1 Peter
1:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
A letter from Peter.
1. A man who had trouble with his temper.
2. A man who had trouble with temptation.
3. A man who had trouble with his tongue.
4. To know Peter well is to know ourselves well.
A letter to believers. V. 2
A letter that begins with reasons to praise the Lord.
I. GOD HAS GIVEN US A LIVING HOPE (v. 3)
A. “Unto a lively hope”
B. The condition of all people without Christ…
1. they have no real hope. (Eph. 2:12)
2. they may have false hope (Prov. 11:7)
C. Contrast these to Peter’s living hope.
1. Christ is alive (Rom. 1:4)
2. Our salvation is guaranteed (1 Cor. 15:3-6)
3. Our similar resurrection is sure (1 Cor. 15: 20-23)
II. GOD HAS GIVEN US A LASTING INHERITANCE (v. 4)
A. Peter was the son of a fisherman.
B. His earthly inheritance would have been small.
C. He had left all to follow Christ.
1. Even left his small inheritance.
2. Friends and relative may have wondered… “What’s wrong with Peter?”
3. Doesn’t he have any thought for the future?
D. Now Peter realizes he has a great inheritance ahead.
1. One that is incorruptible; it won’t decay.
2. One that is undefiled; it is pure.
3. One that will not fade away; not a mirage.
4. One that is reserved in heaven.
E. We are perishing people among perishing things.
F. In Christ, we do not perish, nor does our inheritance.
III. GOD HAS GIVEN US A LIFETIME OF POWERFUL PROTECTION (vv. 5-7)
A. “Who are kept by the power of God”
1. “Kept” is a military word.
2. We are guarded by the power of God.
B. Our Lord cares for us every day.
C. He provides power to overcome temptation.
D. Even our testings and trials are temporary. (v. 6)
1. The trying of our faith more precious than gold.
2. Problems now…praise later, at the Lord’s return.
CONCLUSION:
Peter blesses the Lord.
1. In view of his living hope.
2. In view of his lasting inheritance.
3. In view of his lifetime of powerful protection.
Good reasons for us to also praise the Lord.