While We Wait: Introduction

Introduction:

In this time of unprecedented change, where do we turn for direction and wisdom. All the norms of life are falling down and the hopes that we put in those norms are toppling with them. We certainly can see why God would allow the world of unregenerate mankind to be judged by Him, but what about His children, shouldn’t we be exempt from such trials?

This is the very setting for 1 Peter. Peter is writing to God’s children, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. To a people who have been dispersed throughout the known world at that time, undergoing tremendous suffering for the cause of Christ. How are they to view life? How are they to live? What were they to do while they wait for Christ’s return?

We too have been taught that someday Christ would return and everything will be set right in a new heaven and earth where righteousness is the new norm. But, what happens when a COVID-19 pandemic explodes on the scene. What do we do “While We Wait”. We have been set aside to do just that, wait. Something that most of us hate more then anything. So, how are we to live during this time of waiting? This is what we hope to learn as we study 1 Peter.

We will begin with Peter’s greeting to set the stage.

Text:

1 Peter 1:1–2 ESV

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, 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.

1. Who is the Author? (v. 1a)

A. Name: Peter (petros: stone)

Matthew 16:18 ESV

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

B. Calling: Apostle (apostlos - one sent forth with a mission)

apostle n. — an envoy of Jesus Christ commissioned directly by Him or by other apostles; normally someone who has been taught directly by Jesus and who is invested with the authority to speak on His behalf.

C. Ownership: Of Jesus Christ

Peter did not see himself as a self-made man, but one who was owned by his Lord, Jesus Christ

Peter, as an apostle, owned by Jesus Christ, lived to carry out his commission…it was his passion!

2. Who are the Recipients? (v. 1b)

Those who are...

Those is contained within the adjective elect

A. Position Spiritually: Elect

eklektos (ek: out of; lektos: chosen)- to choose or select. The idea is that a choice is made to select a subset from a set.

God’s people are chosen by Him from the mass of humanity

B. Position Physically: Exiles

of the Dispersion (diaspora) - dispersed throughout the known world at that time.

diaspora n. — the spatial property of being scattered over an area; especially used of those who trust and ally themselves with the God of Israel and are not currently in the land of Israel.

This dispersion began after Stephen was martyred in

Acts 8:1 ESV

1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 1:1 ESV

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,

acts:

3. Who is Responsible? (2a)

The Trinity...

A. The Father: elect…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father

The Father did the electing

This electing was according to his foreknowledge

prognosis - planning or plotting in the advance of acting

foreknowledge is always used of people not activity

therefore, this election of the Father was a result of God knowing and loving His children without any action on their part!

Ephesians 1:4 ESV

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

we were not chosen by foreseen faith, but chosen to have faith and the resulting good works

Romans 8:29 ESV

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

B. The Spirit: sanctification of the Spirit

the Holy Spirit regenerated us, and set us apart, baptizing us into the body of Christ

hagiasmo - to be set apart for God’s use (very similar to holy - hagios)

Titus 3:5 ESV

5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

1). for obedience to Jesus Christ

2). for sprinkling with His blood

C. The Son: sprinkling with his blood

It is the sprinkling of Christ blood that redeems us, and reconciles with the Father

1 Peter 1:18–19 ESV

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Colossians 1:19–20 ESV

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

1 pet 1:

c

4. How are they Blessed? (2b)

Grace & peace are always seen together, since they are from the same source, and happened at the same time.

A. With Multiplied Grace

charis - grace n.— goodwill freely disseminated (by God); especially to the benefit of the recipient regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator.

grace n. — goodwill freely disseminated (by God); especially to the benefit of the recipient regardless of the benefit accrued to the disseminator.

saving grace vs sanctifying grace

saving grace is a one time act of God whereby He justifies His chosen one through faith in the atonement of His Son Jesus Christ

sanctifying grace is the on going bestowal of the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to carry out His desire in us to mortify sin, and live a life pleasing and honoring to our Lord.

B.. With Multiplied Peace

eirene - peace n. — harmonious relations and freedom from disputes; especially during the absence of war.

peace with God vs peace of God

peace n. — harmonious relations and freedom from disputes; especially during the absence of war.

peace with God is a result of Christ debt payment on our behalf, enduring God’s wrath, thus reconciling us to God

Romans 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

peace of God is the inner contentment that results from trusting God’s sovereignty in all circumstances of life.

phil 4:

Philippians 4:4–7 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So What?

Why would Paul begin this letter to a suffering, dispersed people, with the double adjectives entitling them “elect exiles”?

What affect does the trinitarian view of God have on a suffering people?

Is the blessing of grace and peace pronounced on the elect of God just wishful thinking or is it the very basis for hope? Explain?