Peter’s Point of View

01 · 1 Peter 1:1–2

Peter’s View of God

• Identity begins with God’s calling: Peter introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and addresses believers as elect exiles.
  • Both descriptions are identities received through God’s calling, rather than lists of human accomplishments.
  • Peter’s calling as a messenger and his readers’ belonging to God set the perspective for the letter.
• Foreknowledge is personal: Austin began with knowing beforehand, then emphasized the difference between knowing facts and knowing a person relationally.
  • God’s knowledge of his people involves relationship and love.
  • Austin acknowledged mystery in God’s choosing while presenting it as comfort for the letter’s readers.
• God is present in this time and place: Using Acts 17:26, Austin connected God’s care to seasons of change, difficulty, and uncertainty.
  • God has a purpose even when we cannot see the whole picture.
• Elect exiles look toward a lasting home: This world is not the believer’s final home. Hebrews 13:14 directs our attention to the lasting city to come.

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Hebrews 13:14 (ESV)

Supporting references used in the sermon: Acts 17:26; Hebrews 13:14.

02 · 1 Peter 1:2

Peter’s View of Grace

• Verse 2 shows how grace works: Austin slowed down over four phrases in the verse.
  • According to the foreknowledge of God the Father.
  • In the sanctification of the Spirit.
  • For obedience to Jesus Christ.
  • For sprinkling with his blood.
• Grace sets us apart: The Spirit makes believers holy and shapes them for obedience to Jesus.
  • The Christian life is lived with the Spirit’s help and together with the church.
  • Later parts of 1 Peter will address marriage, work, public life, worship, trials, gifts, and service.
• Grace cleanses us: Austin used cleaning the family home to illustrate the far greater cleansing power of Jesus’ blood.
  • Christ’s forgiveness is sufficient. No sin is beyond the reach of his blood.
  • Believers can know that they are forgiven and loved.
• Forgiveness and growth belong together: Austin rejected using forgiveness as permission to continue in sin. Receive Christ’s cleansing and pursue the life for which his Spirit is setting you apart.

03 · 1 Peter 1:10–12

Peter’s View of Glory

• The prophets anticipated this salvation: The prophets searched and inquired about the grace and glory that would come through Christ. Believers now experience what they foretold.
• The angels long to look: Austin emphasized the wonder of redemption and the gift of God’s Spirit.
  • Using Colossians 1:27, he described Christ in believers as the hope of glory.
• Future glory gives hope in present suffering: Jesus will return, believers will be raised, and God will make all things new.
  • In 1 Peter 5:10, suffering is acknowledged and God promises to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish his people.
  • Austin’s closing reminder: “The best is yet to come.”
• Pastor’s Homework: Read 1 Peter 1:3–9 before the following Sunday.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

Supporting references used in the sermon: Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 21–22.