HOPE in times of trial - 1 Peter 1

1 Peter 1:1-12 HOPE in times of trial This letter was written to the church under persecution. They were in exile, scattered throughout Asia. They were suffering all kinds of trials but Peter writes to encourage them and give them hope. 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3 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, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 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.6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 3 reasons believers have hope in times of trials. 1. Chosen 1-2 2. New birth 3-7 3. Salvation 8-12 1. Chosen 1-2 They were exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, but they were the elect, the chosen ones according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, " Plan "through the sanctifying work of the Spirit," Process "to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:" Purpose 1 Peter 2:9 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Ephesians 1 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. 2. New Birth 3-7 3 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, into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, 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" Shielded, guarded means 'kept safe, carefully watched',1 by God's power. 3. Salvation 8-12 When we believe in Jesus we were saved from the penalty of sin (Justification) And we are been saved from the power of sin (Sanctification) And we will be saved completely from the presence of sin (Glorification) Praise the Lord for his mercy upon us, choosing us, giving us new birth into a living hope, into an inheritance that can never perish, for saving us from sin and guarding us with His power. 1 Peter 4:12 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. Questions for reflection 1. What are some trials you are facing or grief you are suffering lately? 2. How are you reacting? With sorrow and disappointment or hope and joy? 3. Do you see the purpose of God in suffering and trial? 1 Wayne A. Grudem, 1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 17, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 63. --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------