Living Away From Home

Living Away From Home

Living Away from Home”

(1 Peter 1:1-2)

Series: Strength Through Adversity (1Peter)

 Rev. Todd A. Linn, PhD

Henderson’s First Baptist Church, Henderson

  • Take your Bibles and turn to the book of 1Peter (p. 814; YouVersion).

This morning we are beginning a short series of messages through the Book of 1Peter. If you’re visiting with us this is what we do, we preach through books of the Bible, verse-by-verse exposition of books of the Bible. This kind of preaching, expository preaching, is the least likely method to result in a preacher straying from God’s Word because we always have one main text, one main passage open before us. When preachers preach expositionally we are also more likely to treat a passage in its context and more likely to preach what Paul called “the whole counsel of God.” If we’re going verse-by-verse through books of the Bible we’re going to handle tough teachings and difficult passages as well as the more easy passages to preach. So it makes us better and stronger Christians.

1Peter is a book with just five chapters, but five very encouraging and very practical chapters for growing Christians. What I want to do this morning is largely introductory, overviewing the book and looking at the first couple verses to get us started today.

  • Please stand in honor of the reading of God’s Word.

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

  • Pray.

All right, did you leave your Bible open? Okay, here we go: Who wrote 1Peter? Somebody tell me. Peter! First word in the book. Peter. I like the way folks in the Ancient Near East wrote letters to one another. It makes so much more sense than the way we write letters today. If you were writing someone a letter, you put your name first. That way the guy who receives your letter doesn’t have to fiddle around with the thing and turn to the very end and read, “Warmest regards, Peter.” And the guy says to his wife, “It’s a letter from Peter!” No, they did it the right way back then. All these small letters, or epistles, begin first with the one who wrote the letter. Peter.

Who is Peter? I mean the first time you hear Peter from the Bible, what do you think? I think fisherman, the guy who walked on water and then began sinking, the guy who was always talking, the guy who denied Christ. A real down to earth, transparent kind of guy, Peter. Right?

Now get this image in your mind: remember after Peter denied Christ the three times? Jesus rises form the dead and He appears to Peter and He restores Peter. Remember in John’s Gospel, Jesus had asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” And Peter’s like, “You know I love You!” And Jesus says three times, “Feed My sheep,” or, “Feed my lambs.” In other words, “Feed My people; Give My people the food they need to grow. Give them biblical teaching.”

Jesus had also said to Peter, during that discussion about Peter’s future denial of Christ and later restoration to Christ, Jesus said, “I have prayed for you, that you faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren (Luke 22:32).”

And that is precisely what Peter did and that is why we have this letter called 1Peter, Peter’s first letter to the brethren, to the brothers and sisters in Christ. Peter wrote this letter in obedience to Christ’s commands to, “Feed His sheep” and to, “Strengthen the brethren.” Peter identifies himself in verse 1 as, “an apostle of Jesus Christ,” an apostle–that means, ‘one who is sent.’ Peter has been sent by Jesus, sent on a mission, sent to do a number of things, not the least of which is to, “strengthen the brethren.”

So our series of messages in this letter is entitled, “Strength through Adversity.” Peter writes this letter to strengthen the brethren, to strengthen Christians, when facing adversity–persecution and suffering.

Peter wrote this letter about the year 63, AD 63. The Roman Emperor is Nero and many of you know that just a few years later in the 60s Nero unleashed very severe persecution among the Christians. He would order Christians to be thrown to the animals in the Roman coliseum for sport. Nero would burn many of them to death and he blamed the fire in Rome upon the Christians. This is a letter about how to endure suffering and how to persevere through persecution. It is about how to be strong during times of adversity.

So we begin our study this morning of a very practical book. We’ve got a few slides here so let’s take a look at them now:

Slide of 1Peter. It will be helpful for us to remember that Peter is the author. And he’s writing under the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero. Peter, in fact, is writing from Rome. We know that because of the way he concludes the letter in 1Peter 5:13, making reference to “Babylon,” which was a way of referring to Rome.

Slide of map. The next slide here shows the people to whom Peter is writing. This is a map of what is today modern Turkey. But as you look at the map you see these cities that Peter mentions by name in verse 1: the people of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Most scholars believe that this letter was taken to these cities in a circular route, carried by the hand of Silvanus–his name is mentioned at the end of 1Peter, 1Peter 5:12, Peter writes, “By Silvanus…I have written to you.”

Slide of 8 Key Themes from the English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible (Remember, you can get these later online; all stuff free online).

  1. Those who suffer as Christians will be exalted (1Peter 1:6-9; 2:18; 3:13-22; 4:12-19).

  2. The church of Jesus Christ is the new temple, the new Israel, the new people of God (1Peter 1:1-2; 2:4-10).

  3. Believers should set their hope on their end-time inheritance (1Peter 1:3-9; 13-16).

  4. Christ died as a substitute for sinners, and his death is the basis for their new life (1Peter 1:17-21; 2:24; 3:13-22).

  5. Christ’s suffering is an example to his disciples (1Peter 2:21-23).

  6. At his resurrection, Christ triumphed over his enemies (1Peter 3:18-22).

  7. Christians should live righteously in their homes and in society (1Peter 2:11-3:7).

  8. New life in Christ is the basis for a life of love and holiness (1Peter 1:3; 1:13-2:3).

I think it will be helpful for us to think of 1Peter as a discipleship manual for Christians. Most of us have a manual for our cars in the glovebox and we seldom pull it out and read it. And most of us have a manual for our lives, a manual we should pull out every day and read it. Peter wrote this letter to “strengthen the brethren.”

See this letter will address some things I am often asked about as a pastor. For example, your Bible is open, here are a few things we’ll be looking at in the weeks to come…chapter 1 will tell us about our heavenly inheritance–what awaits Christians in heaven; Peter also writes about the Bible itself–how it endures forever and how we ought to “desire it (chapter 2),” as “newborn babies.” Peter also addresses in chapter 2 how we should live in this world when we don’t particularly like the politicians in charge. He also writes in chapter 2 about how to handle people who hurt you. I am frequently asked about this: “Pastor, what do I do in this situation–someone has hurt me and they’re in the wrong, or, What am I to do when I am verbally abused, what am I supposed to do?” We’ll be looking at the answer I give straight from chapter 2. In chapter 3 Peter addresses the woman whose husband doesn’t share her Christian faith. I’m asked about that, “What can I say to my husband to get him to come to church with me?” There’s an answer straight from this discipleship manual. In chapters 3 and 4 Peter spends a great deal of time teaching us what to do when the going gets tough. He also addresses a theological question I am often asked, “After Christ’s death on the cross, Did Jesus descend into hell?” Well, I happen to think not and we’ll be looking at that in the coming weeks. Peter also addresses this matter of how the devil is at work. Some people want to know should they be in this business of rebuking the devil and demons and so forth. So we’ll be looking at that, too, and a host of other things. It’s a practical book–a discipleship manual–to provide strength through adversity.

As we turn back to chapter 1 and these introductory verses–verses one and two–I want to take the remainder of our time to teach these two verses. They are very helpful and serve us well in treating this overall theme in the book about how to live in this world of suffering and how to endure hard times.

Michele and I Skyped with our boys yesterday. In case you’re unfamiliar with that term, Skype, it refers to computer software that allows two people to talk to each other and see each other on a display on each person’s computer. For example, our Student Minister, Matt McCraw, Skyped last week with our own missionary couple, Doug & Barb, in Johannesburg, South Africa. They dialed-in to each other’s computers and saw each other and talked to each other. Michele and I Skyped yesterday with our two sons who are away at Union University. We do this once a week as do many of our parents with their children living away from home. When you talk to family living away from home you’re finding out how they are adjusting and you’re recommending things for them to do. With Skype you can see things in their room, whether it’s clean, what they had for lunch earlier, how badly they need to do the laundry, and so forth. But that’s why we stay in touch with folks living away from home–to encourage them while they’re away.

Peter writes this letter to encourage Christians living away from home. Remember where these folks are living? Verse 1 says these Christians are living in five different areas of modern-day Turkey: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Peter addresses them in verse 1 as, “Pilgrims.” Another translation has “Sojourners,” or, “Temporary residents.”

So Peter gives Christians with two reminders that are helpful during times of difficulty. He says first:

  1. Remember Your Status (1)

Remember who you are. You are a pilgrim, a sojourner, a temporary resident.

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

See, that word–pilgrim–is to be understood in three different senses. These Christians are pilgrims in three different ways. They are pilgrims geographically, socially, and theologically–or if you like, they are pilgrims Spatially, Socially, and Spiritually. Let’s take these one at a time.

Spatially–these Christians are scattered spatially, geographically. We saw that earlier when we looked at the map of Asia Minor. These Christians are spread among five different Roman provinces: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. That’s one reason Peter uses that term, “Dispersion.” It has its roots in the Old Testament, a term that described the scattering of the Jewish people. So the Christians are pilgrims in a spatial sense. But they are also pilgrims in a social sense.

Socially–these five Roman provinces listed by Peter in verse 1 also indicate both ethnic and linguistic diversity among the people. Additionally, these five provinces were impacted by the popular Graeco-Roman culture of the day, a culture that proved difficult for Christians to “be at home in.” Because these Christians were different from those around them, they were often treated by the Romans as outcasts, social misfits, marginalized from popular society. It’s a bit like what we witness among our Christian brothers and sisters in Laos when we go there each fall to work at our missional partnership there in Southeast Asia. Our team often has the privilege of spending some time with persecuted Christians in the area there where Christians have been persecuted by loss of property and loss of social privileges–healthcare, education, and even food. These brothers and sisters in Laos understand the term, “pilgrim.” They are considered social misfits among the other citizens. So these Christians in verse 1 are pilgrims spatially, and socially. Finally:

Spiritually–Peter refers to these Christians as pilgrims in a spiritual sense, as well. That is, these Christians are living in the word now, but awaiting a heavenly home later. So this word pilgrim is a helpful metaphor for Christians. Christians are pilgrims, sojourners, temporary residents, just passing through this earthly life, headed for the eternal city of Heaven.

It is this sense of the word that informs much of our Christian hymnody:

This world is not my home I’m just passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

O they tell me of a home far beyond the skies,

O they tell me of a home far away;

O they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise,

O they tell me of an unclouded day.

So in an effort to strengthen his brothers and sisters, Peter says, “Remember your status.” You are a pilgrim. You are a sojourner. You’re a temporary resident. You’re just passing through.

And Peter says the same thing to you and me this morning: Remember your status. Do think of yourself as a pilgrim? Do you think of yourself as, “Not at home, someone living away from home?” If you do, it helps you keep from falling in love with this world and frees you from the world’s grip. Peter uses this imagery again in chapter 2 to strengthen Christians who are tempted to sin. He says in 1Peter 2:11, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,”

You’re a pilgrim, a temporary resident, you’re different from others. So quit trying to be like the others! Churches all across America are doing everything they can to convince lost people that they are just the same as they. “We’re just like you! Hang out with us. We’re the same as you.” No, you’re not. You’re a pilgrim. You are different. Your priorities are different. Your motives are different. Your loves are different. This world is not your home. Your home is elsewhere.

Remember your status. You are a pilgrim. You are just passing through this world. James makes the same point in his letter. You can turn left in your Bible just a page or two and read James 4:14 where James asks, “What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

Our lives are quick. We are here for a short while. This is not our home. So let’s live for eternity. Let’s live with a heavenly focus. Let’s do things that last for eternity. Don’t get comfortable in this world. It’s not your home. You’re living away from home. You’re a pilgrim. Remember your status. You want to know the key to living the Christian life, living in a world of suffering and strife? Remember your status. Secondly, Peter says:

  1. Remember Your Salvation (2)

Verse 2 is about the Christian’s salvation. And what Peter is doing here is saying, in essence, “When you undergo persecution and you endure suffering, remember your salvation.”

2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

The first word in verse 2 is the word, “Elect.” It is from this word that we get the doctrine of election. The doctrine of election simply means that God–based on nothing but His love, based on no foreseen merit or goodness on our part–but based solely upon His love, chooses some to be His children through faith in Jesus Christ. He chooses some to salvation!

I do find that encouraging. The Bible teaches that I am born a sinner. I am a sinner by nature and by choice. I am a child of my first father, Adam. I am separated from God. I am spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. I can do nothing to improve my condition. So God comes to me. He comes to me in my spiritual grave and rebirths me, regenerates me, gives me life so that I can understand and respond to the saving message of the Gospel. That is election. He chose me. I didn’t deserve it. I was dead in trespasses and sins. But because of His love, He chose me and I am saved.

That’s what the word “foreknowledge” means there in verse 2: “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” God’s foreknowledge refers not to God’s knowing the future. Although that is true. God knows all things. He doesn’t have to, “look down through the corridors of time” because He knows all time at once. He knows past, present, and future time at once.

The word “foreknowledge” refers to God’s electing love. God chose from eternity past persons upon whom He would place His love. He sets His affection upon certain ones, based upon nothing good in them, no foreseen merit on their part, but based solely upon His love for them, He chooses them and they are saved. See, it keeps the Christian humble when he or she remembers God takes the initiative in our salvation.

Paul says, “Remember your salvation.” You are–verse 2— “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.”

By the way, see the doctrine of the Trinity there in verse 2? You have, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. Our salvation is a Trinitarian salvation. God is One, and He is One in three Persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit.” That word, “sanctification,” means to be set apart, to be holy. There’s a sanctification that happens at the moment we are converted–that’s our positional sanctification when the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us or credited to us. We become holy in Christ–that’s positional sanctification. Then there is progressive sanctification. Like it’s name indicates, progressive sanctification is a progress; it refers to our growing in holiness. The true Christian grows and becomes more like Christ, takes on more family likeness, likeness of Christ. People ought to be able to tell that we are growing as Christians. We are becoming more Christlike.

Then Paul says in verse 2 that Christians are, “Elect…for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” The hymn-writer asks, “What can wash away my sin?” Nothing but the blood of Jesus. “What can make me whole again?” Nothing but the blood of Jesus. The ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices in years gone by, Jesus Christ dies a sacrificial death for Christians. He dies as the perfect Lamb of God without spot or blemish. He offers His life and death on our behalf.

So God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become in Him the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

No wonder Peter adds the words at the end of verse 2, “Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” Grace to you–God’s unmerited favor upon you, you who deserve only God’s wrath, grace to you–and peace: peace with God and peace with others through our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember your status and remember your salvation.

Facing a difficult week this week? Remember your status. You are a pilgrim, a sojourner, a temporary resident. This world is not your home. Remember your salvation. What could be greater than salvation, greater than an eternal home in heaven in a place where there is no more night, no more suffering, no more darkness, no more pain, no more tears? Remember your salvation.

  • Stand for prayer.

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