Living Hope Elect Exiles (1 Peter 1:1-12)
Our theme this year has been on the mission of God. We have seen how God has called us to a critical mission that he equips us for. The mission is not just to do what we have always done or to maintain some level of religious piety. We want to make God’s mission our mission, and God’s mission is people. He sent Jesus to seek and save the lost. That’s why we are here. That’s why he saved us. I hope that the topical sermons I’ve presented have answered some questions you have had. I do plan to discuss a few more in the coming months, but today we will start looking at the book of 1 Peter.
This book is amazing. In it, Peter reveals God’s desire for us to take part in his mission. He calls us “elect exiles,” “living stones,” “a royal priesthood,” and many other titles to motivate us for our mission. He instructs us on how to pursue our spiritual mission under very difficult world circumstances. Then, he helps us see how God is with us throughout our mission. It’s a great book, packed with practical teachings for us to grow spiritually.
I sold my tractor a few weeks ago. I remember buying that tractor back in 2012. It was nice. It had all kinds of features, but it was getting old and I didn’t need it anymore. I didn’t own eleven acres anymore and a big six foot cutting deck was a bit overkill for my little half acre of grass. So, we decided to sell it and have some cash in the bank. I had all these plans for that money. I was going to buy me a new lawn mower, we were going to set some aside for a future vacation, etc. Nope. That money disappeared. One second it’s in the bank account and, a few grocery trips later, it’s gone. In actuality, we decided to pay off some debt with it. But it still amazes me how fast what we have can disappear.
Imagine waking up every day knowing that no matter what happens, there is a treasure waiting for you that can never be taken away, can never decay, and will never lose its value. Picture the security and confidence that would bring to your life. This is the kind of hope Peter talks about in his first letter—a living hope that sustains us through every trial, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What does all that mean? As we unpack these truths, I want you to think about the challenges you’re facing right now. Whether it's a personal struggle, a family issue, or something at work, let’s see how Peter’s message can transform our perspective and fill us with the living hope that only Jesus can provide.
Our Identity
1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Like every letter we read, the first words are extremely important. These aren’t canned phrases that the writer pulls out for every letter. They set up the whole letter. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, writes this letter to the "elect exiles" scattered across various regions. Right from the beginning, he addresses a core aspects of our identity. Notice they are two fold, like two sides of the same coin. As believers, we are both chosen by God and exiles in this world.
The term "elect" means that God has chose us, setting us apart for His purposes. We are not just random individuals in the vast sea of humanity; we are God's special possession, called by His foreknowledge and through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Being chosen by God gives us a profound sense of belonging and purpose. Like Israel of the Old Testament, we enjoy a different kind of relationship from those outside the fold.
But Paul also points out that we are exiles. As exiles, we are also reminded that this world is not our true home. We live in a place where we ought to feel out of sync with the values and priorities around us. This dual identity – being chosen and yet exiled – shapes our perspective and our hope.
Think about it: have you ever felt like you don't quite fit in? Perhaps at work, in your neighborhood, or even within your extended family? That sense of being different, of not fully belonging, is a natural experience for those who are called by God. We are citizens of heaven, journeying through a foreign land. So, on one hand we feel like a fish out of water, but on the other we feel extreme comfort and joy, knowing that God truly loves us.
Peter reminds us that our status as elect exiles is not a mistake or an accident. It is part of God's divine plan. He chose us according to His foreknowledge. This choosing is not based on our righteousness but on His grace and love, intertwined with our faith in response to His call. God’s foreknowledge includes His awareness of our hearts – our humility and openness to the gospel. It is a dynamic relationship where His grace meets our willingness to respond.
Also, notice that he says The Holy Spirit sanctifies us, setting us apart to live in obedience to Jesus Christ. And through Christ's blood, we are cleansed and made new. We see all three persons of the godhead actively choosing and working on our behalf. That’s who we are. We are men and women who have a relationship with the one true God.
This identity as elect exiles provides a foundation for what we read next. We are anchored in the knowledge that we belong to God, and this belonging transcends any earthly circumstances. It gives us a firm footing to face the trials and challenges of this life, knowing that our ultimate home and hope are secure in Him.
The Source of Living Hope – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
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 begins this section with a declaration of praise: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!" This exclamation sets the tone for understanding the incredible gift we have received through God's mercy. It is by His great mercy that we have been given new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
This living hope is not a vague or uncertain wish. It is a confident expectation grounded in the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we know that he lives and he is working. Our hope is not in someone who is dead. Our hope is in someone who lives. This hope is vibrant and alive because it is based on the living, resurrected Christ who has been granted all authority and power. It’s not a dead hope. It’s a living hope.
Peter explains that this new birth brings us into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us. Unlike earthly inheritances, which can decay, become corrupted, or lose their value, our heavenly inheritance is secure and eternal. It is a treasure that will never diminish or disappoint, kept in heaven for us.
Sometimes people don’t see the heavens or the holy places as existing yet. But Peter says there is already a stockpile of treasure waiting for us there, and it’s not going anywhere. God’s not moving it out and moving it in again. It’s there waiting for us to receive it. So long as we remain faithful it will be there.
Perhaps you are like many people I’ve talked to who fear that they have already lost it. Notice what Peter says. We are assured that we are being guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. What does that mean? This means that our hope is not only for the future but also our present. God chose faith as the criteria for salvation because faith enables God to do his thing, giving us strength and assurance that we will receive the fullness of our salvation on the basis of his grace, not our works.
Consider how transformative this living hope is. In a world where so much is uncertain and temporary, we have a hope that is steadfast and sure. This hope is not based on our circumstances but on the unchanging reality of Christ's resurrection. It gives us the courage to face trials and the assurance that our future is secure.
When we face uncertainty or hardship, the promise of a secure future in Christ gives you strength! This living hope reminds us that no matter what we endure in this life, our ultimate inheritance is safe with God. We only need to hold on to faith that the Father wants us, the Spirit is helping us, and the Son’s blood covers us. We can face each day with confidence, knowing that our salvation is guarded by His power, not our own.
So, as we continue to explore 1 Peter, let's hold on to this living hope. It is a hope that transforms our perspective, giving us joy and assurance because it is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let this hope fill our hearts and guide our lives, as we await the glorious inheritance that God has prepared for us.
Joy Amidst Suffering – Refined by Trials
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.
Peter acknowledges a reality that resonates deeply with all of us: life includes trials. He writes, "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials." These words remind us that suffering and hardship are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God's plan.
The joy Peter speaks of is not a superficial happiness but a profound, enduring joy that coexists with trials. This joy is rooted in the living hope we have through Jesus Christ. It’s a joy that acknowledges the pain of trials but also sees beyond them to the refining work they accomplish in our lives.
Peter explains that these trials come 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." Just as gold is purified by fire, our faith is refined through the trials we face. The testing of our faith reveals its authenticity and strengthens it, making it more valuable than the purest gold.
Consider how goldsmiths refine gold. They heat it until it melts, allowing impurities to rise to the surface, which are then removed. In a similar way, God uses the heat of trials to purify our faith, removing anything that hinders our relationship with Him. This process, though painful, results in a faith that is stronger, purer, and more resilient. This is what sanctification looks like. This is what sets us apart from the world, making us different, making us exiles.
Peter continues, "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." Our love and faith in Jesus are not based on physical sight but on the deep conviction and trust in His presence and promises. This faith brings a joy that is beyond words, a joy filled with the glory of our future with Him.
Finally, Peter points us to the ultimate outcome of our faith: "obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." The trials we endure and the faith that is refined through them lead us to the culmination of our hope—our complete and final salvation.
Reflect on a time when you faced significant challenges. How did your faith grow during that period? Perhaps you discovered new depths of trust in God, or you experienced His presence in ways you hadn’t before. These moments of trial are opportunities for our faith to shine brightly, bringing glory to God.
As we journey through 1 Peter, let’s embrace the refining process of trials, knowing that they produce a genuine faith that honors God. Our joy amidst suffering testifies to the living hope we have in Christ, a hope that transforms our trials into triumphs. Let this joy and hope sustain us, as we look forward to the salvation that awaits us.
The Testimony of the Prophets – A Revealed Hope
1 Peter 1:10–12 (ESV) — 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Peter now turns our attention to the remarkable continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan as revealed through the prophets. He writes, "Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully." This statement bridges the Old and New Testaments, showing that the salvation we now experience was long anticipated by the prophets of old.
The prophets were not merely predicting future events; they were actively seeking to understand the grace that God would reveal through Christ. They inquired diligently, guided by the Spirit of Christ within them, as they predicted "the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories." This highlights that the story of Jesus—His suffering, death, and resurrection—was part of God's plan from the beginning. It turns our attention to the prophets, where we find our salvation and the glories of our eternal inheritance on full display.
Peter emphasizes that "it was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you." The prophets' ministry was intended for future generations, for us who now stand on this side of the cross. They faithfully recorded the visions and messages given to them by God, knowing that the full understanding and realization of these prophecies would come to fruition in Christ.
Through their prophecies, the prophets laid the groundwork for the good news that has now been announced to us "through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven." The continuity of the Holy Spirit's work is evident, as the same Spirit who inspired the prophets now empowers the proclamation of the gospel.
Peter adds a profound note: "things into which angels long to look." Even the angels are captivated by the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. They marvel at the grace and salvation that is now revealed to us, indicating the depth and richness of the gospel we have received.
Consider the privilege we have in living at a time when God's salvation plan is fully revealed. The prophets longed to see what we now experience. Their diligent searching and the Spirit's guidance resulted in a testimony that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of God's grace.
Reflect on how the knowledge of this long-awaited salvation impacts your faith. Knowing that we are part of a story that spans the ages should fill us with awe and gratitude. It connects us to the faithful who came before us and inspires us to live out our faith with renewed vigor.
As we continue our journey through 1 Peter, let’s cherish the revealed hope we have in Christ. Let’s appreciate the testimony of the prophets and the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This rich heritage of faith and hope calls us to live with purpose and passion, knowing that we are part of God's grand narrative of redemption.
Main Application: Joyful Endurance – Experiencing Joy in the Midst of Trials
If we have a choice for our identity, how do you identify? Would you write, “Elect Exiles?” Do we fit that description? If we follow Christ, we should. We belong to God, and he provides what we need. Even as exiles in this world, we can find profound joy by embracing the living hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the reality that Jesus is alive and working in our lives, and in the eternal glory that awaits all who believe and trust in him.
Experiencing Joy
Does the knowledge of this identity and this living hope bring you joy? Peter acknowledges the reality of trials: "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials." The key to experiencing joy in the midst of trials lies in understanding and embracing the living hope we have through Christ's resurrection. But is that difficult for you? How do we fully experience this joy and take hold of it in our daily lives?
Reframe Your Perspective on Trials
- Evaluate: When trials come, do you see them as obstacles or opportunities for growth and glory? Peter is going to shed more light on this in the future.
- Action: Change your perspective by seeing trials as a refining process. Just as gold is purified by fire, your faith is being refined through challenges. Ask God to show you what He is teaching you through each trial. How are we being sanctified by the Spirit?
Stay Connected to the Source of Joy
- Evaluate: How often do you remind yourself of the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings? Is this reality a central part of your daily thoughts?
- Action: Make it a habit to reflect on the resurrection. Start your day by reading and meditating on passages about the resurrection. Let this truth be the foundation of your joy, reminding you that Jesus is alive and actively working in your life. Then, speak to him with hope that he hears and acts in accordance with his proven character.
Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude
- Evaluate: In the midst of difficulties, do you find it hard to see the good? Are you able to find reasons to be thankful even when times are tough?
- Action: Keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down at least three things you are thankful for. Look for God's hand in the small blessings and the ways He is sustaining you through trials. Gratitude shifts your focus from what is wrong to what is right.
Engage in Worship and Prayer
- Evaluate: How often do you turn to worship and prayer when facing trials? Do you find yourself drawing closer to God or drifting away?
- Action: Make worship and prayer a regular part of your response to trials. Sing songs that remind you of God's faithfulness and power. Pour out your heart to God in prayer, expressing both your struggles and your trust in Him. Worship realigns your heart with God's truth and fills you with His joy.
Lean on Your Faith Community
- Evaluate: Do you try to handle trials on your own, or do you seek support from your church family? How open are you about your struggles?
- Action: Share your burdens with your faith community. Join a small group or find a trusted friend to pray with you and encourage you. When others share their experiences of finding joy in trials, it strengthens your own faith. Community provides the support and perspective needed to endure with joy.
Conclusion
Finding joy in the midst of trials is not about ignoring the pain or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about anchoring your hope in the living reality of Jesus' resurrection and the eternal glory that awaits you. By reframing your perspective, staying connected to the source of joy, cultivating gratitude, engaging in worship and prayer, and leaning on your faith community, you can fully experience and take hold of the joy that comes from our living hope.
Remember, this joy is a profound, enduring joy that coexists with trials. It acknowledges the pain but also sees beyond it to the refining work God is doing in your life. Let this living hope fill your heart and guide your life, as you endure with joy, knowing that your faith is being refined and that your ultimate inheritance is secure in Christ.