August 13, 2023

Trials, Hope and Joy (Part 1)

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: 1 Peter 1:1-9
Service Type:

Introduction

  • We come to 1 Peter 1
    • We have high and low points in our life
    • God is often more at work in the times of trial and difficulty
  • Our church has known a recent intense time of trial and difficulty - examples
    • Yet the church has never been more united
  • We are studying the life of Simon Peter
    • We have seen many ups and downs - examples
      • He confessed Christ as the Saviour ...
      • .. followed by saying He should not go to the cross
    • Jesus had to show Peter he was a weak man
      • Jesus restored him
    • Peter had been humbled
    • Peter had great boldness but also blind spots
  • Today we go to his first letter (1 Peter)
    • He is identifying with the people of his letter who are going through deep trials
      • They are pilgrims, dispersed throughout the Roman Empire
      • He knows the sufferings of the Roman Empire
      • He writes to them to encourage them (1 Pet 4:12-13)
    • It is thought he is writing from Rome
      • Babylon - 1 Pet 5:13
      • There was a terrible time of persecution against Christians - examples
    • The believers had gone to areas outside of Rome - Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia - areas backing onto the Black Sea
      • Is this the same as the scattering James writes about? - James 1:1
      • Could it be the persecution in Jerusalem? - Acts 8
      • It doesn't matter - they are pilgrims
      • They are going to a different destination - a pilgrim on the way to glory
        • How fixed are we to this world?
        • Do we have a desire to be with Christ?
        • Paul had a dilemma about this - he was a pilgrim in this land whose real residency was in heaven
    • Considering the sufferings the people endured - you might think this might a difficult letter to read
      • Example of Old Testament prophecies
      • We see an apostle praising God for the faith
      • He uses many superlatives:
        • Abundant mercy (v3)
        • Greatly rejoicing (v6)
        • Much more precious (v7)
        • Joy inexpressible and full of glory (v8)
    • This morning focusing on v1-2
    • This evening focusing on v3-9

Setting the Scene (v1)

  • He uses his new name of Peter and not his old name of Simon
    • He was a simple fisherman brought up in Galilee - example
    • He was called to be an Apostle
      • Sent by God to bring the message of God
      • Sent with the authority of Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18)
      • He was called mainly to the Jews but also the Gentiles
  • He was taught by the Holy Spirit and spent 3 years in the 'school of' Jesus Christ
    • Some protest that he uses classical Greek, but...
      • ...1 Pet 5:12 - Silvanus had helped him write this letter
    • Peter was exhorted to 'encourage the brethren'
    • Personal example
    • We are all in process - God is making us what He intends us to be
      • We may feel we have a long way to go
  • He writes to the brothers

An immediate encouragement (v2)

  • Do you notice the reference to the Trinity?
  • Peter lifts the believers eyes to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
    • Like those Heb 11
    • Peter reminds them of their position

Chosen by God the Father

  • Jesus knew everything about Peter before he arrived - examples
    • He knew his past, present and future
    • Jesus knew that he would be turned into a rock - chosen from the foundation of the world
  • A chosen people
    • John 6:37
    • Eph 1:4
  • Do you have difficulty with this?
    • Quote from Spurgeon
  • Christians will debate over the Doctrine of Election
    • However, it does not prevent any reason from coming and believing in Jesus for salvation
  • Foreknowledge means for loved
  • It should be an encouragement - if you are chosen in Christ, you cannot lose your salvation
    • This is not a licence to sin
    • Rather confidence in Christ

Sanctified by the Holy Spirit

  • The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin
    • Example of Mal
  • The Holy Spirit shows us Jesus Christ
  • The Holy Spirit gives us life - regenerates our souls
    • Explanation
  • Sanctification in this verse refers to the process of our salvation (not the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit)
    • 1 Pet 2:9-10

The Blood of Jesus Christ

... we will continue tonight

Closing Remarks

  • The greatest encouragement - the promise of glory
  • Trials, Hope and Joy
« Living Letters of Christ Trials, Hope and Joy (Part 2) »