1 Peter 1:1-5

“A Living Hope and a Sure Salvation - the foundation for my true identity”

Two weeks ago we talked about our personal responsibility to the world by adopting the same attitude of Jesus Christ in

This past week we talked about what our aim should be - godliness and how we can go about doing that - intend to be Godly

Today marks the start of our study of 1 and 2 Peter. The theme of what we will be talking about is “Steadfast.” What it looks like to live a life of Steadfastness before the Lord amidst the circumstances that will inevitably follow.

1 Peter 1:

1 Peter 1:1–5 NASB95

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

v.1 (Who Reside as [Elect/Chosen] Aliens, scattered throughout…)- We as believers, wherever we may find ourselves, need to consider ourselves aliens. We should do this on account of our election/being chosen/choosing to follow God.

We are not aliens/strangers because we have been marginalized, we are that because have we chosen God over ourselves and the world.

Hebrews 11:13 NASB95

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude I. Opening (1:1–2)

Those who understand themselves as God’s elect have the ammunition to resist the norms and culture of the society they inhabit. Divine election reminds the readers that they have status, not because they are so worthy or noble but because God has bestowed his grace upon them.8 Hence, they have the energy to counter accepted cultural norms and to live in accord with God’s purpose

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NdRKYl_ss03cCM6ervo2UdmDakPMQ0UXsCIlwyHeaF0/edit

We often view ourselves as “dual-citizens” and that is not wrong - but we should see ourselves as far more alien than we do, and be as comfortable with that fact. The Navy Seals (one of the military’s elite operational units) have a famous saying - “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” We mostly are not...

What would be the benefits of doing so - we could better carry out the task before us. Comfort is an expectation that most of us have for most everything.

Comfortable - providing physical ease and relaxation. Our answer for not doing something often is = “I am not comfortable with that”

Aliens should be good citizens, aliens should care deeply about those they live and interact with, but they are not home! God and his Kingdom are to be where we are at home.

It is very common for refugee and displaced communities to live in close proximity to one another out of necessity - we are no different

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude I. Opening (1:1–2)

Those who understand themselves as God’s elect have the ammunition to resist the norms and culture of the society they inhabit. Divine election reminds the readers that they have status, not because they are so worthy or noble but because God has bestowed his grace upon them.8 Hence, they have the energy to counter accepted cultural norms and to live in accord with God’s purpose

We are currently oriented to general lives of leisure and distraction and most of our friendships are centered around people joining us in those activities. Our friendships suffer and die when others are no longer “convenient” in those spaces. Our comfort and love of distraction are what we put above people, their burdens are not part of the friend contract we signed up for and we are not equipped to deal with our stuff, let alone theirs. To live counter culturally does not mean that we cease to have fun, but it does mean that the fun stops being an end in itself. You must begin to see your life as having more gravity than that. The way we live, you would think that we aren’t worth much, because we don’t see ourselves as really valuable tools to the father. Another way to say this is that we don’t think we weigh much. Most see themselves like feathers, beautiful and unique, but with no real ability to do anything. What is a feather good for except a good time? But God says that you have worth and that you will have weight. You are fit for equipping and you have enough “substance” to make an impact.

Understanding our salvation from start to finish

chosen according to the foreknowledge of God

(1) chosen according to the foreknowledge of God

What would be the benefits of doing so - we could better carry out the task before us. Comfort is an expectation that most of us have for most everything.

John 15:16 NASB95

“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

2 Timothy 1:9 NASB95

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Peter Original Meaning

To be one of God’s elect is a source of joy and comfort (for we know God’s will cannot be thwarted) and of exhortation and demand (for we know God is working in us to enable us to do his will).

Sco

The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Peter Original Meaning

To be one of God’s elect is a source of joy and comfort (for we know God’s will cannot be thwarted) and of exhortation and demand (for we know God is working in us to enable us to do his will).

Comfortable - providing physical ease and relaxation. Our answer for not doing something often is = “I am not comfortable with that”

(2) by the sanctifying work of the spirit

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB95

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Sanctification:

The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Peter Original Meaning

The term refers to three features of Christian existence: the initial separation from sin (clearly in 1:2; cf. Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13), the hard work of growing in holiness throughout life (Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; 7:1; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 12:10, 14), and the final act of God when he makes his holy people completely holy for eternity (Eph. 5:25–27). Peter is referring here, then, almost exclusively to the first dimension of our sanctification: God’s gracious act of turning sinners into his people. Later, he emphasizes the lifelong process of sanctification (cf. 1:14–16, 22; 2:1–2, 9–10, 11–12; 4:3–4).

be sprinkled with his blood

(3) to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood

We have been chosen for the purpose of being obedient to the “demands” of the gospel initially (repent and believe) but also obedient in an ongoing manner

the sprinkled blood is the sign of the new covenant and with it a new people

Romans 16:26 NASB95

but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;

The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Peter Original Meaning

The term refers to three features of Christian existence: the initial separation from sin (clearly in 1:2; cf. Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13), the hard work of growing in holiness throughout life (Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; 7:1; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 12:10, 14), and the final act of God when he makes his holy people completely holy for eternity (Eph. 5:25–27). Peter is referring here, then, almost exclusively to the first dimension of our sanctification: God’s gracious act of turning sinners into his people. Later, he emphasizes the lifelong process of sanctification (cf. 1:14–16, 22; 2:1–2, 9–10, 11–12; 4:3–4).

Comment about election from Scott McKnight

The NIV Application Commentary: 1 Peter Original Meaning

The term refers to three features of Christian existence: the initial separation from sin (clearly in 1:2; cf. Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13), the hard work of growing in holiness throughout life (Rom. 8:13; 2 Cor. 3:18; 7:1; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 12:10, 14), and the final act of God when he makes his holy people completely holy for eternity (Eph. 5:25–27). Peter is referring here, then, almost exclusively to the first dimension of our sanctification: God’s gracious act of turning sinners into his people. Later, he emphasizes the lifelong process of sanctification (cf. 1:14–16, 22; 2:1–2, 9–10, 11–12; 4:3–4).

Prayer: Grace and Peace by yours in fullest measure

Aliens should be good citizens, aliens should care deeply about those they live and interact with, but they are not home!

(4) According to his mercy he has caused (made happen) us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

to obtain an inheritance, which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you

v.1 (chosen according to the foreknowledge of God

(6) who are protected by the power of God through faith, for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time

Maybe use boat analogy/drawing to help explain v.2-5?

As the verses preceding focus on describing what happens in regeneration/reconciliation the next several phrases focus on reminding ourselves of how to identify with it.

Just as Jesus says to Nicademaus in , that we must be born again,

John 3:3 NASB95

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Peter adds that if we are born again…we are “born again” to a living hope. We should contrast this with other things we place our hope in. My marriage - great as long as it is going well, or exists, my job - same thing.

Peter adds that if we are born again…we are “born again” to a living hope. We should contrast this with other things we place our hope in. My marriage - great as long as it is going well, or exists, my job - same thing.

In truth our expectations are tied to our hope, and our expectations are generally too high for the things that we place our hope in. But Peter is pointing out that the rebirth that God gas wrought in us, is resetting our lives by establishing a “living hope.” We finally have something to legitimately hope in after a lifetime of counterfeits.

In truth our expectations are tied to our hope, and our expectations are generally way to high for the things that we place our hope in. But Peter is pointing out that the rebirth that God gas wrought in us, is resetting our lives by establishing a “living hope.” We finally have something to legitimately hope in after a lifetime of counterfeits.

John 3:3 NASB95

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We used this verse last week, but notice verse 3...

John 3:

1 John 3:2–3 NASB95

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

All that we are should be anchored in THAT hope! Our identity as children of God is defined by that hope. And John says that if we possess this hope in reality it will purify us and remove our double minded hearts.

All that we are should be anchored in THAT hope! Our identity as children of God is defined by that hope. And John says that if we possess this hope in reality it will purify us and remove our double minded hearts.

James 4:8 NASB95

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:7–8 NASB95

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB95

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

(5) to obtain an inheritance, which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you

2 Timothy 4:8 NASB95

in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

(5) to obtain an inheritance, which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you

(6) who are protected by the power of God through faith, for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time

Philippians 4:7 NASB95

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB95

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Maybe use boat analogy/drawing to help explain v.2-5?