God's Sovereign Work 2

"Christian Lives Matters" Series

Study of 1 Peter

God's Sovereign Work

1 Peter 1:1–9 ESV

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 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, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

3 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, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Overview 

Author: Peter

Audience: Christians who have been scattered in the regions of Asia Minor

Date: A.D. 64-68

Reason: Encourage Christians living under persecution and facing difficult times

1) God's Sovereign Work of Salvation reminds us of His Authority/Power and Purpose

God's Authority/Power

Elect (v 1)

Foreknowledge (v 2)

Sanctification (v 2)

His great mercy (v 3)

He caused us to be born again (v 3)

(v 3)He caused us to be born again (v 3)An inheritance (v 4)By God's power (v 5)

An inheritance (v 4)

By God's power (v 5)

God's Sovereign Purpose and Our Purpose

For obedience (v 2)

A living hope (v 3)

Trials testing the genuineness of our faith (vs 6-7

For a salvation ready to be revealed (vs 5, 7-9)

Application

Knowing that God is Sovereign in Salvation and has all Authority and Power should comfort and strengthen us.

Knowing that there is a Sovereign Purpose should bring us to submission and worship of God.

Salvation is ours and complete but is yet to be completely revealed and that day is coming!!!