Thoughts on I Peter

I Peter 1:1-9

1. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2. according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, [a]to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

To the Aliens...

This is God's Nature

3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Jesus...

I Peter 1:3-5

• The resurrection of Christ... speaks to the mercy of God
• Speaks to the provision of God
• Speaks to the power of God
• Gives us a hope and a future

6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various [c]trials, 7 so that the [d]proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which [e]is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

I Peter 1:6-7

• Nature of the Earth - Temporary
• Nature of faith, hope, salvation - Eternal
• Trials of earth serve to refine the realities of God
• Trials reveal the glory of God and the reality of His provision for us

8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

I Peter 1:8-9

• Christ is real beyond ourselves
• Christ is resident in everything
• Christ is the provision of God for hope, faith, and our eternal inheritance
• Saving faith confesses and believes all of this.

God planned, provides, and protects...

Christ is the New and Promised Hope