Kept by the Power of God

Because of God’s Power, we can know we are not forgotten ()

Explanation: Peter is writing to Christians who have been forced to leave their homes. They have been scattered throughout the region of modern Turkey, and some were, or would soon be facing persecution for their faith in Christ. Peter is giving them encouragement by telling them that God knows exactly where they are and what they are experiencing. Peter reminds them that God has chosen them in Christ, and although no one else may care, God will also watch over those He has called to Himself.

Illustrate: isolation causes depression and discouragement

Argument: Peter is reminding fellow believers that the Trinitarian God of the Cosmos is present with them. God the Father knew ahead of time your situation; The Holy Spirit has set you apart for such a time as this, and Jesus has cleansed and forgiven you through His precious blood. You have value in God’s eyes, and He has declared that He will never leave us or forsake us ()

Application: Remind yourself of God’s love and protection. Remember His promises, and dwell on His power to keep them. Also, realize you are not by yourself. Peter wrote to the Exiles (plural) not singular. Remain active in the faith community

Because of God’s Power we have a living hope ()

Explanation: Peter understands that living for Christ is not always popular, and most of the time leads to persecution. The world around us can be inconsistent and unkind, be we are called to live and display the Crucified Life, regardless of our situation. Peter is giving encouragement to his fellow pilgrims by reminding them of how God has blessed them. In the midst of our daily struggles, we can lose sight of our purpose. Peter calls us to focus on the living hope that is ours through the New Birth. We have the Spirit of Christ in the present time

Illustrate: patient’s with a terminal diagnosis often lose the will to live; some parents who lose a child lose the will to live. Those with no hope (or the perception of no hope) very often give up.

Argument: Believers do not have the freedom to give up or give in. We can look at the corruption and the immorality that surrounds us, and we can gain the perspective of “what’s the use?” but in Christ we have hope. We don’t know what God is going to do, or how He is planning on using us. We don’t have to know these things. We are called to be obedient, and we have been equipped to be able to do so.

Application: Keep your focus on the One who blessed you with His living Spirit. When the darkness threatens to overwhelm you, remember that it is never hopeless for the Child of God. His Hope gives & sustains your Hope in Him!

Because of God’s Power we have a supernatural inheritance ()

Explanation: As a further encouragement, Peter reminds his fellow travelers of their supernatural inheritance. God has promised His children Eternal Rewards. Believers have a special gift reserved for them in glory. And this is no ordinary heirloom that can be broken or stolen. Ours is an inheritance that is imperishable - it will last forever; it is undefiled, it is pure now and will remain pure; it is unfading - it will never lose its luster

Illustrate: hysteria that occurs when the powerball exceeds 100 million dollars. Lots of folks start buying lottery tickets and hope to get rich. Others hope they have a rich relative who will leave them a pile of money. Those hopes are unrealistic, and even if, the money brings problems and doesn’t last.

Argument: We often lose heart when we look at what others have. We may even consider what we could have if we didn’t give to Kingdom causes. We can envy and covet what the world has, but we would do well to remember the end result of all material possessions - they will all be burned at the end.

Application: Remember this present world is not our home. We are pilgrims on a journey, and those on a journey travel light. We are not to place our roots so deep that we are immovable when God calls. And we are to lay up treasures in Heaven.

Because of God’s Power we can know we will make it to the end ()

Explanation: Peter reassures his fellow travelers that all will reach the intended destination. He can be confident of this because God declares that He is shielding believers through their faith. God is guiding and guarding His children through the agency of their faith, and therefore, we can know that Heaven will be our home.

Illustrate: in so many events we witness those who do not finish. The Nascar driver who spins out with 2 laps to go, the marathon runner who pulls a hamstring in the last mile, the employee who is laid off two years short of retirement.

Argument: Just as we aren’t saved by our own efforts, we do not remain saved by our own efforts. As the Apostle Paul stated, “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (). God will ensure our finish, because He is the One holding on to us!

Application: Rejoice that our salvation is secure in Christ. No matter what this world may throw at us, the Victory is ours in Jesus!