Library
<< James 5:20 1 Peter 1:2 >>
Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain 1 Peter 1:1:
I Peter 1:1-5
Excerpted from: Don't Be a Prudent AgnosticFirst of all Peter reminds us of whom we are. And that term "elect" is the very ground of our comfort. Do you know why? Because it means (when connected to the foreknowledge of God) that God knows us personally. We meet a lot of people who would like to know that the President of the United States knows them personally.
Or let's come down a level or two. They would like it to be known that they are known by some other personality that they respect very highly. They would like to be able to tell their friends, "Oh, I know him and he knows me. We went to school together," or, "we did this together." Whether the person is a millionaire or a billionaire, or whether they are a well-known athlete or entertainer, somebody well known in the area around wherever you happen to be, we like to drop names. Peter just said, "If there's any name you want to drop, drop God's. He knows you." That's something.
Before God called you, He watched your life. He did it because He wanted to make sure that He and you would be able to work together and that He wouldn't lose you. And He's sure that with His help, you can make it. You can be prepared for the opportunity, for the job, or whatever it is, that you're being prepared for.
That is the ground of your hope, right there. God knows you and because He knows you, He's going to do things for you. He's in the position to be able to do it. All He has to do is give the word, just like the great personality we might know in society. They can open doors for us, whatever it might be. God can open any door anywhere for us. And He will do what is right for us.
He goes on in verse 3 that He is the author of an act of mercy by which He has given us a sure hope of being brought into our inheritance.
"He has begotten us again to a living hope." Do you know why it's living? Because Jesus Christ is alive! He is our High Priest. And He loves us in a way that we can't even begin to understand. He loves us so much that He gave His life for us. He loves us so much, that He is willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that we will be in His Kingdom. You have access to the highest of all places. You have friends who have names and power that are so awesome there is nothing greater.
We don't need to fear what is coming in the way the world is going to fear what is coming, because God is able to bring us through it. If we had to face it ourselves, there would be no hope for us. So God is the author of this act of mercy by which we are given a sure hope and we will be brought into our inheritance (verse 4). It is incorruptible. The contrast is being made between Canaan, Palestine, and the Kingdom of God. Which is better? Well, there's no doubt which one is better.
One more thing here. It is "undefiled and that does not fade away. It is reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation." That word "kept" can easily be translated "guarded," "surrounded," "hedged in." God is watching out for you in a way that He is not watching out for this world. But because we are the apple of His eye, and because He is preparing us for something, Jesus Christ is going to discharge His duties as High Priest in our behalf and He is guarding us and protecting us from the worst of what is going on around us.
That ought to be encouraging, that if He were not doing what He is doing, it would be far worse already for us.
ArticlesThe Christian Fight (Part Seven)
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Seven) (2)
SermonsPreparing to Rule (1993)
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part 9)
Feast of Tabernacles Basics
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part 7)
The Faithfulness of God (Part 2)
Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials
Teaching the Good News of the Promise
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Five)
The Resurrection From the Dead
God's Calling and Election
Trumpets Is a Day of Hope
Our Hope
<< James 5:20 1 Peter 1:2 >>
Join 138,500+ readers
A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning
Consistent Bible study is hard to start.
The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.
Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.