1 Peter 1:3-9 "Living Our Unchangeable Inheritance

I find myself in a place that I’ve always thought was a LONG WAY OFF: Retirement age is almost knocking on my door and I’m starting to receive all kinds of invitations to attend retirement seminars. Most recent, one on the various options available to my Social Security benefits. I have also ran across some advice for retired persons:

have someone to love;

keep busy; and

have something to look forward to.

These apply not just to senior citizens but to young and old alike. “Everything that is done in this world,” says Luther, “is done by hope” (Table Talk). Typically in the spring of the year, school children and teens look forward to vacation. People suffering from cabin fever because of wintry weather are anxious to get out. Those with green thumbs page through seed catalogs. And for us today, we are looking forward to this “Safer at Home” order to be lifted, so people can back to work, and we can start to interact with one another. Now, THAT IS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

A LIVING HOPE

1 Peter 1:3–5 ESV

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.

Peter invites believers to join in a hymn of praise for the unique blessings God has showered on us. He speaks of a “living hope.”

Hopes and predictions that cling to the belief that man is basically good fall flat. The notion that people do wrong things because they are not taught properly has been around for a long time.

Over 150 years ago Horace Mann, a prominent educator from Boston, prophesied that crime in our country would in time virtually disappear. Why? Because, he maintained, there will be more and larger schools that would be tax-supported. He saw education as a safety net, likened it to an ark—within it we are fine; on the outside of the art is a flood. Well, it hasn’t happened. In fact, many schools themselves have become crime-ridden.

Not intentionally, of course. We have nothing but praise for patient teachers and administrators who stick it out in less than desirable settings. A high school graduation speaker, determined to lift the sights of the class, quoted this bit of poetry:

“Believe in God—in thine own self believe:

All that thou hast hoped for thou shalt achieve.”

Believe in God? Yes. Have confidence? Yes. But the last-sentence is simply not true. We hope they didn’t listen to that!

But there are “living hopes.” Shortly after the birth of Christ an old man named Simeon “was waiting for the consolation of Israel. . . . It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Lk 2:25–26). His hope was living because it came from God and not from his own wishful thinking.

Look at the many people who formed a parade coming to Jesus with the hope that he would cure their loved ones—Jairus, whose 12-year-old daughter was dying, to name one. Even while the Savior was on his way a woman came up from behind and touched him, and her bleeding of 12 years stopped (Lk 8:40–48).

The living hope Peter describes has as its goal an “inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven” for us.

“Inheritance” conjures up the picture of tense men and women listening intently to a lawyer read a deceased one’s last will and testament. Often this eagerly awaited moment disappoints and may even divide the families in days and years to come. Inheritances may not always be a blessing.

There are several lessons to be learned from our Lord’s best-known parable of the Prodigal Son. One of the lesser of these is what the younger son did with his share of the inheritance, which he asked for before his father’s death: he squandered his wealth in wild living (Lk 15:13). So it is with earthly inheritances. Because they are not earned, the recipients, unless they are frugal, spends the money quickly. “Easy come, easy go.”

It cannot be emphasized enough that we inherit, not earn, “the kingdom prepared for you” (Mt 25:34). Christ followed this statement with his parable of the sheep and the goats. Accordingly, we may mistakenly conclude that the works of mercy performed by the righteous pay their way into heaven: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Mt 25: 35–36). These good works provide evidence that true believers who, having received God’s mercy in Christ, are merciful to others, especially to those in need (Lk 6:36). But the heavenly inheritance is theirs because they are members of the Father’s family: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:26).

There would be no unchangeable inheritance without the resurrection of Christ. Nowhere in the New Testament do the holy writers argue the case as if it were necessary to prove by evidence and logic that Jesus rose from the dead. While Luke does mention that the risen Lord “gave many convincing proofs that he was alive” (Acts 1:3), he continues with the assumption that Theophilus and others believe it without question. So also Paul (Rom 1:4) and Peter (1:3) begin their epistles with the same assumption. This faith, generated by the Holy Spirit (1:2, 12), is guarded by God’s power at work in us.

A JOYOUS HOPE

1 Peter 1:6–9 ESV

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.

The hope is accompanied by suffering and trials. This means stuff happens in life where we are not always joyful and strong: FC SD II, 68: textual notes, v 6.)

Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions Conversion

68 We receive in this life only the firstfruits of the Spirit [Romans 8:23]. The new birth is not complete, but only begun in us. The combat and struggle of the flesh against the spirit remains even in the elect and truly regenerate people [Galatians 5:17]. For a great difference can be seen among Christians. Not only is it true that one is weak and another strong in the spirit, but each Christian also experiences differences in himself. At one time he is joyful in spirit, and at another fearful and alarmed. At one time he is intense in love, strong in faith and hope, and at another time he is cold and weak.

“Most of us find it very difficult to want ‘Heaven’ at all—except insofar as ‘Heaven’ means meeting again our friends who have died. One reason for this difficulty is that we have not been trained: our whole education tends to fix our minds on this world” (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity [New York: Macmillan, 1943, 1945, 1952] 104).

Even though the certainty of salvation is a present reality and therefore cause for rejoicing, Peter does not hesitate to introduce the fact that suffering and trials will accompany it. This other reality surfaces in every chapter of his letter. Identification with Christ constitutes the reason for suffering (Acts 5:41). Tribulations in life common to all as human beings are distinct from this cross-bearing that characterizes Christians (Mt 16:24).Pain common to all humanity is not meant, only that which God allows “because of the name of Christ” (4:14).

Acts 5:41 NKJV

41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

Matthew 16:24 NKJV

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Its purpose: to purify our faith. “Of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire.” So precious a metal can be dissolved, or it is seldom found in a pure state and therefore needs refinement. In either case, the faith God gives will not be dissolved but needs purification.

Conclusion: Already in this life we enjoy a taste of “inexpressible and glorious joy,” which is to say, there are no adequate words to describe it. As the proverb puts it, “The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy” (Prov 14:10). Even before His crucifixion, our Lord assures his disciples, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. . . . Now is the time of your grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. . . . Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (Jn 16:20, 22, 24). We pray for many things. Have we ever asked God for joy?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

Second Sunday of Easter

19 April 2020

Hear us, merciful Father, as we pray for ourselves, for the Church, for our nation and for all conditions and manner of people.

Brief silence

God of mercy, keep us from the doubts and fears that cripple us and prevent us from knowing the fullness of Your saving peace and gracious presence. Teach us to trust in Your Word and to believe with all our hearts, minds, bodies and strength in Jesus Christ, crucified for our sins and raised for our justification. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of grace, bestow upon us, Your Church, Your Holy Spirit and all the gifts that come down from on high. Give us faithful pastors who will preach faithfully, and give us ears to hear Your Word proclaimed. Sustain us while apart from one another, and bring Your scattered Church together again quickly. Give us boldness in our witness before the world and courage to speak Your name without fear. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of power, give courage and strength to those persecuted for the faith, and comfort the families of the martyrs. In uncertain times, keep us from being tossed about by the winds of change. Keep us steadfast in the doctrine of the apostles and the faith once delivered to the saints. Help us to admonish those who have fallen away and to restore with gentleness those who have wandered from the truth. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of might, counsel the nations and their leaders to act wisely in all matters. Bless us with faithful and just leaders who will protect the sanctity of life and defend us against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Make us wise and discerning citizens who use the gift of liberty for noble purpose. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of love, teach us to love one another as You have loved us. Guide us to make plain the love and strength of Christ to our troubled and fearful world. Deliver us from disease, this coronavirus, and everything else that would threaten our homes and families. Protect the police, firefighters, disaster-relief workers and medical personnel who attend to us, as well as the places where we live and work. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of comfort, give Your aid and relief to all who suffer want or need, to the sick in their afflictions, to those troubled in mind, and to those to whom death draws near. We especially pray this day for Barb Lynch, who is in intensive care today; Jerry Eslinger’s grandson, Kyle, who is battling diverticulitis; along with Kyle’s wife Kira who is 4-months pregnant and hospitalized with complications. We continue our prayers healing for Muriel, and her daughter, Ruth, as she recovers from surgery. We also pray for Debbie, Angie Christensen’s mother; Renee who is recovering from a bad car accident; Mary Kuhnert; Holly Weiland; Matt Young; Darsie Hartzell; Tytan Brae, Linda Bateman, along with those whom we name in our hearts at this time. Heal and sustain them according to Your gracious will, and preserve them in faith to eternal life. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of hope, be with those who grieve the loss of a loved one, especially the Rokenbrodt family as they remember their husband and father who fell asleep in You one year ago last Friday. Point them to the promise of the resurrection and the gift of everlasting life to all who die in Christ. Deliver us from distractions, that we may focus on Your needful Word and Sacraments and so be found faithful when our Lord returns in His glory. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God who provides, You have always been the help and comfort of Your people. Support the unemployed in the day of their time of need. Give them faith to cast their cares on You, and preserve them from all bitterness and resentment. According to Your goodness increase the opportunity for their employment that with thankful hearts they may earn a just wage. Give to Your people everywhere a ready willingness to share their blessings with those in need. Make us merciful, even as You are merciful. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of compassion, bless us with the good gifts of the earth, with the fruits of our honest labors, and with kind and generous hearts. Accept the worship of our hearts and voices, along with the tithes and offerings we bring in gratitude and thanksgiving. Look with mercy on the unemployed, and open our eyes and hearts to the needs of the poor, that we may serve them in Your name. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

God of peace, give harmony and unity to Your people, both in our various vocations before the world and in our common life at this altar. Help us to receive with repentance and joy the gift of Christ’s body and blood in this blest communion, that we may be strengthened in faith and enjoy the gift of a clear conscience through the forgiveness of our sins. Comfort and sustain those who are unable to gather together this day for Your Holy Sacrament. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

O blessed God and Lord, hear the prayers of Your people and teach us to trust in Your will to answer our prayers with all that is needful and beneficial, both for us and for all for whom we pray; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: “Our Father...”

Liturgical Notes

Appropriately, the antiphon to the Introit introduces this Easter series, “Living in the Hope of Our Inheritance.” In the celebration of the Savior’s resurrection we have “tasted that the Lord is good.” This goodness also extends to the living hope and eternal life we possess by “believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (Gospel). Believers are urged to “crave pure spiritual milk,” the Word of God, which strengthens their Spirit-born faith and hope.

A part of this living hope will be manifested in their behavior as they pray “that we who have celebrated the mystery of the Lord’s resurrection may by the help of your grace bring forth the fruits thereof in our life and conduct” (Collect).

The Reading from the book of Acts to “fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem” fittingly prepares for what follows. Perhaps Peter himself, in the minds of those who worshiped during Lent, provides anything but a good example of humility and standing firm. That they should concentrate on his first letter to the church through the Easter season may not seem all that desirable. But the sermon reveals a new Peter who, without fear of consequence, boldly accuses those who put Jesus to death. He even quotes the Jews’ revered ancestor David, applying verses from Psalm 16 to the resurrection of Christ. This should ready the hearers to look forward to his Spirit-inspired words of hope.

Relevant Context

“This little letter (1 Peter) has been variously described as ‘The Epistle of Courage,’ ‘The Epistle of Pilgrimage,’ and ‘The Epistle of Hope.’ All three titles can be justified . . . Yet the dominant theme . . . is neither courage nor pilgrimage. It is hope: not the wistful, nebulous optimism that in the end things will turn out all right, which so often passes for hope; but religious hope, hope that rests not on man but on God, the living God . . . who raised Jesus Christ from the dead and gave him glory that our faith and hope might be in him” (The New Interpreter’s Bible [Nashville: Abingdon, 1944] 12:77).

Textual Notes

V 3: anagennēsas, “having begotten,” appears only one other time in the. NT: 1 Peter 1:23. This is the same “born again” event that Jesus says is necessary for a person to “see the kingdom of God,” bewildering Nicodemus (Jn 3:3). It results in a “living hope,” something other than an uncertain or false hope of one’s own creation. Without “the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” no such hope can exist. The hope reaches beyond our earthly sojourn: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Cor 15:19).

“[The resurrection of Jesus Christ] lies at the very center of Christian hope. But it is also one of the most fragile items in Christian faith. . . . Not only sophisticated moderns find the report of the resurrection incredible. It has always been so. When Paul preached at Athens, he seems to have received an attentive hearing until he mentioned the resurrection—then his audience laughed (Acts 17:32)” (John Macquarrie, Christian Hope [New York: Seabury, 1978] 69).

V 4: klēronomian, “an inheritance”: unlike the inheritance once promised to Israel (Deut 15:4), which was eventually laid waste by enemy armies and drought, Peter writes of an inheritance that is not subject to decay and destruction. Even John describes heaven in negative terms (Rev 26 21:1, 4). So also here Peter expresses the inheritance as incorruptible, unstained, imperishable.

V 5: “Salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” We may think of salvation as that which was provided for the whole world when Christ “bore our sins in his body” (2:24), that which we received through faith (1:8–9), and that which will be manifest at the end of the world.

V 6: “in this you greatly rejoice”: the hope of our heavenly inheritance brings about “inexpressible and glorious joy” (1:8). “Most of us find it very difficult to want ‘Heaven’ at all—except insofar as ‘Heaven’ means meeting again our friends who have died. One reason for this difficulty is that we have not been trained: our whole education tends to fix our minds on this world” (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity [New York: Macmillan, 1943, 1945, 1952] 104).

Even though the certainty of salvation is a present reality and therefore cause for rejoicing, Peter does not hesitate to introduce the fact that suffering and trials will accompany it. This other reality surfaces in every chapter of his letter. Identification with Christ constitutes the reason for suffering (Acts 5:41). Tribulations in life common to all as human beings are distinct from this crossbearing that characterizes Christians (Mt 16:24).

Matthew 16:24 NASB95

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Acts 5:41 NASB95

41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.

V 7: Nor does he drop the subject. God has good reason for the pain he allows to trouble us: the testing and purification of our faith (James 1:2–3). This faith is “of greater worth than gold” (1:7). Three times in his letter Peter compares spiritual qualities with gold; in this instance, faith. The redeeming blood of Christ is more precious than gold (1:18–19). Even in his directives to Christian wives “gold jewelry” is of less importance—if important at all—than “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (3:3–4). And lest we think that grief and trials are due to our failures, these words from the Formula of Concord offer great comfort to us:

“But since in this life we have received only the first fruits of the Spirit, and regeneration is not as yet perfect but has only been begun in us, the conflict and warfare of the flesh against the Spirit continues also in the elect and truly reborn. Again, there is not only a great difference between Christians, one being weak and the other strong in the Spirit, but even the individual Christian in his own life discovers that at one moment he is joyful in the Spirit and at another fearful and terrified, at one time ardent in love, strong in faith and in hope, and at another time cold and weak” (FC SD II, 68).

V 8: “Though you have not seen him” calls to mind the refusal of Thomas to believe (Jn 20:25) and the commendation from the risen Lord to those who believe without seeing him (Jn 20:29).

V 9: psuchē : at times the numerous references to “souls” in Scripture are in contrast with “bodies” (Mt 10:28, 1 Thess 5:23). In this instance, as in 2:11, the word most likely means the whole person.