WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.459 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.960 --> 00:00:09.540 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.060 --> 00:00:10.599 Join us. 00:00:12.080 --> 00:00:21.260 Besides being a new favorite of mine, which that is, that hymn does a really great job 00:00:21.260 --> 00:00:28.600 of covering most of the themes of the book of 1 Peter, which we're going to wrap up our 00:00:28.600 --> 00:00:30.440 study of here this morning. 00:00:31.520 --> 00:00:41.260 Peter has been preparing us for the living and losing and loving that we will experience 00:00:41.260 --> 00:00:44.799 in a world that is not our home. 00:00:45.640 --> 00:00:51.380 We're going to look at the last three verses today, and as we do that, we're actually going 00:00:51.380 --> 00:00:53.500 to look back at the whole book. 00:00:53.500 --> 00:01:00.280 So if you have been gone for a while or you are new here, you're going to get the whole 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:00.420 thing. 00:01:00.439 --> 00:01:02.120 You're going to get caught up this morning. 00:01:02.219 --> 00:01:07.140 The rest of them had to come 20 times to get the book of 1 Peter. 00:01:07.260 --> 00:01:10.099 But you knew better and you are here on the right. 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:13.000 They will cover the whole thing. 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:20.579 It is really important before we leave this portion of God's Word for us to reflect on 00:01:20.579 --> 00:01:28.719 what He's teaching us, on how He's directing us today, how He's preparing us for difficult 00:01:28.719 --> 00:01:30.039 days ahead. 00:01:30.859 --> 00:01:35.599 So let's read these important final words, which are actually going to point us back to 00:01:35.599 --> 00:01:36.980 the whole letter. 00:01:36.980 --> 00:01:45.380 Just imagine like a church getting this letter 2,000 years ago somewhere in Turkey, and they're 00:01:45.380 --> 00:01:51.219 reading the whole thing in one sitting as they certainly would have done, and then hearing 00:01:51.219 --> 00:01:52.579 these words. 00:01:52.659 --> 00:01:56.659 The very Word of God from the Apostle Peter. 00:01:56.840 --> 00:01:58.719 This is God's Word. 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:07.420 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting 00:02:07.420 --> 00:02:12.759 and declaring that this is the true grace of God. 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:15.479 Stand firm in it. 00:02:16.579 --> 00:02:20.620 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings. 00:02:21.139 --> 00:02:22.960 And so does Mark, my son. 00:02:23.780 --> 00:02:25.879 Greet one another with the kiss of love. 00:02:27.060 --> 00:02:28.219 Peace to all of you. 00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:30.199 Who are in Christ. 00:02:31.259 --> 00:02:32.520 Thus far God's Word. 00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:33.719 Let's pray together. 00:02:34.939 --> 00:02:37.879 Father, we give you thanks again for your Word. 00:02:39.539 --> 00:02:47.180 We confess how quickly we forget it, how easily we wander from it, and so, Holy Spirit, would 00:02:47.180 --> 00:02:56.419 you write its truth indelibly on our hearts, on our lives, that we might not live fearful, 00:02:56.419 --> 00:03:07.339 forgetful, forgetful, frantically chasing after the things that will not give us life, but 00:03:07.339 --> 00:03:09.959 that we would be directed to our Savior. 00:03:09.959 --> 00:03:12.519 Do that even this morning. 00:03:12.520 --> 00:03:16.000 As we look at it together, we ask in His name. 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:17.200 Amen. 00:03:17.200 --> 00:03:17.300 Amen. 00:03:17.300 --> 00:03:31.420 I'm not sure that I have ever seen anything stand firm as impressively as a giant redwood. 00:03:31.419 --> 00:03:32.419 These trees. 00:03:32.419 --> 00:03:37.839 These trees often stand 300 feet tall. 00:03:38.839 --> 00:03:41.039 20 feet in diameter. 00:03:41.299 --> 00:03:44.639 Kids, what that means is that you can't wrap your arms around them. 00:03:44.739 --> 00:03:51.159 In fact, a car could drive through the trunk of some of them with trunk of the tree on either 00:03:51.159 --> 00:03:51.579 side. 00:03:51.759 --> 00:03:53.259 It's huge. 00:03:53.259 --> 00:03:54.259 Each. 00:03:54.259 --> 00:03:59.259 Oftentimes, they'll live a thousand plus years. 00:03:59.259 --> 00:04:06.199 A few years ago, Christy and I got to see some of these glorious, magnificent forests 00:04:06.199 --> 00:04:07.939 just outside San Francisco. 00:04:09.139 --> 00:04:16.860 And not too much later after we were there, forest fires came burning through the area, 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:18.740 just sweeping through everything. 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:22.840 And as strong as these trees are, experts were really worried. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:24.900 Ah, what's going to... 00:04:24.900 --> 00:04:29.160 These forest fires are blazing for months and months. 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:31.300 Fire and wood. 00:04:31.759 --> 00:04:32.579 Not good. 00:04:33.160 --> 00:04:33.439 Right? 00:04:36.040 --> 00:04:42.500 When the smoke finally cleared and they were able to go back in, they peeked out. 00:04:42.500 --> 00:04:47.540 And the redwoods stood firm. 00:04:48.459 --> 00:04:52.899 As they have done time and time again for centuries. 00:04:53.759 --> 00:05:01.519 In fact, not just standing, but we have learned that fire actually strengthens the redwoods in 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:02.519 some ways. 00:05:03.319 --> 00:05:08.699 They suffer damage for sure, but they often live on and even gain strength. 00:05:08.699 --> 00:05:15.360 They carry scars, some of them so big you can stand inside them. 00:05:16.060 --> 00:05:23.860 These cavities near the base as the fire burns actually even in the heart, the core of the tree. 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:27.899 The fire burns hot over and over and over. 00:05:28.659 --> 00:05:32.899 But the scars left behind help them stand firm. 00:05:32.899 --> 00:05:38.139 And even have this uniquely majestic look about each one. 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:42.839 The fires clear away other growth competing with the redwoods. 00:05:43.159 --> 00:05:49.579 The fires burn some of the cones on the redwoods so hot that they fall to the ground and grow new trees. 00:05:50.299 --> 00:05:55.159 So there are all sorts of trees around them falling, but they stand firm. 00:05:55.160 --> 00:06:06.500 And even grow and stand together as this glorious forest in spite of and even because of the fiery suffering. 00:06:09.500 --> 00:06:18.440 Pastor Peter's closing exhortation to these early Christians is to stand firm. 00:06:18.439 --> 00:06:25.219 He knows that the fires of persecution are already being felt by many of them. 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:31.500 He knows that these churches he's writing to are not home yet, so they're going to see more. 00:06:32.139 --> 00:06:35.480 He knows many of them will face the fire of martyrdom. 00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:40.860 And his charge is to stand firm. 00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:43.439 Come what may stand firm. 00:06:43.439 --> 00:06:52.719 He hopes to peek out after the fires, after the suffering has swept through these churches. 00:06:53.079 --> 00:06:59.659 And he hopes to see people not just standing firm, but growing stronger through the fires. 00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:04.279 And to see new trees growing among God's people. 00:07:06.920 --> 00:07:12.019 Southwood family, that is my heart for us. 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:23.099 There are a lot of different sufferings being experienced just in this room this morning. 00:07:23.740 --> 00:07:24.819 A lot of them. 00:07:25.079 --> 00:07:26.759 More than we could put in a prayer guide. 00:07:28.099 --> 00:07:30.799 More than any of us is fully aware of. 00:07:31.219 --> 00:07:32.899 And it will continue. 00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:35.759 Some of it will get worse. 00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:40.979 In a world to which Christianity makes increasingly less sense. 00:07:42.019 --> 00:07:42.899 Right? 00:07:43.219 --> 00:07:44.819 That's the reality. 00:07:46.319 --> 00:08:01.839 My prayer is that whatever comes, we will stand firm and grow through and increasingly share with new people the grace of Jesus. 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:14.079 The redwoods are a natural picture of the kintsugi art that we talked about a few weeks ago. 00:08:14.079 --> 00:08:25.639 Where we saw these broken pieces actually contribute to the beauty of this gold glued hole as they're put back together. 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:32.019 What a beautiful thing it would be if that's what happened here among us as we suffer. 00:08:33.139 --> 00:08:34.679 As we grieve. 00:08:35.019 --> 00:08:36.919 As we are misunderstood. 00:08:37.319 --> 00:08:39.159 As we are left out. 00:08:39.480 --> 00:08:41.840 As we hurt deeply. 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:50.139 That broken, yes, but held together by the grace of Jesus, we stand firm. 00:08:50.139 --> 00:08:52.279 I long for that. 00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:56.259 I pray for the chance to peek out. 00:08:57.299 --> 00:09:00.539 As things rage around you. 00:09:00.699 --> 00:09:06.220 As you navigate a challenging culture that is often against you. 00:09:06.439 --> 00:09:12.220 As you go through the challenges of high school and into college. 00:09:12.220 --> 00:09:17.460 And we wonder how you're going to respond to the tensions that you face. 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:21.840 As you weather marriage struggles. 00:09:22.580 --> 00:09:24.279 And battle dementia. 00:09:24.779 --> 00:09:26.779 And wrestle with depression. 00:09:27.580 --> 00:09:31.940 And I could peek out and could see you take on the fire. 00:09:32.200 --> 00:09:33.340 And take on some scars. 00:09:33.740 --> 00:09:37.560 And stand firm together gloriously. 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:39.300 That's what I long to see. 00:09:39.660 --> 00:09:41.240 That's what Peter wants for us. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:45.600 That's what our Father who sent us this letter wants for us. 00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:53.740 If that is to happen in the midst of suffering that's too much for you on your own. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:10:02.720 Peter says it will be because we stand in the true grace of God. 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:05.940 That he's been telling us about for five chapters. 00:10:05.940 --> 00:10:07.940 True grace. 00:10:08.300 --> 00:10:15.060 The undiluted, unmerited blessing of God to his people. 00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:17.960 It's his grace that sustains your faith. 00:10:18.100 --> 00:10:21.560 That shapes your faith and your life. 00:10:21.720 --> 00:10:24.640 It's no counterfeit of our own invention. 00:10:25.080 --> 00:10:30.520 There's no other way or place to stand firm than the true grace of God. 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:34.399 Peter's referring here to his entire letter. 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:43.019 I hope it will be a letter that you will come back to in the days ahead as you walk through suffering and struggle. 00:10:44.319 --> 00:10:46.279 This morning I want to look back over it. 00:10:46.279 --> 00:10:50.039 I want to give you three words to remember. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:52.559 There's a lot of words in 1 Peter. 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:57.100 In fact, it is a book that you can easily read in one sitting. 00:10:57.259 --> 00:10:59.799 When times are hard, I commend that to you. 00:11:00.179 --> 00:11:05.199 But for this morning, to help you stand firm in the true grace of God, 00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:12.280 three words, identity, eternity, trinity. 00:11:14.240 --> 00:11:16.280 First, identity. 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:20.200 How is that a part of the true grace of God? 00:11:20.280 --> 00:11:24.259 How will our identity help us to stand firm? 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:29.620 Well, there's a counterfeit message that's out there all around us these days. 00:11:29.620 --> 00:11:32.179 And it's really easy to believe. 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:42.320 It says the good life, the way really to stand, the safe place to find yourself, is in avoiding suffering. 00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:47.019 That's how you'll be secure and know the good life. 00:11:47.100 --> 00:11:48.779 It's what makes you feel good. 00:11:50.659 --> 00:11:51.879 Peter says no. 00:11:52.600 --> 00:11:53.039 No, no, no. 00:11:53.039 --> 00:12:01.719 The true grace of God is finding your identity not off on your own, but in Christ. 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:07.539 That's the safe place because suffering will come. 00:12:07.860 --> 00:12:12.179 You can't avoid it altogether, even if you try, he says. 00:12:12.240 --> 00:12:12.959 It's coming. 00:12:12.960 --> 00:12:24.500 But you are beloved, treasured by the God of the universe, the King of glory himself. 00:12:25.920 --> 00:12:32.920 If you're going to stand firm, you must know that you were brought into his family, 00:12:33.340 --> 00:12:38.160 rescued from a life living for yourself and making it up on your own 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:43.519 with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:47.500 He must be the treasure of your heart. 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:50.139 Christ is mine forevermore, right? 00:12:50.939 --> 00:12:53.259 That's where your treasure is. 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:55.939 This is all over Peter's letter. 00:12:55.939 --> 00:13:00.259 That though we haven't seen him, we love him. 00:13:00.860 --> 00:13:01.500 1.8 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:07.779 We're united to him, in fact, even more deeply in our sufferings. 00:13:08.159 --> 00:13:10.719 You are immensely valuable. 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:18.199 You are infinitely secure because the safest place to stand in suffering is in Christ. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:22.819 If you haven't yet experienced that, it is such a great comfort. 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:33.379 It's the only real place you'll find that where you can actually stand and rest and be firm is in Christ. 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:43.320 It's a place where you're not merely surviving, but you actually find yourself to be on a mission with eternal significance. 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:43.820 Remember? 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.120 We're all pastors. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:48.240 That's chapter 2. 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:54.659 God, by his mercy, made us his people, our new identity, that we may do what? 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:58.399 Declare his excellencies. 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:00.259 All the time. 00:14:00.440 --> 00:14:02.700 When it's easy and when it's hard. 00:14:03.180 --> 00:14:06.000 All of us are pastors who pray for people. 00:14:06.100 --> 00:14:06.399 Remember? 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:08.680 You remember the three names? 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:09.919 You're praying, right? 00:14:10.019 --> 00:14:11.279 Three names, at least. 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:13.939 And point them to Jesus. 00:14:14.959 --> 00:14:16.159 We're praying for people. 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:20.179 We're pointing them to Jesus in the hopes that, verse 12, 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:26.459 friends and neighbors and loved ones will glorify God eternally. 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:29.159 And suffering is no hindrance to that. 00:14:29.439 --> 00:14:33.720 In fact, suffering itself provides an opportunity for that to happen 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:39.160 as we share with others how we possibly could have hope in the midst of such difficulty. 00:14:39.820 --> 00:14:45.399 Always be prepared, chapter 3, verse 15, to give that answer. 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:47.060 Where's your hope? 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:48.840 How are you still hopeful? 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:59.000 So far from avoiding suffering in order to find purpose in yourself. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:14:59.200 No. 00:15:01.399 --> 00:15:06.000 Suffering actually helps us grow to accomplish the purpose for which we exist. 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:09.919 This, Peter says, is the true grace of God. 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:12.399 In Christ, you are secure. 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:15.059 In Christ, you are sent. 00:15:16.080 --> 00:15:17.559 No matter what happens around you. 00:15:17.620 --> 00:15:20.360 Listen, if it is the true grace of God, 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:25.279 you can and must boldly, confidently, passionately share it. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:26.679 It's not just for you. 00:15:26.679 --> 00:15:30.759 God, help us to do that. 00:15:31.919 --> 00:15:37.779 He assures us that it is true so that we might know we're not misleading people. 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:43.159 We're rather pointing them to the living hope that we all need. 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:43.779 Right? 00:15:46.079 --> 00:15:52.740 One final part of our identity in Christ is we are connected not only to him, remember, 00:15:53.219 --> 00:15:54.559 but to one another. 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:56.599 We've talked about that this morning. 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:59.339 We belong in God's family. 00:15:59.819 --> 00:16:05.399 We have a community of very different people bound together forever because we are being 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:08.459 built into a holy temple, a house for God. 00:16:08.519 --> 00:16:09.559 Remember chapter 2? 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:12.159 So we are, how do we treat one another? 00:16:12.239 --> 00:16:16.319 We are to love one another earnestly, 4-8. 00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:24.560 Especially when the fires rage in our lives and we desperately feel the need for one another. 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:29.940 Peter reflects this theme here at the end in the verses we read this morning. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:34.500 He brings greetings from their brothers and sisters in Rome. 00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:36.799 That's what Babylon means. 00:16:36.799 --> 00:16:43.100 Babylon, the word for Rome, right at the heart of the world that stands opposed to God and 00:16:43.100 --> 00:16:43.820 to his people. 00:16:44.240 --> 00:16:50.799 The Christians in that church, the ones who they're going through suffering like you, 00:16:50.960 --> 00:16:53.200 they send their greetings. 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:56.519 They are standing firm like you, with you. 00:16:56.700 --> 00:16:58.580 So love one another deeply. 00:16:58.580 --> 00:17:07.660 Whether it's demonstrated with a kiss or a 60-second greeting time, hopefully somewhere in between 00:17:07.660 --> 00:17:12.500 those two extremes, we find the way to love one another earnestly, right? 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:15.200 Yes, you don't want to stop at 60 seconds. 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:17.059 We don't want always kissing. 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:18.259 There are other ways. 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:27.259 The point is, you are not just individually precious and significant. 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:38.799 You are part of the most eternally secure and powerful organism ever, the church of Jesus Christ. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:42.420 Though she falter, he will rebuild her strong. 00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:43.660 Don't leave her. 00:17:44.420 --> 00:17:45.259 Love her. 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:47.200 These are your people. 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:47.940 You belong. 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:52.379 What an identity we have. 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:59.559 An identity to remember when everything else is falling around you so you can stand firm. 00:18:00.619 --> 00:18:07.099 Perhaps our picture of the Ukrainian violinist, maybe some of you can still hear the music. 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:09.819 There she is in the bomb shelter. 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:15.740 Maybe this will help stick with you that you must remember who you are. 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:18.480 Chaos all around you, right? 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:31.279 You are not defined merely as one who runs and hides and just your whole life seeking to avoid being hit by an enemy bomb. 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:32.160 No, no, no. 00:18:32.200 --> 00:18:33.259 Remember who you are. 00:18:33.319 --> 00:18:34.240 It's more than that. 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:37.579 You are secure in Christ. 00:18:37.579 --> 00:18:39.500 No matter what is happening to your so-called home. 00:18:41.299 --> 00:18:41.779 Yes? 00:18:42.359 --> 00:18:43.900 No matter what happens to it. 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:46.620 It's not your final home. 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:49.400 You are a person with a purpose. 00:18:49.579 --> 00:18:53.240 No matter where the music of your story is being heard. 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:54.480 You are on a mission. 00:18:54.480 --> 00:19:05.420 You are a member of a courageous people standing together, not perfectly, but persistently against the enemy. 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:07.059 That is who you are. 00:19:07.579 --> 00:19:09.079 Identity, Christian. 00:19:09.079 --> 00:19:17.720 The second word I hope doesn't surprise you if you've been here with us for 1 Peter. 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:19.359 Eternity. 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:28.980 Peter is constantly turning our eyes, pointing our hearts to what really lasts. 00:19:29.720 --> 00:19:33.059 That's how you know something is valuable in Peter's economy, right? 00:19:33.559 --> 00:19:35.899 What really lasts? 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:39.960 Peter first mentions our inheritance. 00:19:40.780 --> 00:19:44.580 Kept in heaven as we are kept for heaven. 00:19:45.300 --> 00:19:46.000 There we will be. 00:19:46.140 --> 00:19:48.019 Eternal relationship with God. 00:19:48.280 --> 00:19:48.960 Full life. 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:49.940 True joy. 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:53.019 Peace that can never be taken away or diminished or lost. 00:19:53.140 --> 00:19:54.380 Because Jesus is alive. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:55.940 Risen from the dead. 00:19:56.080 --> 00:19:57.019 And you will be with him. 00:19:58.940 --> 00:20:01.840 But that's not all he tells us we have. 00:20:02.120 --> 00:20:03.360 That's imperishable. 00:20:03.359 --> 00:20:11.959 He uses that same word, that same concept to speak of our faith that won't perish in the fire. 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:16.179 Of the precious blood of Christ. 00:20:16.359 --> 00:20:19.059 It's not like perishable silver and gold. 00:20:19.419 --> 00:20:21.839 Of the good news of God's word. 00:20:22.500 --> 00:20:28.379 Even of the beauty of our inner character that God is forming in the suffering. 00:20:28.380 --> 00:20:30.420 These are the valuable things. 00:20:30.600 --> 00:20:33.980 Not the stuff that disappears so quickly that's burned up by fire. 00:20:34.060 --> 00:20:36.040 That's how you can know what really matters. 00:20:36.260 --> 00:20:37.100 Does it last? 00:20:37.620 --> 00:20:39.600 When the fires come, does it last? 00:20:41.360 --> 00:20:54.140 So he tells us at the end, there's an eternal glory that far outweighs the suffering we face here for what is comparatively just a little while. 00:20:54.140 --> 00:20:59.320 That is the true grace of God. 00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:02.220 From the God of all grace. 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:05.340 It's not the counterfeit that we hear all the time. 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:07.300 We hear this in so many ways. 00:21:07.740 --> 00:21:08.920 This world is home. 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:11.460 In fact, this is all there is. 00:21:12.560 --> 00:21:12.820 Right? 00:21:13.340 --> 00:21:15.000 That's the message that we hear. 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:17.320 And sometimes we hear it like that. 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:20.119 Sometimes we hear it saying, so protect yourself. 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:22.839 Treasure your stuff. 00:21:24.179 --> 00:21:25.159 Live for today. 00:21:28.159 --> 00:21:28.779 No. 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:32.019 Peter reminds us we are exiles. 00:21:33.919 --> 00:21:34.460 Aliens. 00:21:35.859 --> 00:21:37.259 Strangers here. 00:21:38.679 --> 00:21:42.319 Maybe feeling strange or left out. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:52.399 But with an eternal, unparalleled home that awaits us forever. 00:21:53.200 --> 00:22:02.339 As a result, even if the worst comes, even if you are actually burned in the flames of martyrdom, you will live. 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:04.819 And not just kind of make it through. 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:07.279 You will live with an eternal inheritance. 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:12.779 He doesn't want us to lose hope when the suffering seems to go on forever. 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:14.579 Because sometimes it does. 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:23.000 And some days you are pretty sure that you are not going to see a day in this world without the pain you are dealing with. 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:26.279 That you will never feel the same again. 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:29.039 That you will always have this ache or this emptiness. 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:31.039 And Peter doesn't want you to lose hope. 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:40.379 He says, no, even then, when it feels like it will never end, the glory to come will far, far outlast it. 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:49.480 In fact, in ways we can't even comprehend, it makes the glory that much more glorious. 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:57.379 Your suffering will not even compare with the glory to be revealed in you. 00:22:57.380 --> 00:23:07.200 In light of that eternity, we ought to live today as God's holy people. 00:23:07.600 --> 00:23:11.260 Practicing for the real life that we will enjoy with him. 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:12.240 He says, why not? 00:23:12.260 --> 00:23:14.220 This is all the things he tells us to do. 00:23:14.300 --> 00:23:17.840 Peter is basically saying, why not start living like that now? 00:23:18.520 --> 00:23:21.000 What are we waiting for if that's where real life is? 00:23:21.240 --> 00:23:25.840 Remember, it's not all of our holy living here that gets us up the stairs to heaven, right? 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:33.000 But rather, it is eternity that should come back and get into our lives, so to speak. 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:38.279 So that we live wholly because our hope is set fully where? 00:23:38.659 --> 00:23:39.259 Where's our hope? 00:23:39.619 --> 00:23:45.359 Fully on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus comes back. 00:23:45.359 --> 00:23:51.339 That, remember, is the true grace of God. 00:23:51.559 --> 00:23:58.979 The kind that doesn't run out, that doesn't end here in this life and on the day of your funeral. 00:23:59.199 --> 00:24:04.279 No, that meets us with more grace and grace upon grace. 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:08.979 When we don't think we can stand another moment under the weight of the suffering we're dealing with, 00:24:09.099 --> 00:24:10.799 then we think, oh, eternity! 00:24:10.799 --> 00:24:18.759 And we look forward to more of his grace with him forever. 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:28.919 See, this is the wonder of the true grace of God that enables us to stand firm. 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:32.480 Listen, we may at times lose sight of eternity. 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:38.200 You ever lost sight of eternity in the midst of the weight of life today? 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:43.519 And the day in and day out routine, it presses in on you heavily and we lose sight of eternity. 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:48.860 We may at times struggle to remember who we are. 00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:52.340 Paul Tripp calls this identity amnesia. 00:24:52.700 --> 00:25:00.600 I was talking with a couple here recently about how our minds can so fade that it would be possible for us 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:06.159 even to get to the point that we forget God and his love for us. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:10.039 We're that frail and fragile and broken. 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:19.000 But we think, no, how would I possibly stand firm if I didn't remember God and how much he loves me? 00:25:19.000 --> 00:25:28.440 Listen, the true grace of God that Peter tells us about is so good that even if you forget God, you know what will happen? 00:25:29.579 --> 00:25:33.559 He will remember you, the Trinity. 00:25:34.099 --> 00:25:34.700 Last word. 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:36.779 Trinity. 00:25:39.779 --> 00:25:44.079 Here the counterfeit message of our culture is that it is all up to you. 00:25:44.079 --> 00:25:48.439 You are only as valuable as you are able. 00:25:49.759 --> 00:25:51.119 Some of you feel that. 00:25:52.659 --> 00:25:58.119 And if you can't perform the way you used to, push aside. 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:10.579 Whether you will stand firm when things get hard depends completely on your strength, your grip, your tenacity. 00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:12.599 That's what the world is telling us. 00:26:12.599 --> 00:26:21.000 The true grace of God says it is the strength of God's grip on you that empowers you to stand firm. 00:26:21.459 --> 00:26:28.379 Nowhere in 1 Peter, or anywhere in the Bible for that matter, are we told to stand firm in our own strength. 00:26:29.159 --> 00:26:31.539 That's not the true grace of God. 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:39.319 And if the fire has been turned up hot enough on you, you know you can't stand it alone in your own strength. 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:46.919 It's a lie from Satan to pull you away from the feet of your father who promises to hold you tight and hold you fast. 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:49.000 And Satan wants you away from him. 00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:58.500 That's why Peter started here at the very beginning of the letter to suffering strangers by telling us that the triune God, 00:26:58.500 --> 00:27:09.359 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is together for you, with you, committed to you, 00:27:09.359 --> 00:27:18.159 so that grace and peace and grace and peace and grace and peace keep being dumped on you. 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:22.000 And then he ends the letter the same way. 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:25.259 Talking about the God of all grace. 00:27:26.659 --> 00:27:31.519 Bringing peace to all who are in Christ. 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:31.700 Christ. 00:27:32.700 --> 00:27:33.920 Verse 14. 00:27:35.200 --> 00:27:41.740 By himself, verse 10, restoring, confirming, strengthening, and establishing you. 00:27:42.180 --> 00:27:43.440 How are you going to stand? 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:47.359 Listen, you may be wavering this morning. 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:50.259 You may be weak this morning. 00:27:50.400 --> 00:27:52.799 You may be weary this morning. 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:56.500 He will not let you fall. 00:27:56.500 --> 00:28:02.160 He brings grace to hold you fast so that you stand firm. 00:28:03.700 --> 00:28:06.720 And in fact, when Peter gets into the details of our fiery trials, 00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:11.900 he reminds us that even there, when it might most feel like we'll never make it, 00:28:12.200 --> 00:28:15.680 it's actually that we are sharing Christ's sufferings. 00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:22.220 That the Spirit of God rests upon us for that specific situation, for exactly what you need. 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:27.180 He's there with you for it so that you can entrust yourselves to your faithful God. 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:30.240 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 00:28:30.360 --> 00:28:33.259 If you are suffering today from beginning to end, 00:28:33.500 --> 00:28:39.440 the reason you can stand firm is the Trinity together with you and for you 00:28:39.440 --> 00:28:41.940 and holding you up and never letting you go. 00:28:43.940 --> 00:28:49.380 See, your identity and your eternity come from the Trinity. 00:28:49.380 --> 00:28:55.540 See, Jesus' life and death and resurrection that secure your eternity. 00:28:56.740 --> 00:29:02.140 The Father's love eagerly invites you into his family and to his table, 00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:08.580 and the Spirit's presence ensures that you make it safely home for dinner with them. 00:29:08.579 --> 00:29:16.859 That, Southwood family, is the true grace of God. 00:29:17.579 --> 00:29:25.919 That, that kind of God, brothers and sisters, is how you stand firm. 00:29:26.199 --> 00:29:32.579 When we feel like little twigs on the forest floor and a fire is blazing 00:29:32.579 --> 00:29:38.500 and we're going to be consumed in moments, we're disheartened by our struggles, 00:29:38.799 --> 00:29:41.259 we're discouraged by the mockery of this world, 00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:44.379 we're disoriented by the confusion of this world, 00:29:44.419 --> 00:29:46.139 and we feel like nothing. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:52.359 I don't know what will come to you personally 00:29:52.359 --> 00:29:56.720 or to us together in the days ahead, 00:29:56.720 --> 00:30:07.140 but I do know that God will see us stand like a mighty forest of redwoods 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:11.160 as he gives us his word to go back to, to first Peter 00:30:11.160 --> 00:30:13.880 and identity and eternity and Trinity 00:30:13.880 --> 00:30:17.200 so that we can stand firm, not because we're that great, 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:19.700 but because he is that great. 00:30:19.900 --> 00:30:21.319 He will see you stand, 00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:23.019 and I don't know what you'll look like, 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:26.440 but in his eyes you'll be standing firm. 00:30:27.180 --> 00:30:31.359 This is why our gracious God meets with us again today, 00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:36.319 to feed us with his flesh and blood 00:30:36.319 --> 00:30:39.920 that we might be strengthened by our Savior 00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:44.940 to stand firm in the true grace of God. 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:49.859 If you have given up hope of being strong enough on your own, 00:30:49.859 --> 00:30:55.519 if you've decided that your hope is only in this Savior 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:58.279 and in the grace of this God, 00:30:58.559 --> 00:31:02.019 then come and eat and celebrate him with us this morning. 00:31:02.119 --> 00:31:05.339 This is not Southwood's table or a Presbyterian table. 00:31:05.819 --> 00:31:07.419 This is the Lord's table. 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:10.939 And so if you are our brothers and sisters by faith in him, 00:31:11.199 --> 00:31:13.959 come and eat and have your faith in him strengthened 00:31:13.959 --> 00:31:17.279 so that you can stand firm held by him. 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:20.619 If that's not your hope, 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:24.079 if you haven't publicly declared that hope 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:27.660 by being a baptized member of his church, 00:31:28.559 --> 00:31:32.740 then I encourage you not to come and take these elements this morning 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:35.559 and say outwardly in that way 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:37.960 something that you haven't believed yourself 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:39.839 and declared outwardly already, 00:31:40.299 --> 00:31:42.460 but I would invite you to come. 00:31:43.160 --> 00:31:45.899 You can come to these tables with us and observe. 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:48.420 Ask us to pray. 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:51.259 We would love to pray with you. 00:31:52.320 --> 00:31:57.620 Or especially to consider the invitation of Jesus to you 00:31:57.620 --> 00:32:00.759 who invites you to come to him 00:32:00.759 --> 00:32:04.540 and find his grace to be what truly fulfills you 00:32:04.540 --> 00:32:07.600 so that you will never hunger or thirst again. 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:08.900 He invites you. 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:10.759 We'd love to share about him with you. 00:32:10.759 --> 00:32:15.180 He is the one who on the very night he was betrayed 00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:19.460 to the worst suffering ever in the world took bread 00:32:19.460 --> 00:32:23.579 and he broke it and he gave it to his disciples. 00:32:24.420 --> 00:32:27.180 As I ministering in his name, give this bread to you. 00:32:27.279 --> 00:32:28.759 He said, take, eat. 00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:30.980 This is my body given for you. 00:32:31.839 --> 00:32:33.799 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:36.779 And then after supper, he took the cup 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:39.200 and he said, this cup is the new covenant. 00:32:39.619 --> 00:32:42.319 It's in my blood, which is shed for many 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:43.980 for the forgiveness of sins. 00:32:44.359 --> 00:32:46.299 Drink from it, all of you. 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:49.019 As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, 00:32:49.180 --> 00:32:51.960 you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 00:32:52.180 --> 00:32:53.599 That that's where your hope is. 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:56.859 That your trust is in one who's coming back for you 00:32:56.859 --> 00:33:00.359 to take you to be with him where he is. 00:33:01.399 --> 00:33:02.899 Let's pray and then we'll come together. 00:33:02.900 --> 00:33:08.180 Father, thank you for the gifts of these common elements 00:33:08.180 --> 00:33:13.400 because we're not okay on our own 00:33:13.400 --> 00:33:16.480 and we need to taste that you are with us. 00:33:19.040 --> 00:33:23.280 Would you set them aside to a sacred purpose this morning 00:33:23.280 --> 00:33:25.700 that they would build faith in our hearts, 00:33:25.800 --> 00:33:27.600 that they would strengthen faith 00:33:27.600 --> 00:33:32.180 that is being attacked by the fires of suffering in this world, 00:33:32.180 --> 00:33:34.900 that we would be anchored in you. 00:33:36.779 --> 00:33:39.620 Would you feed us this morning as our good shepherd? 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:42.279 We ask in Jesus' name. 00:33:43.200 --> 00:33:43.480 Amen. 00:33:45.759 --> 00:33:49.580 For more information, visit us online at southwood.org.