"Read the will, Please!"

Scripture Introduction

1 Peter 1:3–7 NLT

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Series Theme: Past Tense: Jesus' sacrifice brought hope and light into a dark world. Future tense: HIStory continues to bring hope and light into a dark world

INTRODUCTION:

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (movie clip — 00.23 - 00.46)

Mr. Deeds was definitely an unusual fellow. The townspeople called him “pixelated” (a little crazy). Money wasn’t important to him. There are a lot more movies and real life stories out there that show the selfish side of folks when it comes to the reading of the will. They just want the inheritance. They are in a hurry to read the will and get their money! In a lot of those movies, someone quite unexpected gets the inheritance, like the butler, or the young wife dad married after mom passed. Things can get a little squirrely…people even turn to murder in order to protect what they think should be their inheritance. People can be really self-centered when a loved one dies, especially if there is something to gain. Hopefully none of us are not like that.

Guess what? Our Father’s will was revealed long ago. He didn’t die…and He never will.

1 Peter 1:3–5 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:3-

What was Peter saying to the Christian exiles to whom he wrote this letter? We will find out today that it was the same message God wants us to know today:

Big Idea: Since Christ paid the price for sin, once and for all, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, your inheritance is fully funded today, tomorrow, and forever.

Transitional: We need to understand that this is our inheritance — we need to understand how much it’s worth? What’s the bottom line? But first…who, exactly, is eligible?

Exposition (background, etc):

This pastoral a epistle (letter). Encouraging words to “the chosen exiles living abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Capadocia, Asia, and Bithynia”

Possibly part of the Roman Empire at this time — much of it located in what would be Turkey

A wide variety of cultures, languages, backgrounds — Mostly Jewish converts but also Gentiles. They were “the church” just as we are “the church” today

They were beginning to face some challenging seasons of persecution…the worst was yet to come.

The church still faces storms — in Cameroon, India (Hindu mob destroyed a church built through many great sacrifices in the poorest slum of Bombay — in many countries where to confess Christ leads to everything from the loss of educational privileges, jobs, to being thrown in prison or executed.

No Christian avoids suffering, nor escapes at least a measure of persecutions for the name of Christ.

Peter’s message points to Jesus as our sure hope both now and forever.

The Message of 1 Peter Introduction

Pastoral—Peter’s letter is surely that. The apostle seeks to encourage and reassure Christian churches in Asia Minor as stormy seasons of persecution begin. Those storms rage on today—in India where a Hindu mob destroys a Christian church built at great sacrifice in the poorest slum of Bombay; in many Communist lands where to confess Christ brings the loss of educational privilege and job opportunities, and often results in imprisonment. In much of the English-speaking world such threats may seem distant; perhaps we fail to read the signs of the times. No Christian avoids suffering, however, and no true Christian escapes a measure of suffering for Christ’s sake. Peter speaks to us all when he tells of suffering now and glory to come.

Peter’s pastoral letter encourages us by instructing us. Our deepest needs drive us to our deepest beliefs. What hope do we have? Peter proclaims Jesus Christ, our sure hope now and for ever. Throughout his letter he grounds our hope in the reality of what God has done and will yet do for us through Christ. The apostle is a witness, not just to what Jesus did and said while he was in his fishing-boat or in his house, but to the meaning of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Peter’s testimony about the life of Jesus is reflected in Mark’s Gospel. In this letter he shows us what that story means for us as Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him.

…who, then, is eligible to receive the inheritance made possible to Jesus?

…to those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad… (v. 1)

1 Peter 1:3–5 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

…In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritances is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (v. 3-5)

…who is eligible?

Who is chosen? All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved — whoever believes on Him shall not perish…but have everlasting life

God says to you today, “I choose you!”

…who is eligible?

....new birth by His great mercy

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

…who is eligible?

B. Born-again

…God is the keeper and protector of our inheritance — it cannot be stolen or lost

C. Guarded

What is a common factor when you look the chosen, the born again, and the ones shielded by God’s power until until the final days? They are people of faith — they have believed the message of Christ and experienced the transformation of new birth into Him.

…who is eligible?

They are people of faith — they have believed the message of Christ and experienced the transformation of new birth into Him.

Romans 8:17 NIV

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Family by Covenant

Hebrews 9:15 NIV

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

By Covenant

Family by Grace

Galatians 3:18 NIV

For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

Family by Faith

Hebrews 4:13–14 NIV

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

Romans 4:13–14 NIV

It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,

By Faith

Application:

Are you one of the chosen, born-again people today that God’s is guarding, keeping, empowering for that big day when your salvation is made complete in His presence?

The answer to that question is, literally, a matter of life and death

There is always a sense of urgency when it comes to your decision to follow Christ

Illustration: Last Wednesday evening, country singer Kylie Rae Harris was killed in a car crash near Taos in northern NM. She was an up and coming country star (has a 6 year old daughter). To make a long story short, she ran into the back of a car and this caused her car to veer into another car head-on. Life is so unpredictable. Here’s a sad twist, the driver of the other car was a 16-year old young lady by the name of Maria Elena Cruz. Her father is the assistant fire chief who responded to the call and discovered that his own daughter was killed. Guys…life is not guaranteed tomorrow. There is a definite sense of urgency…are you among the ones ready to receive your inheritance in eternity?

Transitional: The future of HIStory promises the blessings of our inheritance in Jesus now and in the future! What are the benefits of this inheritance?

Exposition:

Let’s get one thing clear — the only reason we can receive this inheritance is because of the Son

Hebrews 1:2 NIV

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

Hebrews 1:4 NIV

So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Hebrews 1:4–6 NIV

So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Hebrews 1:2–4 NIV

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Hebrews 1:2–3 NIV

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Hebrews 1:2 NIV

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

Heb 1:2

Hebrews 1:2–4 NIV

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

What are the benefits of this inheritance?

Matthew 19:29 NIV

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

Hebrews 1:14 NIV

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

What are the benefits of this inheritance?

By Covenant

Matthew 19:29 NIV

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

Titus 3:7 NIV

so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Romans 6:23 NIV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What are the benefits of this inheritance?

By Grace

Sons and Daughters

Firstborn

Galatians 4:6–7 NIV

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Gal 4:4-7

Hebrews 12:22–23 NIV

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

Matthew 5:5 NIV

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

What are the benefits of this inheritance?

Matthew 25:34 NIV

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Revelation 21:7 NIV

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

What are the benefits of this inheritance?

Psalm 119:111 NIV

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

What are the benefits of this inheritance?

Psalm 73:26 NIV

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

By Faith

Jeremiah 51:19 NIV

He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including the people of his inheritance— the Lord Almighty is his name.

Jeremiah

Illustration: One thing I think we can agree on is that an inheritance is not something a person earns, not in the most basic definition of inheritance. If I received an inheritance from my dad, it was because I am his son. it is because of my relationship with him as a son. Granted, many children don’t deserve an inheritance and end up getting written out of the will. But with our Heavenly father, when we become a son or daughter of His, it is because of His grace and mercy that we have accepted as a gift. We are grafted in…he won’t reject us

Big Idea: Since Christ paid the price for sin, once and for all, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, your inheritance is fully funded today, tomorrow, and forever.

1 Peter 1:

1 Peter 1:4–5 NLT

and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Psalm 37:29 NIV

The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

Psalm 61:5 NIV

For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Ps 61:5

Colossians 3:24 NIV

since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Col

Hebrews 6:12 NIV

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Heb

James 2:5 NIV

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

Ephesians 5:5 NIV

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Psalm 37:9 NIV

For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

1 Peter 1:6–7 NLT

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1:6

Invitation

"Read the will, Please!"

Who is Eligible?

Who is Eligible?

Chosen

Born-again

Shielded

Family

What Does it Look Like?

Salvation

Eternal Life

Full Rights of Sons and Daughters

The Earth

The Kingdom

The Word of God

The Lord Himself

CHALLENGE

Live for God as His true Heirs

Don’t Gamble With Your Inheritance

Enjoy Your Inheritance Today and Look Forward to It’s Completion in the Future