"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 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." 1 Peter 1:1-2
Peter seeks to build up the scattered church in Asia Minor for the tasks ahead by rejoicing in the strong foundation of the gospel of grace.
“Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is the glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and promotes humility.” Baptist Faith and Message, Article 5
Living as elect exiles (who are geographically widely dispersed and in a small minority):
1. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father.
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29
2. In/through the "sanctification of the Spirit…and for sprinkling with his blood."
“Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life.” Baptist Faith and Message, Article 4.C
3. For obedience to Jesus Christ (the call to action).
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9
Application:
1. Rejoice in the g______ f________ of empowering grace.
2. Live as r_________ and joyful r_________.
"To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
3. “Foreknowledge…sprinkling”; There is no need for i______ c______.
4. C - Called
A - Adopted
“Adoption is the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification… to be right with God the Judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater.” J.I. Packer, Knowing God's Devotional Journal, p. 231
S - Secured by the ongoing reality of the finished work of Christ (sprinkling with his blood).
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2
H - Holiness (the call to obedience/hope).
“... may grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 1 Peter 1:2b
Answers: Gospel, Foundation, Resolute, Responders, Image, Control.
We want to acknowledge these individuals who have completed the Colson Fellows program. This program is a 9 month deep-dive into training to think biblically on cultural issues and to develop a Christian world view. This program helps to develop a mission that will practically impact our church, community, and world.
Tina Arnoldi, Mike Doll, Susan Doll, Cortney Elam, Laurie Holstein, & Ted Melchers III.