Christians Under Fird

Christians under Fire

1 Peter 1:1-12

Introduction:

Book written to Christians going through trials

Peter’s message is to encourage them and give hop

            *1 Peter often called an Epistle of Hope

What might you tell Christians who are suffering?

Suffer here for doing what is right/speaking the name of Christ

            All Christians who live right will suffer eventually for it

Warren Weirsbe “The only comfortable Christian will be a compromising Christian, and his comfort will be costly.”

I.                   The Author:  Peter

1.      His call to ministry

      *Brought to Jesus by brother Andrew John 1:35-42

      *Called from a life of fishing Mark 1:16-20

2.      His training:

      *Followed Jesus for 3 years

      *Inner circle of disciples:  Peter/James/John

      *Present when Jarius’ daughter was raised Mark 5:37, Luke 8:51

      *Present at Mt. of Transfiguration Matt. 17:1, Mark 9:2, Luke 9:28

      *Present in Garden Matt. 26:37

3.      His mistakes:

      Matt. 16:21-23 Tried to get in the way of God’s plan

      Matt. 26:31-35, 69-75 Denied the Lord

      We can often relate to Peter because we too fall short

4.      His forgiveness:

      John 21:14-19

      Encouragement to us when we fail:  He will forgive

5.      His position 1 Peter 1:1

      Apostle of Christ

      Sent by Christ with a message:  Authority in message

II.                 The Recipients of the letter

1.      Their position v. 2

      They are children of God (see 1 John 3:1)

                  *Chosen by God

                  *Set apart by the Spirit

                  *Sprinkled by the blood

2.      Their hope v. 3

1)      Basis of their hope:  Mercy of God

2)      Certainty of their hope:  living or lively

                           They had a living Savior

                           They experienced the hope now

3)      End of their hope:  Inheritance

               *Incorruptible: wound not decay like crowns

               *Undefiled:  Without flaw or defect

               *Fades not away:  Permanent and unchangeable

               *Reserved in heaven:  Waiting for you

3.      Their assurance v. 5

      Kept by the power of God:  Omnipotent power

      Till when?  Salvation is complete

      John 10:27-30 nothing can separate us from the power of God

4.      Their trial vv. 6-7

      v. 1 says they are scattered:  away from family, etc.

      Suffering for doing right

      Many today have done the same thing

      Are we will to do right at all cost?  Easy to say

5.      Their joy v. 8

      Why?

                  Kept by His power

                  Love for the Lord

                  End will be in Salvation

6.      Their location v. 1, 2:11

                  Strangers, pilgrims, sojourners

      What is a pilgrim?

                  *Traveling to a new land

                  *leaves all behind

                  *Takes only what is needed for the trip

                  *Endure great hardships while looking ahead

                  *Encouraged by, “when we get to the new land….”

      These Christians were pilgrims, as are we

                  Phil. 3:20 citizens of heaven

                  Hebrews 11:10 Abraham