These are the original teaching notes from this passage.
I Peter 1:3-12
Review…
- The THEME…
- SUFFERING and TRIALS are a not a question – they are a PROMISE in this life!
- BUT we also have HOPE through the Grace of God!
- The DIVISION…
- Chapter 1-2:10 – The GRACE of God for SALVATION…
- Chapter 2:11 – 3:12 – The GRACE of God for SUBMISSION…
- Chapter 3:13 – 5:14 – The GRACE of God for SUFFERING!
- AUDIENCE…
- PILGRIMS – it is easy for us to forget this is NOT our home – we belong in HEAVEN…
- DISPERSED – a reference to believers – DISPERSED because of their faith!
- ELECT – those God had chosen for salvation!
- CHOSEN by the foreknowledge of God – to be SANCTIFIED in their spirit…
- SPRINKLED by the blood of Jesus – to receive GRACE and PEACE multiplied!
Greatly Rejoice…
- 1st – Our living Hope… vs. 3-5
- Blessed … vs. 3
- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
- BLESSED [Εὐλογητὸς] – means to be worthy of PRAISE…
- The epistle opens – by giving THREE reasons why our God is worthy of PRAISE…
- God has given us a living HOPE / an INHERITANCE / and our SALVATION!
- 1st – Living HOPE… vs. 3
- Abundant MERCY…
- Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope…
- Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!
- Our HOPE is NOT a result of anything that WE have done…
- It is instead a result of the abundant MERCY that God has given to us…
- MERCY [ἔλεος] by definition means NOT getting what we DESERVE…
- All of us are sinners – Romans 3:23 – all of us DESERVE judgment – Romans 6:23
- But in His MERCY – and it took A LOT [πολύς] – God instead gave us HOPE!
- Born AGAIN…
- BEGOTTEN again [ἀναγεννάω] – 2x in the NT [both in I Peter]
- Literally means to be born a SECOND time – BORN AGAIN!
- Nicodemus came to speak with Jesus at night looking for HOPE – John 3
- But Nicodemus was looking for a PHYSICAL answer to a SPIRITUAL problem…
- Jesus told him to be BORN AGAIN – an amazing description of salvation!
- How much effort did it take for us to be BORN – it was NOT a lot of work for the baby…
- But it was a LOT of effort for the MOM – hours of intense labor and suffering!
- In the same way – we do NOTHING to be saved – it was NO effort on our part…
- God was the one who went through hours LABOR – years for some of us!
- He suffered – on the cross – so that we might receive new life!
- TWO births…
- John 3:5 – “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit – cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
- Born of the WATER – referring to physical birth – the day we were born…
- Those who are ONLY born WATER – are children of satan – Matthew 12:30
- Since they were ONLY born once – they will die TWICE – physical death / spiritual death!
- Born of the SPIRIT – speaking of our SALVATION!
- When we received Jesus by faith – we were BORN AGAIN – born of the Spirit…
- We used to be children of satan – but we were BORN AGAIN as children of God…
- Because we were born TWICE – the water then the Spirit – we only die ONCE [physical]
- We get to go to heaven and live forever with the Lord!
- To a living HOPE…
- HOPE [ἐλπίς] – 54x in NT – what we expect will happen in the FUTURE…
- HOPE is the fulfillment of FAITH – in FAITH we HOPE something will one day happen…
- But HOPE can be devastating – depending on what we put our FAITH in…
- Too often people put their HOPE in pieces of colorful paper…
- HOPE in an election – fill in the BLANK can save us…
- HOPE in a religion – that someone told us can get us to God!
- But Money has no LIFE / people DIE / and religions are the ideas of DEAD men!
- The resurrection of the dead…
- What separates Jesus from ANY other HOPE…
- Jesus is NOT dead – the grave could NOT hold him – DETH was defeated…
- When we put our FAITH in Jesus – we place our HOPE – in a LIVING God!
- He has shown us that DEATH is not the end – there is HOPE of LIFE through Him!
- The greatest fear of all men is the fear of death – because it is an unknown…
- Because some fear it is an end / but most of all because it means we will be judged…
- But we have no need to fear DEATH – it has not sting for us – I Corinthians 15:55
- We know DEATH is not the end – far from it – it is the beginning of eternal life!
- 2nd – Our INHERITANCE… vs. 4
- INCORUPTABLE…
- To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away…
- Reserved in heaven for you!
- INHERITANCE – money – possessions – or position given to others!
- Parents save up for their children and INHERITANCE to bless them with when they die…
- But the INHERITANCE that they give is CORRUPTIBLE – it does not last!
- In contrast the INHERITANCE God desires to give us lasts FOREVER!
- UNDEFILED…
- Any INHERITANCE that we may receive here on EARTH comes with a warning!
- How often have we heard about kids being ruined by an INHERITANCE …
- They spend it foolishly – lavishly – it leads them into an immoral lifestyle!
- In contrast the INHERITANCE we received from God is UNDEFILED…
- Because we are not living for this world – it reminds us to be dedicated for the Lord!
- RESERVED…
- Will NOT fade away – only here NT – of a flame that never goes out…
- RESERVED [passive] – God HOLDS our INHERITANCE for us – till we get to HEAVEN!
- We have become heirs to all that God has – joint heirs with Jesus Christ!
- That means God desires to give us EVERYTHING – His KINGDOM – Luke 12:32
- To the extent we will even sit on Jesus throne with Him – Revelation 3:21
- Often times we are left to wonder if God can- will take care of our needs…
- God does not just want to provide for our needs – our INHERITANCE is His Kingdom!
- 3rd – Our SALVATION… vs. 5
- KEPT…
- Who are kept by the power of God…
- We have a LIVNG HOPE – we have an incredible INHERITANCE…
- But until that HOPE is fulfilled – and that INHERITANCE is received – we are KEPT safe!
- KEPT [φρουρέω] – 4x in NT – to be protected ALWAYS [present] by a military guard!
- How secure is our SALVATION – KEPT by the POWER [δύναμις] of God…
- But we do have a PART – we have FAITH – TRUSTING in Jesus!
- Philippians 4:7 – “The peace of God – which surpasses all understanding – will guard [φρουρέω] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- We tend to spend much of our time worrying about our PROBLMES…
- WORRY is the opposite of FAITH – we are worried because we are NOT trusting Jesus!
- When put our FAITH in God – we no longer are WORRIED …
- Our perspective changes – we see our circumstances in a new light…
- We no longer see PROBLEMS – instead we see the POWER of God that KEEPS us safe!
- REVEALED…
- Through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time!
- REVEALED [ἀποκαλύπτω] – to uncover something that has been hidden…
- The challenge with our FAITH – is it does not bring us to HEAVEN today…
- Our SALVATION will not be REVEALED – until we come to the end of our JOURNEY!
- But as we put trust in our living HOPE – and are BORN again…
- We are guaranteed an INHERITANCE – kept by the POWER of God…
- Giving us the guarantee of our SALVATION – that we will one day be with Jesus!
- Romans 8:38 – “I am persuaded, that neither death – nor life – nor angels – nor principalities – nor powers – nor things present – nor things to come. No height – no depth – not any other creature – shall be able to separate us from the love of God – which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- 2nd – Various trials… vs. 6-9
- 1st – Grieved… vs. 6
- Greatly rejoice…
- In this you greatly rejoice!
- Greatly REJOICE [ἀγαλλιάω] – to overflow with JOY…
- As a result of phenomenal promises – LIVING HOPE / INHERITANCE / and SALVATION!
- We always [present] REJOICE – how could we not considering what God has done…
- Which sounds like a great future – but what about TODAY!
- Various Trials…
- Though now for a little while – if need be – you have been grieved by various trials!
- LITTLE while – in this SHORT time we have here on earth…
- SINCE [first class] it is NEEDED – we will be GREIVED [to be sad]
- Various TRIALS [πειρασμός] – more on this in a MOMENT…
- But we still greatly REJOICE because we know the TRIALS are SHORT…
- And we have a HOPE / INTERITANCE / and SALVATION waiting at the end!
- Example of Paul – II Corinthians 11:24-28
- FIVE times he was beaten with 39 lashes – THREE times beaten with rods…
- ONCE he was stoned – Acts 14 – THREE times he was shipwrecked – a night in the ocean…
- Traveled on countless LONG journeys – in FEAR of robbers – FEAR of the Jews…
- He had many SLEEPLESS nights – was often HUNGRY – COLD from lack of clothing…
- And besides all of these things are the daily needs of the churches!
- Yet Paul calls these LITTLE problems – II Corinthians 4:17-18
- It is very hard for us to look beyond our PROBLMES – like HUGE wall…
- We cannot see past them – because we do not know what will happen next…
- But it turns out – they are just LITTLE problems – in the light of eternity!
- By keeping our eyes on the Lord we see beyond the moment – we see our HOPE!
- 2nd – The PURPOSE… vs. 7
- TESTING…
- That the [testing] of your faith – being much more precious than gold that perishes…
- TRIALS [πειρασμός] – maybe something that comes from – is allowed by – the LORD…
- TEMPTAIONS [πειρασμός] – alternative translation – something from the world – satan…
- Are TESTS – [δοκίμιον] – 2x in NT – to PROVE what is INSIDE…
- James 1:3 – “Knowing that the testing [δοκίμιον] of your faith produces patience…”
- Silver is refined by putting it into the heat of an intense fire…
- The fire draws out the impurities of the silver so they can be removed…
- The smith knows the silver is pure when he can see his reflection!
- Jesus put us in the fiery TRIAL to TEST our FAITH – draw out the SIN from our life…
- He knows when we are done – because He sees His reflection in our lives!
- We want God to use us – we want to draw closer to the Lord…
- But often we will find before God a work THROUGH us – He first does one IN us…
- Do not be surprised if we ask God to use us- only to find we are in a trial…
- God uses it to PREPARE us – mold us – shape us – into Godly men and women!
- FOUND…
- Though it is tested by fire – may be found to praise – honor…
- And glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ!
- FOUND [subjunctive] – the desire is our FAITH – brings PRAISE – HONOR – GLORY to Jesus!
- One of Jens favorite dishes to cook – is banana bread…
- She has to keep it in the oven for just the right amount of time…
- When it is done right – there is a lot of PRAISE – HONOR – GLORY – it is GOOD bread!
- But as hot as it is inside – if she removes it to soon – it is just a sloppy mess!
- No one LIKES to be in the fire – the FURNACE is a very unpleasant place…
- While we have the guarantee that God will deliver us – Psalm 34:19
- That does NOT mean He will take us out of the FIRE now…
- Because as much trouble as we might be in – as hot as things might get…
- If He takes us out to soon – we will end up still being a sloppy mess…
- It takes TIME in the fire to make us complete – teach us to depend on Jesus!
- 3rd – Loving the unseen… vs. 8-9
- The LOVE…
- Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him – yet believing…
- You rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory – receiving the end of your faith…
- The salvation of your souls!
- We have NOT seen [εἴδω] Jesus – will NOT see [perfect] Him till the day we come HOME…
- Yet we LOVE [ἀγαπάω] Him – BELIEVING and REJOICING – in spite of our TRIALS…
- INEXPRESSABLE – only here NT – a JOY so overwhelming – we cannot put it into WORDS…
- Why do we have so much JOY – how can we LOVE someone we have never SEEN…
- Because we are RECEIVING [present] the end of our FAITH – the SALVATION of our souls!
- The EVIDENCE…
- We might NOT see Jesus – but we can SEE what God is doing in our lives…
- We are NOT the same person we were yesterday – or a month ago – a year ago…
- As we are REFINED by TRIALS – we are TRANSFORMED…
- That change is the EVIDENCE of our SALVATION – becoming more like Jesus…
- The PROOF we need to SEE – to become overwhelmed by JOY and LOVE for Him!
- II Corinthians 3:18 – “All of us… can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord… makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.” [NLT]
- 1st – Grieved… vs. 6
- 3rd – Great Salvation… vs. 10-12
- 1st – The PROPHETS… vs. 10-11
- Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully…
- Who prophesied of the grace that would come to you searching what…
- Or what manner of time – the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating…
- When He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow!
- The prophets were CONSTANTLY talking about the coming of the Messiah…
- It is estimated there are over THREE hundred PROPHECIES concerning the Christ…
- They predicted His BIRTH – LIFE – and DEATH – yet it was still a MYSTERY to them!
- Colossian 1:26 – “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations – but now has been revealed to His saints.”
- MYSTERY – from the beginning Jesus planned to die for the sins of men…
- The Lamb of God was slain before the foundations of the World – Revelation 13:8
- What the prophets of God did NOT fully understand – though they WANTED to know…
- We UNDERSTAND – we have the whole picture – the PLAN of God for SALVATION!
- 2nd – The Holy Spirit… vs. 12
- REVEALED…
- To them it was revealed that – not to themselves – but to us they were ministering…
- The things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached…
- The gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven!
- REVEALED [ἀποκαλύπτω] – to uncover something that has been HIDDEN…
- The PRPOPHETS wrote about the CHRIST – not for their benefit – but for OURS…
- So that we would be able to KNOW the GOSPEL – the PLAN of God for SALVATION!
- The GOSPEL…
- The PROPHETS wrote about TWO things – SUFFERING of Christ / and the GLORY of Christ!
- The SUFFERING Servant – who would take away the sin of the world…
- Isaiah 53:5 – “[My Servant] was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities… and by His stripes we are healed!”
- The CONQUERING King – who will establish the Kingdom of God on earth…
- Psalm 2:6 – “I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.”
- Jesus is BOTH – He came the FIRST time as the SUFFERING servant to SAVE us…
- He will come a SECOND time – to CONQUER the world and set up His kingdom!
- The HOLY SPIRIT…
- Matthew 16:21 – “Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem – and suffer many things… and be killed – and be raised the third day.”
- Jesus told His disciples EXACTLY what the GOSPEL was…
- But NO one could understand it – Peter even rebuked Jesus for saying it – Matthew 16:23
- I Corinthians 2:14 – “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God – for they are foolishness to him.”
- Do you ever wonder why people seem to miss the TRUTH…
- It seems so OBVIOUS to us Jesus is the answer – how could anyone miss the GOSPEL…
- We do NOT understand because we are so smart – it is the SPIRIT inside of us!
- He reveals to us the mysteries – truths about the PLAN of God for SALVATION!
- 3rd – The ANGELS… vs. 12
- DESIRE…
- Things which angels desire to look into!
- DESIRE [ἐπιθυμέω] – to be PASSIONATLY interested in something…
- God always intended to use the church to teach angels…
- God uses us to display the rich VARIETY of His WISDOM to the heavenly places!
- Angels that stand in the very presence of the Almighty…
- Angels that have been with the LORD – almost from the very beginning…
- LEARN by watching how God interacts with you and me!
- LOOKING…
- I Corinthians 11:10 – “The angels are watching.” [NLT]
- LOOK [παρακύπτω] – to bend over to inspect more carefully…
- When God judged Satan – He revealed that He was a RIGHTEOUS…
- When God did not condemn Adam and Eve – He revealed He was a MERCIFUL…
- When God was patience with the Children of Israel – He revealed He was LONGSUFFERING…
- But the complete revelation of God – did not come until Jesus Christ…
- God died in our place – for our sins – and revealed He was LOVING!
- If angels are still LEARNING about the rich VARIETY of the WISDOM of God…
- How much more should we DESIRE to LEARN and grow!
- If we are unsure ourselves about the WORD – our HOPE in Jesus…
- We are not going to be very effective in sharing that HOPE with others…
- But as we grow in our FAITH – are strengthened by reading God’sHis WORD…
- We will have the ANSWERS when others question us – about our SALVATION!
- I Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”
- 1st – The PROPHETS… vs. 10-11