1 PETER 1
The opening of Peter's letter to God's chosen ones is beautiful to those experiencing trials, suffering, and persecution, they are assured that God Himself chose us, that we are chosen and not forgotten, we are His children, and He is our Father. We, the REMNANTS, were chosen by His Grace, by our Father, and we are sanctified and made holy by the Holy Spirit, and because of Jesus Christ's blood, we are cleansed, and we become part of God's Family. God Himself is the one who gives us new birth as new believers, filled with the life of Christ. RESULT OF OUR NEW BIRTH A. WE ARE BROUGHT INTO A LIVING HOPE (V3)- Because of the Lord's mercy, He gave us new life, bringing us living hope. From death that we could never pay in any way was paid in Calvary, He gave us hope of eternal life because of Christ's death and resurrection. Now death has no sting on us, debts are paid, chains are broken, and we are His own - we become His children, and He becomes our Father. Because of Christ's resurrection, we are assured that all of God's promises will happen and we will experience them in this life and the next. B. ETERNAL INHERITANCE (V4) Because of what Jesus did on the cross and His resurrection, we have an inheritance in imperishable and never ending riches. We should not crave worldly wealth, temporary, can be destroyed, can be lost rather we should crave heavenly riches, eternal and good. Do not focus on material richness, heavenly richness is far more beyond important. Even here on earth, we experience these riches - spiritual richness, peace of mind in this chaotic world, joyful hearts in the midst of life pains, trial, and suffering and assurance of our soul. Our Father doesn't lack in providing for our needs. So whatever trials we experience in this world, we know they are temporary and will pass. We shouldn't be bothered by hardship and suffering; instead, we should rejoice in times of trial because we know what's ahead in heaven is clear to us. We live in hope of a more glorious life waiting for us after this life, making every trial, even death, insignificant. Whether we live or die, we belong to Christ, and this is our joy. So in any situation, we can praise God - in hardship or comfort, struggle or success, in life or death, Praise God! C. FULL SALVATION/DELIVERANCE (V5) - Because of Jesus, God revealed His mysterious will according to His purpose. Now we enjoy life with salvation, we're justified and sanctified, and eagerly await glorification when Jesus returns. Let's strengthen our faith in God's power, keeping us blameless and spotless at His coming. Let's fix our eyes on heaven and finish our race with courage, faithfulness, and perseverance. WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE (1:7-25) We're called to live holy lives as obedient children. Knowing this hope, let's live with holiness. God chose us according to His mercy, making us His children through Jesus Christ. Christ redeemed us with His blood, forgiving our sins. Now we live as God's children, awaiting His return. - Prepare your hearts and minds for action! - Stay alert and fix your hope on the marvelous grace coming to you. - Shape your lives to become like the Holy One who called you. - Love your fellow believers. 1 Peter 1:23-25 [23] For through the eternal and living Word of God, you have been born again. And this "seed" He planted within you can never be destroyed but will live and grow inside you forever. For: [24] Human beings are frail and temporary, like grass, and man's glory is fleeting like blossoms of the field. The grass dries and withers, and the flowers fall off, [25] but the Word of the Lord endures forever! And this is the Word announced to you! -------------------- PASTORA CZAR
Amen
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