.

He explained at Wednesday's practice: "I want to thank the Lord for the first downs that he has been allowing me to achieve. The touchdown is going to come in his timing, but today was a first down. I was finally able to make it to practice with my teammates." He added, "The Lord has not finished his work yet."

Shazier also suffers from a disease that causes hair loss. He was taunted and ridiculed as a child. His parents helped him develop an altruistic attitude he carries with him to this day.

His father, who is a pastor and a football coach, explains: "My message is always to act like a champion." His son has written on his left arm: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."