WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.719 If you have your Bibles and you can remain standing, we're going to read 1 Peter 1, just the first couple of verses. 00:00:06.379 --> 00:00:10.080 It's good to be back in the Lord's house. Enjoy the services this morning. Hope that you did as well. 00:00:10.620 --> 00:00:14.920 Brother Sean's always a blessing. Thank you for the opportunity to open the Word and open the Word once again. 00:00:14.920 --> 00:00:20.940 We kind of laid the groundwork a little bit last week. We're starting a brand new series here in the letter of 1 Peter. 00:00:21.600 --> 00:00:27.259 And kind of the idea that we live in a world that may shake us and the journey may wear us down. 00:00:27.500 --> 00:00:33.759 There's no doubt trials that are going to test our life, but we have a living hope because Jesus Christ is alive. 00:00:33.759 --> 00:00:37.320 And that's kind of the thought behind this book when you really study it out. 00:00:37.679 --> 00:00:41.099 And we're going to kind of look at that this evening, the first couple of verses here. 00:00:41.579 --> 00:00:43.920 And look at this idea that we're defined by God. 00:00:44.659 --> 00:00:48.640 We live in a world that wants to label everything and define us how they want us to be defined. 00:00:49.179 --> 00:00:54.459 But they don't have that right. They don't have the authority. That is in Christ alone. 00:00:54.780 --> 00:00:56.099 And that's what we're going to see here this evening. 00:00:56.179 --> 00:00:59.920 So you found your place there in 1 Peter. We'll read the first two verses where the Bible says, 00:00:59.920 --> 00:01:25.579 We need to realize our life is defined by God. 00:01:25.579 --> 00:01:27.980 Sometimes we put labels on ourself. 00:01:28.679 --> 00:01:31.299 Well, I'm this, and we're based on how we live and what we do. 00:01:31.879 --> 00:01:35.239 But if we know Christ as our Savior, we are His. 00:01:35.879 --> 00:01:40.359 And that's what Peter wants to start this entire letter to a group of people that are struggling, 00:01:40.500 --> 00:01:42.239 that are scattered because of persecution. 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:46.780 He just wanted to remind them who they are to God and who they are in relation to this world. 00:01:46.859 --> 00:01:47.700 And that's what we'll look at tonight. 00:01:47.980 --> 00:01:50.000 Let's go to the Lord and ask Him to bless our time together. 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:54.500 Father, thank you for this time to sing once again to you, to lift our voices. 00:01:54.680 --> 00:01:58.340 Thank you for the great crowd, the group that's gathered here this evening. 00:01:59.180 --> 00:02:02.120 But, Lord, we didn't gather just to have a good fellowship and to talk with one another. 00:02:02.200 --> 00:02:05.379 We gathered here tonight, Lord, to hear you speak to us. 00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:07.460 And, Lord, we are asking that you would do that. 00:02:07.920 --> 00:02:12.120 And, Lord, we pray that we would respond, that we could take these truths, we could apply it to our life. 00:02:12.479 --> 00:02:17.199 Lord, I pray that if there is someone here that does not know you as their Savior, that today would be that day. 00:02:17.199 --> 00:02:20.239 And I pray you would be with me, Lord, give me the strength and the words you'd have me to say. 00:02:20.599 --> 00:02:21.619 It would be a blessing to your people. 00:02:21.679 --> 00:02:22.679 We ask it in Christ's name. 00:02:23.319 --> 00:02:23.639 Amen. 00:02:23.839 --> 00:02:24.539 Thank you so much for standing. 00:02:24.599 --> 00:02:24.959 You may be seated. 00:02:27.819 --> 00:02:31.919 When you think of life, though, it is kind of amazing how quickly we label things. 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:36.439 I mean, sometimes it happens one time and we label it and it's that way for the rest of your life. 00:02:36.819 --> 00:02:43.919 Some of you may have a nickname that none of us know, but you did something one time as a kid and that nickname stuck with you for all of eternity. 00:02:43.919 --> 00:02:47.439 And it's going to be that way whether you have outgrown it or what. 00:02:48.239 --> 00:02:51.219 But I think when you think about it, everywhere you go has some sort of label. 00:02:51.699 --> 00:02:54.019 I know we have some garage sale thrift people here, right? 00:02:55.139 --> 00:02:55.599 A few, yeah. 00:02:55.839 --> 00:03:00.959 You like to go there and you look around and as soon as you get there, you see little stickers on all the items. 00:03:01.619 --> 00:03:07.479 One dollar, five dollars, as is, damaged, whatever it may be. 00:03:07.479 --> 00:03:13.199 And I'm sure you've been places and you're looking around and kind of rummaging through all the junk, so to speak, 00:03:13.199 --> 00:03:16.859 and you come across something and you think to yourself, this doesn't belong here. 00:03:17.359 --> 00:03:22.560 You know, it's a lot nicer than maybe the one dollar sticker they have on there or whatever it might be. 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:26.539 I love those kind of shows, antique roadshow kind of things. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:28.199 Those people make me so mad. 00:03:28.780 --> 00:03:33.439 They're like, you know, this has been in my family for 400 years and it's just kind of set on the mantel. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:37.460 Or, you know, I was at a Goodwill and I thought I'd just pick this up and I want to see what it's worth. 00:03:37.780 --> 00:03:39.439 I paid ten dollars for it. 00:03:39.560 --> 00:03:43.759 And they bring this expert on there and they start talking about it and saying all these things. 00:03:43.840 --> 00:03:49.319 And they're like, if you go back to the Ming Dynasty in China and all of these things and the emperor commissioned it, 00:03:49.520 --> 00:03:51.939 and they're like, it's worth 1.5 million dollars. 00:03:52.840 --> 00:03:54.300 I never find that kind of stuff. 00:03:55.800 --> 00:03:58.819 I paid ten dollars and they'd be like, it's worth ten cents. 00:03:58.900 --> 00:04:00.360 I'm like, yeah, that's my luck, you know. 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:03.280 My ROI is not great on situations like that. 00:04:04.400 --> 00:04:11.439 But the thought I want us to kind of think with that kind of a silly illustration is the item didn't change when it became valuable. 00:04:11.960 --> 00:04:13.599 It was just labeled wrong. 00:04:14.359 --> 00:04:15.620 It was always valuable. 00:04:16.199 --> 00:04:19.360 It was always of that ilk, so to speak. 00:04:19.540 --> 00:04:23.659 And we look at our world and we live in a world that is constantly trying to label us. 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:25.800 Kind of label how you do things. 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:38.580 We label people by what they wear, what they drive, what they earn on a paycheck, what they post on social media, what they've succeeded at and what they've failed at and maybe what they've been through. 00:04:38.800 --> 00:04:41.080 I mean, the list could go on and on and on. 00:04:41.580 --> 00:04:46.800 And if we're not careful, we can start believing those labels are true in our own life. 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:52.879 They said, well, that's just who I am and that's just kind of my lot in life and, you know, it is what it is. 00:04:52.920 --> 00:04:53.699 Anybody ever say that? 00:04:54.040 --> 00:04:55.400 My wife loves when I say that. 00:04:55.920 --> 00:04:57.300 Because sometimes it is what it is. 00:04:57.980 --> 00:05:00.759 But that's not how God looks at us and that's not how he wants us to see. 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:03.539 And the truth is, that's kind of where Peter begins this letter. 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:12.579 He's reminding these people that are struggling, that kind of feel forsaken, kind of pushed out of their home and life is just kind of upside down. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:15.860 And it just seems like everywhere they turn, nobody wants them. 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:18.759 They're labeling them as problems and the issues. 00:05:18.860 --> 00:05:24.939 And we kind of spoke last week, even Nero had kind of labeled Christians as the enemy of the Roman Empire. 00:05:25.639 --> 00:05:27.740 I mean, it's coming all the way from the top for these people. 00:05:27.740 --> 00:05:31.379 But Peter's saying, listen, the world doesn't label you. 00:05:31.860 --> 00:05:34.120 The world doesn't tell you who you are. 00:05:34.579 --> 00:05:36.019 They don't define your worth. 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:41.280 No, that was determined on the cross of Calvary that Jesus showed us what a life is worth. 00:05:41.360 --> 00:05:43.180 He showed us what a soul is worth. 00:05:43.379 --> 00:05:46.800 And he wanted them to get that truth in their mind. 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:56.740 And I just want to remind us as we kind of walk through this letter of 1 Peter and just as we kind of started out tonight, especially, of who we are. 00:05:57.740 --> 00:05:59.879 Because sometimes we go to the world. 00:06:00.500 --> 00:06:02.420 Not that we're looking for it, but we hear it all the time. 00:06:03.439 --> 00:06:04.939 You know, sometimes you hear it enough. 00:06:05.699 --> 00:06:09.319 You know it's not true, but you just kind of, well, I guess it's what it is. 00:06:09.780 --> 00:06:10.740 You may hear it at work. 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:11.519 You may hear it at home. 00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:13.280 I don't know what the situation is. 00:06:13.279 --> 00:06:19.939 But when we were getting that way and maybe you're discouraged and just life beats you down, here's where you need to run to see who you are. 00:06:20.699 --> 00:06:21.239 The Word of God. 00:06:21.979 --> 00:06:23.439 And that's what Peter wanted them to know. 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:32.939 And in the opening message, we kind of set the table in the sense that we're looking at this and Peter's writing to a group of people that needed hope for the journey. 00:06:33.859 --> 00:06:34.939 And we need the same hope. 00:06:34.939 --> 00:06:42.819 Yeah, we're not facing what they faced in the Roman persecution, but listen, our world's not excited that you're here on a Sunday night at church. 00:06:43.319 --> 00:06:46.519 Our world's not excited that you're trying to raise your family for Christ. 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:50.060 That you're trying to raise young people that love the Lord. 00:06:50.699 --> 00:06:54.519 And Peter said, listen, we need to understand that we have a living hope. 00:06:54.579 --> 00:06:56.000 We're going to really get into that next week. 00:06:56.560 --> 00:07:00.980 And that living hope is by the fact that Jesus Christ has been resurrected from the dead. 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:03.620 And we looked at what biblical hope is. 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:07.180 It's a confident expectation. 00:07:08.279 --> 00:07:14.060 When we look at our life from heaven's point of view, from God's perspective, we know this, that we believe. 00:07:14.100 --> 00:07:15.300 We actually just sing a song about it. 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:17.160 I know who I have believed in. 00:07:17.519 --> 00:07:21.379 And I'm persuaded that he is able to keep that which he's committed. 00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:23.199 That's what biblical hope is. 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:27.839 That song that Brother Sean sang this morning, our hope is this, that Jesus is coming back. 00:07:28.599 --> 00:07:29.819 Jesus hasn't just left us. 00:07:29.860 --> 00:07:30.959 He hasn't forgotten that we're here. 00:07:31.199 --> 00:07:32.979 No, he has a job for us to do. 00:07:33.240 --> 00:07:39.139 We're to go ye into all the world and to preach the gospel and to let our light shine and to raise our families for him. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:41.659 And all of the things the world say, hey, you're weird for doing that. 00:07:41.860 --> 00:07:44.240 No, the Bible says that's exactly what I've called you to do. 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:46.819 That's exactly how I've called you to live. 00:07:47.599 --> 00:07:50.459 And we identified last week why we need hope. 00:07:50.879 --> 00:07:52.599 Because we're strangers in this world. 00:07:53.199 --> 00:08:00.459 Listen, if you're looking for the world, if you're looking for peace and joy and all of those things from the world system, you're not going to find it. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:01.319 Why? 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:02.399 Because you don't belong here. 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:10.579 And suffering and persecution, while we're not seeking it out, the Bible's very clear that all that live godly shall suffer persecution. 00:08:11.620 --> 00:08:12.259 It's going to come. 00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:13.240 Life's going to be hard. 00:08:13.240 --> 00:08:19.100 Just because we know Christ is our Savior, just because heaven's our home, doesn't mean that we're exempt from the trials of life. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:21.740 And we need to be reminded of that. 00:08:22.800 --> 00:08:32.019 And today, as we look at these first two verses, even in this brief little salutation that Peter has in this book, there's tremendous hope for the believers. 00:08:32.980 --> 00:08:35.200 There's tremendous encouragement that we find here. 00:08:35.200 --> 00:08:45.160 See, Peter reminds these people, especially those that were feeling out of place and pressured and rejected, he wanted them to know this, whose they were. 00:08:45.879 --> 00:08:46.780 They belonged to God. 00:08:46.840 --> 00:08:50.660 They wanted him to know who they are and what they are. 00:08:50.659 --> 00:09:01.879 And when you understand those things, when you stop looking at it and listening to it from what everybody else is saying, and you listen to what God has to say about you, it's going to change your perspective. 00:09:02.579 --> 00:09:08.919 It's going to change your outlook, and it's going to produce confidence and assurance and hope for the journey that's in front of you. 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:11.620 Because here's the reality. 00:09:12.620 --> 00:09:15.819 The pressures of life can often blur our focus. 00:09:15.820 --> 00:09:24.379 Because we can come here, and even on a Sunday night, man, I love those songs we sang, and since Jesus came in my heart, and I know whom I have believed in. 00:09:24.600 --> 00:09:28.540 But listen, maybe a Tuesday or a Thursday this week, life's going to be hard. 00:09:29.440 --> 00:09:31.120 And you're going to think, does God really love me? 00:09:31.600 --> 00:09:34.160 It seems like everything's going the wrong way. 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:38.020 No, that song, that truth is still true when life is difficult. 00:09:38.620 --> 00:09:39.800 But sometimes it's a little blurry. 00:09:39.799 --> 00:09:53.240 And if you live for the Lord, if you try to raise your children for the Lord, if you talk a little different and your speech is a little different at work, you know, you might be labeled as strange, extreme. 00:09:54.059 --> 00:09:55.359 And it doesn't have to be with people you know. 00:09:55.579 --> 00:09:57.199 Sometimes it's the people you're closest to. 00:09:57.899 --> 00:10:01.479 Some of you may have family that think, man, why do you go to church all the time? 00:10:02.240 --> 00:10:03.439 You know, what's your deal? 00:10:03.539 --> 00:10:05.379 I mean, do you think you're better than us? 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:07.099 You may have heard that. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:11.000 And Peter's reminding them that's going to happen. 00:10:12.259 --> 00:10:20.639 And if it happens over and over and over again, that suffering and that rejection and that persecution and whatever form or fashion it may come, it can just wear you down. 00:10:21.659 --> 00:10:28.259 And if you're not anchored in the truth of the word of God, that discouragement is going to creep in and it's going to take root in your life. 00:10:28.259 --> 00:10:32.980 And then we're going to kind of become just kind of paralyzed and not able to move forward for the cause of Christ. 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:38.300 And so Peter wrote this letter to refocus these people. 00:10:39.139 --> 00:10:41.340 That he understood where they were coming from. 00:10:41.580 --> 00:10:43.080 He knew what they were dealing with. 00:10:43.220 --> 00:10:45.300 And he didn't say, hey, I'm going to relabel you. 00:10:46.100 --> 00:10:48.940 He said, I'm just going to remind you who you are. 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:51.779 I'm not coming up with some new terms. 00:10:51.980 --> 00:10:55.379 I just want you to go back into that moment when Christ saved you. 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:57.560 When Christ changed your life. 00:10:57.559 --> 00:11:02.899 Because when he did that, that was a one-time event that has implications for all of eternity. 00:11:03.619 --> 00:11:07.599 That you're still his and you're still saved and you're still secure. 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:17.539 And so to really understand that hope, Peter first reminds us who and what we are in relation to the unbelieving world. 00:11:18.099 --> 00:11:19.259 We see it here in verse number one. 00:11:19.819 --> 00:11:24.299 See, sometimes we kind of just blow through these opening things saying, man, that's a bunch of names I don't know. 00:11:24.299 --> 00:11:26.519 A bunch of weird places I've never been. 00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:37.799 But Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 00:11:37.899 --> 00:11:39.579 Which would be modern day Turkey. 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:46.699 So Peter addresses this letter to these strangers that are all over kind of the known world. 00:11:48.199 --> 00:11:52.219 And by the time of this writing, the persecution against Christians was increasing. 00:11:52.619 --> 00:11:56.959 It had erupted in Rome, but now it's just making its way throughout the empire. 00:11:57.559 --> 00:12:01.079 We know that all roads lead to Rome, but all roads also led out of Rome. 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:10.319 And when that persecution came and as the world's hostility of Christ grew, and especially as it's kind of being sanctioned by the government in this situation, 00:12:11.359 --> 00:12:14.139 Christians became increasingly out of place. 00:12:15.019 --> 00:12:16.719 That's why Peter called them strangers. 00:12:18.019 --> 00:12:20.099 You know, sometimes you don't want to be strange, do you? 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:21.800 Some of you are. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:22.220 It's okay. 00:12:23.180 --> 00:12:26.820 I mean, you don't want to, you don't want to, I mean, that's not like you're going like, man, I'm going to be as strange as possible. 00:12:27.040 --> 00:12:30.659 Like, man, you may be nailing it, but that's not what God has necessarily called us to be. 00:12:31.259 --> 00:12:34.080 We're going to see later in this book, he calls us to be a peculiar people. 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:36.680 That doesn't mean, hey, if you're a Christian, you have to be super weird. 00:12:36.920 --> 00:12:37.860 Not what it means. 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:40.480 No, but we should be different. 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:43.019 And they understood that. 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:46.360 And Peter understood that idea that he was different. 00:12:47.139 --> 00:12:51.220 That Jesus Christ had changed him and that he was a stranger. 00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:53.899 And sometimes we hear that, listen, this is not bad news. 00:12:54.019 --> 00:12:56.100 He's not downgrading it. 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:57.659 No, actually it's great news. 00:12:58.800 --> 00:13:05.420 And I would just submit to you this evening that 2,000 years later, if you know Christ, you're still a stranger in this world. 00:13:05.419 --> 00:13:10.539 We sing that old hymn, this world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:16.000 And anyone, anybody here that's ever traveled to another country knows what it feels like to be out of place. 00:13:16.979 --> 00:13:23.679 I mean, I like, I've had the opportunity a couple times to travel, been down to Mexico on missions trips, went on a missions trip to Argentina. 00:13:24.199 --> 00:13:27.919 And, you know, I learned the main things like, what do you need to ask to eat? 00:13:28.479 --> 00:13:29.439 And where's the restroom? 00:13:30.159 --> 00:13:32.039 Because if you can do that in a foreign country, you're going to survive. 00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:34.579 But isn't it weird if you've ever been in a situation like that? 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:37.620 That, you know, you already feel like you stick out like a sore thumb. 00:13:37.800 --> 00:13:39.200 You can't speak to anybody. 00:13:39.340 --> 00:13:41.340 It's just, everything's out of place. 00:13:42.040 --> 00:13:42.840 It's a weird feeling. 00:13:43.259 --> 00:13:46.540 I guess it didn't help when I went to Argentina and I wore American flag pants. 00:13:47.320 --> 00:13:48.540 Like, wonder where that guy's from? 00:13:48.900 --> 00:13:50.080 America, that's where I'm from. 00:13:50.780 --> 00:13:53.920 But it was like, you know, it was obvious that I was not from there. 00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:56.259 And the thought is this. 00:13:56.799 --> 00:14:04.000 Is the closer we get to Christ, the more that we live for him, we're going to feel more and more out of place in this world. 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:12.519 But sometimes, when we start feeling out of place in this world, we kind of pull back and say, well, I don't want to get too out of place. 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:15.639 No, no, we must keep pressing toward that mark. 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:19.039 That our goal and our aim is not to be a chameleon in this world. 00:14:19.240 --> 00:14:20.860 No, we're to take a stand for Christ. 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:26.059 We're to let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:28.419 That they see a life that is different from us. 00:14:28.600 --> 00:14:30.500 And that's the Christian experience in this world. 00:14:31.399 --> 00:14:36.419 And when you go to a foreign land, they have different customs and they have different values and they have different language. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:37.919 The same is true in our life. 00:14:38.579 --> 00:14:41.240 Listen, when Christ saved you, you have different values now. 00:14:41.799 --> 00:14:43.599 You have a different way that you live your life. 00:14:43.699 --> 00:14:45.039 And it's going to be a lot different. 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:48.279 And they may not be able to put a place on it and say, man, these people are weird. 00:14:49.479 --> 00:14:53.379 But the more they watch your life, they begin to realize, but they have something I don't have. 00:14:53.959 --> 00:14:55.039 There seems to be a joy. 00:14:55.479 --> 00:14:57.559 There seems to be a zest for life. 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:59.839 There seems to be a zeal for something. 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:05.019 And I love how one second century writer, he described this idea of strangers. 00:15:05.179 --> 00:15:05.639 He said this. 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:10.399 Christians are not distinguished from the rest of mankind by country or speech or customs. 00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:13.639 They live in their own countries, but as aliens. 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:18.019 Every foreign land is their home and every home is a foreign land. 00:15:18.460 --> 00:15:23.340 They spend their days on earth, but hold citizenship in heaven. 00:15:24.580 --> 00:15:26.080 Listen, I'm proud to be an American. 00:15:26.659 --> 00:15:28.340 I'm really proud to be a Texan. 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:29.419 I think every Texan is. 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:31.919 And that's okay, you know. 00:15:31.919 --> 00:15:34.379 Thank the Lord we're not from Oklahoma. 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:36.860 I love you, Brother John. 00:15:41.019 --> 00:15:44.360 But Paul spoke of this in the book of Philippians as well. 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:49.580 The church there at Philippi was a beautiful little church. 00:15:49.580 --> 00:15:53.139 And yet they were very strong in the fact that they were a Roman colony. 00:15:53.419 --> 00:15:55.740 It was a great distinction in those days in history. 00:15:56.180 --> 00:16:00.120 That even though they were some 800 miles away from Rome, they acted like Rome. 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:01.159 They dressed like Romans. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:03.000 They celebrated all the Roman customs. 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.480 They used Roman money. 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:07.860 And they were very proud of the fact that they were a Roman colony. 00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:11.200 But Paul wrote to them multiple times. 00:16:11.299 --> 00:16:16.720 It's the only time in the New Testament that that word citizenship, that conversation, it means citizenship. 00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:22.500 And he tells them there at the end of chapter number 3, he said, listen, I just want to remind you. 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:25.960 Your conversation, your citizenship is in heaven. 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:27.559 So you should be living like that. 00:16:28.539 --> 00:16:32.399 That even though we're here on this earth and we're Americans and we're Texans and we're all these things. 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:35.559 No, the overwhelming thing in our life should be this. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:38.419 That we're citizens of heaven if we know Christ our Savior. 00:16:39.159 --> 00:16:44.419 And because of where we're going, it should affect how we live right here and right now. 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:46.360 And that's what Paul was telling them. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:48.419 And that's kind of what Peter is reminding them here. 00:16:49.379 --> 00:16:54.919 Because if you listen to the world talk, if you watch what excites this world, 00:16:55.699 --> 00:17:01.319 if you observe their standards and their priorities, what should come to your mind is this. 00:17:01.320 --> 00:17:04.160 I don't belong here. 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:06.259 Maybe you used to. 00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:09.380 But that was when you were dead in your trespasses and sin. 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:12.180 But Jesus Christ showed up and it changed everything. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:14.500 And you're not living for the here and now. 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:17.120 And it's not just about what I want and what I think I need. 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:19.880 No, it's about laying for ourselves up treasures in heaven. 00:17:20.380 --> 00:17:24.660 It's about living for Christ and bringing those that we love along with us. 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:26.900 And sometimes it feels weird. 00:17:27.040 --> 00:17:30.660 And we have that innate desire just to belong. 00:17:31.580 --> 00:17:33.519 But as Christians, we don't belong. 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.279 And that's okay. 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:38.440 In fact, I think that's the way that it should be. 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:42.240 That it reminds us of the job God has called us to do. 00:17:42.440 --> 00:17:46.600 And if you ever fill out a step with this world, it doesn't mean something's wrong with you. 00:17:47.539 --> 00:17:51.480 In fact, it might mean that God is growing you and growing you and growing you. 00:17:51.639 --> 00:17:56.500 It's like that song that as we see him, the lights of this world, they just fade away. 00:17:57.259 --> 00:18:00.719 And the things of earth grow strangely dim. 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:03.439 I mean, just go back in your mind. 00:18:04.379 --> 00:18:09.379 Before you knew Christ as your Savior, the things that you loved and excited you. 00:18:09.659 --> 00:18:12.759 And listen, I'm not talking about awful, wicked, sinful things. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:18.859 But just the priorities and the time that you spent on maybe things that didn't really matter. 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:21.799 And you can sit here and look at your life now. 00:18:21.900 --> 00:18:23.339 And it's not that they were horrible things. 00:18:23.879 --> 00:18:26.039 But God's kind of changed the direction of your life. 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:27.660 And he's changed the purpose. 00:18:28.359 --> 00:18:32.640 And you're not here just living for yourself and, you know, your four little people with you. 00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:34.079 No, that you're living here. 00:18:34.180 --> 00:18:36.200 And what Christ wants you to do, that's what you're going to do. 00:18:36.960 --> 00:18:38.660 And that's what Peter's reminding them. 00:18:39.400 --> 00:18:40.680 That we are different. 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:42.279 That this world is not our home. 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:44.519 That our citizenship is in heaven. 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:48.519 I love what William Barclay, he said this. 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:51.500 He noted this word translated stranger. 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:53.079 He said it this. 00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:58.859 A man who is in a strange land and whose thoughts are ever turned home. 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:00.539 I love that. 00:19:02.160 --> 00:19:03.920 Listen, there's days, and I know you have them too. 00:19:04.599 --> 00:19:06.500 I think, man, I can't wait to get to heaven. 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:10.259 You know, when I was younger in school, that was usually on the test days. 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:13.220 I'm like, Lord, please come back right now. 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:16.480 I know that's a silly thing as a kid. 00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:25.319 But as you get closer to the Lord, and as the Lord has grown me in my own walk, I long to see him. 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:27.720 I long to be near him. 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:34.180 I can't wait to see the scars that he took from me on the cross of Calvary. 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:38.680 And I realize that this world is not all it's cracked up to be. 00:19:39.319 --> 00:19:40.819 There's something much better coming. 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:46.279 There's coming a day when there's going to be no more tears and no more pain and no more sorrow, no more grief. 00:19:46.279 --> 00:19:49.240 Because he's going to make all things new. 00:19:49.839 --> 00:19:50.740 Praise the Lord for that. 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:59.539 So if we're strangers in this world, the natural question is, what are we to God? 00:20:00.879 --> 00:20:05.599 If we're outcasts, if we're peculiar, if we're different to the world, what are we to God? 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:07.939 Look at verse number two. 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:20.500 We are elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit and unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. 00:20:22.159 --> 00:20:28.859 Now when we come to this first word in verse number two, sometimes you see this word in the Bible and it scares you. 00:20:29.959 --> 00:20:31.599 Maybe you don't know how to answer this question. 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:34.579 And you see the word elect and you just run. 00:20:35.439 --> 00:20:39.500 Listen, I just want to, I want to encourage you tonight, don't run from this word. 00:20:40.179 --> 00:20:41.779 Don't run from this thought. 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:43.259 Here's what it simply means. 00:20:43.439 --> 00:20:45.599 A simple definition of elect is chosen. 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:53.240 Now there are some of the persuasion of the Calvinist persuasion that God chose some people to go to heaven and he chose some people to go to hell. 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:56.959 I cannot find that in the word of God. 00:20:58.119 --> 00:21:01.019 Every time you talk about election, we talk about the foreknowledge of God. 00:21:01.019 --> 00:21:03.440 Because we understand this, that God is outside of time. 00:21:04.519 --> 00:21:05.799 He is in the past and the present and the future. 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:07.839 He stands out at all of those things. 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:09.539 And God knows everything. 00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:11.019 Did God know I was going to save? 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:11.920 Absolutely. 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:14.139 But he did not force me to. 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.599 He gave me the opportunity. 00:21:15.859 --> 00:21:22.500 We're going to see later in the book that Peter says that the gospel was preached and when the gospel was preached, people heard it and believed. 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:32.799 But what it just reminds us is Paul is, I mean Peter is reminding them here when they are elect according to the foreknowledge of God, he wants them to see how great God's love is for them. 00:21:34.099 --> 00:21:38.099 That if you know Christ as your Savior, it wasn't some accident. 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.059 No, God loved you. 00:21:40.779 --> 00:21:48.759 There was a lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world and he came and he lived and he died on the cross of Calvary for your sin and my sin. 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:51.819 And what it does not mean is that we are not better than others. 00:21:52.740 --> 00:22:01.619 Because some that are of that persuasion that God chose me and I'm elect and I really had no choice, they kind of have this pompous attitude. 00:22:01.740 --> 00:22:02.660 I just say it like that. 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:05.339 Listen, you know what we all are in this room? 00:22:05.819 --> 00:22:06.259 Sinners. 00:22:07.379 --> 00:22:11.599 And if you know Christ as your Savior, you're just a sinner saved by grace. 00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:14.099 We're just ordinary people. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:16.440 But God loved us. 00:22:16.440 --> 00:22:24.559 See, here's the difference in your life and somebody that doesn't know Christ is you had the opportunity and somebody shared the gospel. 00:22:24.840 --> 00:22:28.759 And when you heard the good news of the glorious gospel, it changed your life. 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:31.840 But God is the one that had all the initiative. 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:38.640 When you study scripture, I mean because when you really get a hold of this, Genesis and Revelation is one letter. 00:22:40.100 --> 00:22:44.420 Yes, there's a bunch of books in there, 66 books, but it's God's redemptive plan for mankind. 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:53.340 And when you kind of look at the Bible as this metanarrative, it's like a 30,000 foot view, you're going to see this, that God had a plan, that he's bringing the gospel. 00:22:54.080 --> 00:22:57.740 And that Jesus loves us so much that he came for you. 00:22:58.380 --> 00:23:02.620 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. 00:23:03.120 --> 00:23:04.759 That whosoever. 00:23:05.560 --> 00:23:08.700 There's a lot of words that these Calvinists, they just kind of run past. 00:23:08.700 --> 00:23:10.920 I'm not super smart. 00:23:12.400 --> 00:23:14.000 Hey, man, we didn't say amen right there. 00:23:15.100 --> 00:23:17.720 But whosoever means whosoever. 00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:22.740 For whosoever believe in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:26.980 For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:29.319 Listen, we were lost. 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:32.200 You didn't do anything to be found. 00:23:32.620 --> 00:23:33.580 He found you. 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:36.399 I know we say it, I found the Lord. 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:38.779 And I understand what you mean, and there's nothing wrong with it. 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:41.740 But in all reality, he came from heaven for you. 00:23:42.439 --> 00:23:43.639 We were down in the pit. 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:44.819 We were down in the mire. 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:45.980 We were down in the clay. 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.980 Psalm chapter 40 reminds us. 00:23:48.139 --> 00:23:49.439 And he reached way down. 00:23:50.059 --> 00:24:01.839 He reached all the way down, and he found you, and he found me, and he pulled us out, and he set our feet on a rock, and he established our goings, and he put a song in our heart, and a smile on our face, and we should tell somebody about it. 00:24:01.839 --> 00:24:04.899 Listen, you're not saved because you're an awesome person. 00:24:05.139 --> 00:24:09.959 You're saved because you're elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, that he chose you. 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:11.399 That's his mission. 00:24:11.919 --> 00:24:13.099 We're going through the Gospel of Luke. 00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:14.019 What's his mission? 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:17.480 To seek and to save that which was lost. 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:21.099 Warren Wearsby said it like this. 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:32.519 The election was not based on anything we had done, nor was it based on anything God saw we would be or do. 00:24:33.139 --> 00:24:38.980 God's election was based wholly on his great grace and love. 00:24:39.519 --> 00:24:43.059 We cannot explain it, but we can rejoice in it. 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:44.839 I'm thankful for it. 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:46.000 I'm thankful. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:50.880 I don't know why God loves me, but I know this. 00:24:51.559 --> 00:24:52.099 He does. 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:54.119 How do I know? 00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:55.079 Look at the cross. 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:56.980 Look at the cross. 00:24:57.079 --> 00:24:57.859 Look what he did for you. 00:24:58.099 --> 00:25:05.319 Look at how he died for you, and you might be rejected by this world, and Peter's writing to these strangers that are scattered, 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:08.079 and they're literally running for their life at some points. 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:10.879 But he's reminding them of this. 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:16.319 Why worry about being rejected by the world when you've been chosen by the Father? 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:18.220 That's the thought. 00:25:18.859 --> 00:25:21.240 Because when you realize, hey, that's my dad. 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:23.119 That's my God. 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.779 That's the one that loves me. 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:27.980 It makes all the things that we kind of face pale in comparison. 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:35.240 That's why Paul could say, hey, this light affliction that I'm going through, these difficult things, it's not really that big a deal because God's got me. 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:38.279 I know whom I have believed and am persuaded. 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:40.920 That's what he's reminding us of this truth. 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:49.940 Listen, when you feel unwanted, when you feel overlooked, when you feel out of place, just remember you don't fit here because you belong there. 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:52.140 That's where your home is. 00:25:52.880 --> 00:25:54.620 That's where your life is. 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:59.220 Our life is hid in Christ, and we're going to see that here in just a second. 00:25:59.220 --> 00:26:05.620 And you're going to be there because God himself said so. 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:10.500 I'm so thankful God just isn't aware of me. 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:12.940 You know what I mean. 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:15.360 Somebody would say, hey, you know so-and-so? 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:17.120 I know of them. 00:26:17.920 --> 00:26:19.160 I'm aware of them. 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:25.019 You know, you may have people at your work, you're aware of them, but you don't really know them. 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:28.299 I mean, you kind of see them, you're a little familiar with them. 00:26:29.420 --> 00:26:30.720 That's not how God sees you. 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:34.759 He tells us in Jeremiah, I know the thoughts I think towards you. 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:39.700 Thoughts of good and not evil, thoughts of peace to give you an expected end. 00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:41.779 And you know who he was writing that to, by the way? 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:44.579 People in the midst of Babylonian exile. 00:26:45.660 --> 00:26:49.420 He's reminding you, it doesn't matter where you find yourself in life, God knows. 00:26:50.060 --> 00:26:57.259 It has the idea of a parent, when we think of God knowing us, that when I go to a basketball game, 00:26:57.320 --> 00:27:00.880 I went to Elijah's basketball game, you understand, I'm watching everybody on the court and I'm cheering for everybody. 00:27:01.100 --> 00:27:04.039 But when my son does something, I'm like, yeah, that's my son. 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:06.920 Pulled up, hit a pull-up three and a breakaway. 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:11.440 I was like, not sure if that's a high-quality shot, but it went in and we were pumped up about it. 00:27:12.300 --> 00:27:13.100 I mean, you know what I'm talking about? 00:27:13.100 --> 00:27:15.560 That's my son, shoots just like his dad. 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.380 Why? 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:19.019 Because my thoughts are towards him. 00:27:20.420 --> 00:27:24.480 Listen, that's how God looks at you if you know him as your Savior. 00:27:25.360 --> 00:27:27.380 He's not just aware of what's going on in your life. 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:29.660 No, his thoughts are towards you. 00:27:30.279 --> 00:27:32.600 He cares deeply about you. 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:33.759 He's chosen you. 00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:35.720 He's given everything for you. 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:40.620 And I love it, the old songwriter said, he knew me and yet he loved me. 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:45.360 Wow, that just, it just doesn't make sense. 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:47.380 But I'm thankful for it. 00:27:47.380 --> 00:27:51.540 So Peter reminds them, to God, you're chosen. 00:27:52.540 --> 00:27:57.700 But he also says, secondly, through sanctification of the Spirit. 00:27:57.700 --> 00:28:02.299 See, what Peter does now is he moves to the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:28:03.660 --> 00:28:07.160 Sanctification is one of those fancy Bible words that just means this, to be set apart. 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:09.220 To be different. 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:12.340 To set apart for a purpose or a plan. 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:18.359 And when you study the idea of sanctification, there's three types of sanctification you'll find in the New Testament. 00:28:19.179 --> 00:28:24.819 Number one, you'll see sanctification when it's speaking of our position in Christ when salvation happens. 00:28:24.819 --> 00:28:26.899 And Paul talks a lot about this. 00:28:27.079 --> 00:28:28.939 When you read Paul's writings, he'll say things like this. 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:30.240 In Christ. 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:31.819 In Christ. 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:32.839 Over and over and over again. 00:28:32.939 --> 00:28:39.839 What Paul is saying is that when you are saved, when you know Jesus as your Savior, you are placed positionally in Christ. 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:42.619 That when God looks at you, here's what he sees. 00:28:42.939 --> 00:28:43.259 Jesus. 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:45.419 He sees his righteousness. 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:46.980 We're robed in his righteousness. 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:48.700 We're washed in his blood. 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:58.960 Other times in the New Testament, when we see it, we study it out, we see that sanctification is showing our progress as we move along in our Christian life. 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:01.640 As we grow in Christ-likeness. 00:29:02.319 --> 00:29:04.759 It's the only time you should be progressive in your sanctification. 00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:07.180 Okay, just making sure. 00:29:08.080 --> 00:29:09.319 Because the idea is this. 00:29:09.660 --> 00:29:15.799 Jesus didn't save you for you just to sit still and not grow in Christ and just hold on until he comes. 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:17.879 No, here's what he called us to do. 00:29:18.119 --> 00:29:19.700 To be more and more like him every day. 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:25.279 That we would be conformed to the image of his dear son is what Paul told us in Romans chapter 8 verse 29. 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:29.940 And lastly, we won't experience it on this side, but there is glorification. 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:35.519 As the song was sung this morning, Brother Sean, when we see him, we shall be like him. 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:37.359 And I'm looking forward to that day. 00:29:37.579 --> 00:29:43.680 I'm looking forward to the day when I don't have to battle this flesh and to battle sin and to have all the difficulties and trials of life. 00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:45.599 No, because God will take care of that. 00:29:46.119 --> 00:29:52.200 But here in our specific verse, when it says, through sanctification of the Spirit, it is talking about positional sanctification. 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:59.059 That when you accepted the gospel, when you heard the gospel preached, and you realized that you were a sinner, 00:29:59.259 --> 00:30:04.419 and it was your sin that put Jesus Christ on the cross, and you cried out to God for salvation, 00:30:04.700 --> 00:30:06.139 the Holy Spirit, here's what it did. 00:30:06.279 --> 00:30:08.559 It set you apart unto God. 00:30:09.279 --> 00:30:15.299 Because we were dead in our trespasses and sin, and we were living like the world, and talking like the world, and walking like the world. 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:16.759 But here's what the Holy Spirit did. 00:30:16.919 --> 00:30:18.740 He picked us up, and he set us apart. 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:21.039 And he changed our life. 00:30:21.039 --> 00:30:26.500 And the idea and the thought behind this is your salvation was not an accident. 00:30:28.119 --> 00:30:29.000 You're not saved. 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:32.379 It's not a get out of hell free card, but keep living like you want to live. 00:30:33.059 --> 00:30:37.559 No, you're set apart for something better, for something greater. 00:30:38.559 --> 00:30:39.940 You're not an afterthought. 00:30:40.879 --> 00:30:43.319 You belong to God. 00:30:44.279 --> 00:30:47.539 Because you remember on the playground when you were little, and somebody would say something, 00:30:47.779 --> 00:30:51.419 and you didn't have any other comeback, and you'd say, well, my dad can beat your dad up. 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:52.839 You know what I mean? 00:30:53.500 --> 00:30:55.480 Like, you know, when you were little, your dad could do anything. 00:30:55.679 --> 00:30:56.639 My dad's faster than your dad. 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:57.359 My dad's this. 00:30:57.460 --> 00:30:58.740 I mean, here's the thought. 00:30:58.899 --> 00:31:01.379 Our dad is our Heavenly Father. 00:31:01.380 --> 00:31:05.660 And we've been set apart unto him, and he did a work in you. 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:09.800 He saved you and set you apart so he could do a work through you. 00:31:10.720 --> 00:31:15.100 You look throughout all of Scripture, you see every man and woman that God did something through, 00:31:15.320 --> 00:31:16.680 first he did it in. 00:31:17.660 --> 00:31:23.420 God worked in Joseph's life, in Moses' life, in David's life, and then he worked through them. 00:31:24.120 --> 00:31:26.800 But the Holy Spirit is the one that sets us apart. 00:31:28.260 --> 00:31:29.160 Well, how does that happen? 00:31:29.160 --> 00:31:45.340 Listen, who you are today, it's all because of Jesus. 00:31:47.100 --> 00:31:49.040 Paul said it like this in 1 Corinthians 15. 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:52.380 It's by the grace of God, I am what I am. 00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:57.440 Listen, I know I'm not what I should be, but thank God I'm not what I used to be. 00:31:57.440 --> 00:32:01.120 I'm thankful that God is still doing a work in my life. 00:32:01.420 --> 00:32:05.480 I'm thankful that he's set me apart, and it's because of nothing that I've done. 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:11.779 Not of works of righteousness, which we have done, but by the precious blood of Jesus we're changed. 00:32:12.140 --> 00:32:15.519 It's by the cross of Calvary that the work was finished. 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:18.380 Listen, you're not trying to work your way to heaven. 00:32:18.980 --> 00:32:19.779 You can't. 00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:23.579 Jesus said it on the cross, it is finished. 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:26.819 And because of that, we've been set apart. 00:32:27.059 --> 00:32:29.579 We've been called and chosen and sanctified. 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:33.559 And when Peter was writing this, he was writing to a group of people that would have understood this, 00:32:33.619 --> 00:32:36.339 and most likely he would have had some vivid pictures in their mind. 00:32:36.339 --> 00:32:39.939 Maybe a leopard that was cleansed by the blood. 00:32:40.019 --> 00:32:45.099 You look at Leviticus chapter 14, and a priest would be set apart for service. 00:32:45.399 --> 00:32:49.899 And we see Israel in Exodus 24 entering this covenant with God. 00:32:49.900 --> 00:33:00.840 But all three of those stories, all three of those truths, they point to this beautiful idea that the blood of Christ is the one thing that cleanses us. 00:33:01.120 --> 00:33:04.860 It's the thing that sets us apart, and it's the thing that calls us to obedience. 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:07.900 Listen, the love of Christ, here's what it does. 00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:09.540 It constrains us. 00:33:10.560 --> 00:33:13.040 It commands us. 00:33:13.300 --> 00:33:16.420 It allows us to live for him. 00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:25.580 When we start to step back and realize all the things God has done for us, Peter's reminding us, how can we not live for him? 00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:28.039 Even in a difficult time. 00:33:28.720 --> 00:33:30.779 Even in a hard place to live. 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:35.980 Even in a difficult work situation, or a health battle, or whatever you might be facing. 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:41.800 Listen, Peter's not downgrading, but he's just reminding us, listen, we've got a lot to look forward to. 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:42.620 Why? 00:33:42.680 --> 00:33:44.080 Because we have a living hope. 00:33:44.079 --> 00:33:48.720 And really what you see here in verse number two is we see the work of the Trinity. 00:33:49.899 --> 00:33:53.759 We're elected by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, cleansed by the Son. 00:33:54.619 --> 00:33:55.699 We can say it this way. 00:33:56.279 --> 00:34:02.139 This Father initiates, the Spirit applies, and the Son accomplished it on the cross of Calvary. 00:34:02.980 --> 00:34:04.819 That's a beautiful reminder. 00:34:04.819 --> 00:34:16.920 And however you want to say it, however you want to kind of look at it in that framework, what Peter's reminding them is they're living in a world that's fragile, that's falling apart in front of their very eyes. 00:34:16.960 --> 00:34:19.559 And it feels like every time they get comfortable, they're on the run again. 00:34:19.719 --> 00:34:23.259 And every time this job comes up, well, they find out they're a Christian, and they get kicked out of the synagogue. 00:34:23.260 --> 00:34:25.220 And then all these things are happening. 00:34:25.800 --> 00:34:27.980 And life is so fragile and it's falling apart. 00:34:28.180 --> 00:34:30.400 But your salvation, it's not fragile. 00:34:31.120 --> 00:34:36.580 It is rooted in the work of God, the Father and the Son and the Spirit. 00:34:37.160 --> 00:34:39.720 That we are sealed until the day of redemption. 00:34:41.160 --> 00:34:42.960 Reminds me of the song we sang this morning. 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:46.780 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:50.400 Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 00:34:51.240 --> 00:34:52.900 That we're not just some afterthought. 00:34:53.280 --> 00:34:56.780 That we're not some number at the DMV or the post office to God. 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:59.119 No, that we are precious in His sight. 00:34:59.320 --> 00:35:00.079 And He loves us. 00:35:00.220 --> 00:35:00.960 And He has a plan. 00:35:01.159 --> 00:35:02.619 And He knows where you're at. 00:35:03.599 --> 00:35:04.360 That's what Peter's saying. 00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:05.920 Listen, God knows where you're at. 00:35:06.440 --> 00:35:10.280 Why would a God go through all of that and forget where you are? 00:35:10.280 --> 00:35:14.640 And forget that persecution and that difficulty and that trial you're going through. 00:35:14.820 --> 00:35:15.960 He's saying, He didn't. 00:35:16.740 --> 00:35:17.600 He knows. 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:24.240 And with that foundation in place, He kind of closes this greeting with a really kind of powerful thought. 00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:25.980 A little prayer, so to speak. 00:35:26.660 --> 00:35:27.640 He tells them this. 00:35:28.880 --> 00:35:33.460 Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. 00:35:36.160 --> 00:35:37.019 And we know this. 00:35:37.300 --> 00:35:39.880 We've stated this fact because it's important to the letter. 00:35:41.240 --> 00:35:43.200 That's not what they were experiencing in this world. 00:35:44.560 --> 00:35:46.800 He knew the persecution was there. 00:35:47.160 --> 00:35:48.519 And it would continue to come. 00:35:49.700 --> 00:35:52.680 He was there when Jesus told him and the other disciples, 00:35:53.120 --> 00:35:55.360 In this world ye shall have tribulation. 00:35:56.080 --> 00:35:57.019 But be of good cheer. 00:35:57.580 --> 00:35:58.800 I have overcome the world. 00:35:59.500 --> 00:36:03.500 And He was there when Jesus Christ stepped in and He said, 00:36:03.680 --> 00:36:05.420 Peace I leave with you. 00:36:05.420 --> 00:36:08.800 My peace I give unto you, Jesus said. 00:36:09.200 --> 00:36:10.380 Not as the world gives. 00:36:11.099 --> 00:36:12.119 Give I unto you. 00:36:12.380 --> 00:36:14.059 Let not your heart be troubled. 00:36:14.380 --> 00:36:15.480 Neither let it be afraid. 00:36:15.480 --> 00:36:22.219 Because Peter understood that these people here, they're going to be looking for peace everywhere. 00:36:23.059 --> 00:36:24.559 They need some grace in their life. 00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:26.139 You know where grace was not going to come from? 00:36:26.260 --> 00:36:27.199 The Roman government. 00:36:27.199 --> 00:36:29.679 You study history. 00:36:29.980 --> 00:36:31.219 Rome wasn't known for grace. 00:36:31.960 --> 00:36:33.719 They were kind of known for the exact opposite. 00:36:34.199 --> 00:36:34.599 Brutality. 00:36:36.019 --> 00:36:37.579 They're going to find it in their world. 00:36:38.219 --> 00:36:40.239 They're not going to find it in their workplace. 00:36:40.239 --> 00:36:42.939 You know where they're going to find it? 00:36:43.699 --> 00:36:44.399 In Christ. 00:36:45.619 --> 00:36:46.879 In the life that He gives. 00:36:47.579 --> 00:36:49.139 In the comfort that He brings. 00:36:49.799 --> 00:36:50.979 Because grace is simply this. 00:36:51.059 --> 00:36:52.639 It's unmerited favor. 00:36:55.000 --> 00:36:56.399 It's very rare in our world. 00:36:56.739 --> 00:36:58.559 You know, I haven't been pulled over a lot in my life. 00:36:58.599 --> 00:37:01.119 But every time I get pulled over, I just pray, Lord, I need grace right now. 00:37:02.759 --> 00:37:05.319 Sometimes it doesn't work if you're going a certain speed limit. 00:37:05.320 --> 00:37:12.039 But this peace that Peter prays, it's an inner calm and rest. 00:37:12.220 --> 00:37:14.019 It's a true wholeness. 00:37:15.100 --> 00:37:16.440 That's definitely not in this world. 00:37:17.620 --> 00:37:20.620 Our world is in absolute turmoil. 00:37:21.720 --> 00:37:22.840 Always has been, really. 00:37:23.900 --> 00:37:25.700 I think we're just more privy to it now. 00:37:26.940 --> 00:37:28.220 I mean, it's getting worse and worse. 00:37:28.280 --> 00:37:30.300 The Bible said it's going to get worse and worse as the day approaches. 00:37:31.460 --> 00:37:35.260 But listen, you have access to every horrible thing that happens in this world instantaneously. 00:37:36.160 --> 00:37:39.019 And it just, it almost brings turmoil in our life and our heart. 00:37:39.120 --> 00:37:42.280 And it kind of just stirs that anxiety within. 00:37:45.140 --> 00:37:47.039 But I want us to remember who wrote this book. 00:37:48.340 --> 00:37:48.740 Peter. 00:37:50.059 --> 00:37:52.460 A man that has been through a lot. 00:37:53.740 --> 00:37:58.500 You know, we want to maybe relate to Paul sometimes and to Moses and David. 00:37:59.180 --> 00:38:01.519 I think we can probably all relate to Peter a little bit more. 00:38:02.000 --> 00:38:04.300 Anybody here ever say something you wish you wouldn't have said? 00:38:05.300 --> 00:38:08.820 Peter was the poster child for open your mouth, insert your foot. 00:38:10.440 --> 00:38:11.560 I mean, he did some great things. 00:38:12.500 --> 00:38:14.680 But he also said, I don't know that guy. 00:38:15.480 --> 00:38:16.200 Never met him. 00:38:16.620 --> 00:38:18.820 I don't know who you're, I don't know what you're talking about. 00:38:19.539 --> 00:38:21.500 See, Peter's had some ups and downs in his life. 00:38:22.980 --> 00:38:24.840 But you know what he's experienced in his own life? 00:38:25.680 --> 00:38:26.560 Grace and peace. 00:38:26.559 --> 00:38:30.639 Because he knew the one that it came from. 00:38:31.619 --> 00:38:35.079 And he wanted these readers to understand that. 00:38:35.559 --> 00:38:39.559 He wanted these early Christians to realize, listen, yes, life's difficult. 00:38:39.779 --> 00:38:40.880 And Peter had been through it. 00:38:40.880 --> 00:38:43.000 I mean, they were trying to arrest Peter. 00:38:43.099 --> 00:38:43.860 You read the book of Acts. 00:38:44.180 --> 00:38:45.280 And they cut James' head off. 00:38:45.360 --> 00:38:46.240 They say, well, that worked. 00:38:46.360 --> 00:38:47.480 Let's cut Peter's head off. 00:38:48.760 --> 00:38:49.780 I mean, he was a target. 00:38:50.800 --> 00:38:53.340 It wasn't like he wasn't writing from a place of understanding. 00:38:53.340 --> 00:38:56.800 But he understood that grace carried him through. 00:38:57.660 --> 00:39:00.640 That unmerited favor that God had placed on his life. 00:39:01.180 --> 00:39:02.600 You know why God had placed that on his life? 00:39:03.000 --> 00:39:05.019 Because he was elect through the foreknowledge of God. 00:39:05.700 --> 00:39:07.079 He was sanctified by the Spirit. 00:39:07.600 --> 00:39:09.579 And he was cleansed by the blood of Christ. 00:39:10.980 --> 00:39:15.160 See, when this world feels hostile, it feels uncertain, 00:39:17.000 --> 00:39:19.360 Peter reminds us that grace and peace don't disappear. 00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:23.420 When you're living for Christ, they're multiplied. 00:39:24.620 --> 00:39:26.620 And you can walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 00:39:26.880 --> 00:39:27.780 and you don't have to fear anything. 00:39:28.519 --> 00:39:28.720 Why? 00:39:28.820 --> 00:39:29.539 Because he's with you. 00:39:30.620 --> 00:39:32.620 His rod and staff, they comfort you. 00:39:34.000 --> 00:39:35.920 But that only comes when you're in Christ. 00:39:38.019 --> 00:39:41.980 I know we know the song, but just listen to the words. 00:39:42.539 --> 00:39:46.320 When you think about grace, amazing grace, 00:39:46.960 --> 00:39:48.220 how sweet the sound. 00:39:48.219 --> 00:39:50.359 That saved a wretch like me. 00:39:51.239 --> 00:39:53.679 I once was lost, but now I'm found. 00:39:53.779 --> 00:39:55.759 Was blind, but now I see. 00:39:56.779 --> 00:39:58.759 It was grace that taught my heart to fear, 00:39:58.859 --> 00:40:00.779 and grace my fears relieved. 00:40:01.379 --> 00:40:04.459 How precious did that grace appear 00:40:04.459 --> 00:40:07.199 the hour I first believed. 00:40:08.659 --> 00:40:09.639 But it doesn't have to stay there. 00:40:10.179 --> 00:40:11.419 It carries you through. 00:40:12.419 --> 00:40:14.819 Through many dangers, toils, and snares, 00:40:14.820 --> 00:40:17.260 I have already come. 00:40:18.320 --> 00:40:20.880 Tis grace has brought me safe this far, 00:40:21.100 --> 00:40:23.920 and grace will lead me home. 00:40:25.280 --> 00:40:26.600 There's a newer verse to it. 00:40:26.640 --> 00:40:27.380 I love this one too. 00:40:27.740 --> 00:40:30.320 The Lord has promised good to me. 00:40:30.980 --> 00:40:33.460 His word my hope secures. 00:40:34.120 --> 00:40:36.480 He will my shield and portion be 00:40:36.480 --> 00:40:39.940 as long as life endures. 00:40:39.940 --> 00:40:43.659 That's the thought that Peter's writing 00:40:43.659 --> 00:40:44.400 here in this letter. 00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:46.740 Even in this little tiny salutation, 00:40:47.200 --> 00:40:48.240 there's a lot of theology, 00:40:48.380 --> 00:40:50.820 and we just kind of skim the surface of it. 00:40:51.700 --> 00:40:53.579 So how do we have hope on this journey? 00:40:55.480 --> 00:40:56.599 Remember you're God's child. 00:40:57.320 --> 00:40:58.579 If you know him as your savior, 00:40:59.079 --> 00:41:01.380 you have a heavenly father that knows exactly 00:41:01.380 --> 00:41:02.619 what you're walking through. 00:41:03.320 --> 00:41:05.039 He knows exactly where you are. 00:41:05.480 --> 00:41:06.880 He knows exactly what you need, 00:41:06.880 --> 00:41:08.240 and it kind of ties into this morning. 00:41:08.380 --> 00:41:10.019 You think, well, is he listening? 00:41:10.240 --> 00:41:10.820 Keep praying. 00:41:11.480 --> 00:41:11.920 He is. 00:41:12.860 --> 00:41:13.840 Keep seeking him. 00:41:15.119 --> 00:41:16.559 How do we have hope on this journey? 00:41:17.740 --> 00:41:18.760 Remember who you are. 00:41:19.640 --> 00:41:22.400 A saved, set apart child of God. 00:41:23.420 --> 00:41:24.599 And remember what you are. 00:41:25.340 --> 00:41:28.640 You're loved, you're chosen, and you're secure. 00:41:29.500 --> 00:41:31.460 When you're placed in the Father's hand, 00:41:31.920 --> 00:41:33.640 no man can pluck you out. 00:41:34.160 --> 00:41:35.920 This world's going to try to rip you apart, 00:41:35.920 --> 00:41:36.940 tear you to shreds, 00:41:37.019 --> 00:41:38.380 but they can't touch you 00:41:38.380 --> 00:41:40.340 because God has you. 00:41:41.059 --> 00:41:42.000 You're secure in him. 00:41:43.099 --> 00:41:45.440 And you might be a stranger in this world, 00:41:46.159 --> 00:41:48.159 but you're never a stranger to God. 00:41:49.260 --> 00:41:50.740 And that's our living hope, 00:41:51.200 --> 00:41:52.360 that he knows us. 00:41:54.159 --> 00:41:55.800 And as we leave this place tonight, 00:41:55.860 --> 00:41:57.500 and we step back into a world 00:41:57.500 --> 00:41:59.119 that may not understand your convictions, 00:42:00.139 --> 00:42:01.659 that may not understand your priorities, 00:42:02.380 --> 00:42:04.039 that may not understand your faith, 00:42:04.039 --> 00:42:06.099 I just want to remind you, 00:42:06.159 --> 00:42:08.659 don't be discouraged if you feel out of place. 00:42:10.320 --> 00:42:12.619 Just be reminded that you belong to God. 00:42:13.420 --> 00:42:15.380 That you weren't created for the here. 00:42:16.000 --> 00:42:17.279 You were created for the there. 00:42:18.079 --> 00:42:20.679 That that's where we're heading one day. 00:42:21.059 --> 00:42:23.079 That our citizenship, if we know Christ our Savior, 00:42:23.360 --> 00:42:25.420 should affect how you live your life tomorrow. 00:42:26.259 --> 00:42:27.500 Should affect how you live at school 00:42:27.500 --> 00:42:28.440 and amongst your friends. 00:42:29.059 --> 00:42:30.440 Should affect how we talk 00:42:30.440 --> 00:42:31.980 and what we say and where we go. 00:42:32.559 --> 00:42:34.579 Because we are here to represent our Savior. 00:42:36.099 --> 00:42:38.260 This week, I think every week of our life, 00:42:38.740 --> 00:42:40.460 but in light of this passage, 00:42:41.460 --> 00:42:43.420 we need to live intentionally. 00:42:44.300 --> 00:42:45.740 We need to live intentionally 00:42:45.740 --> 00:42:48.340 so someone maybe around us 00:42:48.340 --> 00:42:50.039 can see the hope. 00:42:50.980 --> 00:42:52.079 Because you know what that person 00:42:52.079 --> 00:42:53.639 that's wearing you out at work, 00:42:53.880 --> 00:42:56.139 that person that may be mean at school, 00:42:56.220 --> 00:42:57.280 you know what they're really looking for? 00:42:57.599 --> 00:42:57.960 Hope. 00:42:57.960 --> 00:42:58.039 Hope. 00:42:58.679 --> 00:42:59.900 And they don't have it. 00:43:00.780 --> 00:43:02.679 But maybe they just need to see somebody 00:43:02.679 --> 00:43:05.760 that lives with a living hope. 00:43:06.860 --> 00:43:08.960 Let your words reflect grace. 00:43:10.159 --> 00:43:12.720 Let your response show peace. 00:43:13.920 --> 00:43:16.199 Let your decisions be shaped 00:43:16.199 --> 00:43:19.059 by who you are in Christ. 00:43:19.880 --> 00:43:20.740 Because it should. 00:43:21.699 --> 00:43:22.599 If Jesus shaped you, 00:43:22.639 --> 00:43:24.220 He didn't just shape you so you could hang on. 00:43:24.420 --> 00:43:26.820 He shaped you so you change the way you live here 00:43:26.820 --> 00:43:28.580 and affect other people's lives. 00:43:29.760 --> 00:43:30.940 When life feels heavy, 00:43:31.019 --> 00:43:32.500 when discouragement whispers, 00:43:32.580 --> 00:43:33.160 because it does. 00:43:34.140 --> 00:43:35.200 Maybe it already is right now. 00:43:35.240 --> 00:43:36.420 You came in tonight that way. 00:43:37.360 --> 00:43:38.700 Remember these great truths here 00:43:38.700 --> 00:43:40.840 of how much our Father loves us. 00:43:42.280 --> 00:43:43.480 We can carry that hope 00:43:43.480 --> 00:43:44.920 into our home, 00:43:45.260 --> 00:43:46.140 into our workplace, 00:43:46.720 --> 00:43:47.660 into our schools, 00:43:47.960 --> 00:43:48.940 into our relationships, 00:43:49.400 --> 00:43:50.260 into our conversations, 00:43:50.260 --> 00:43:51.720 that being in Christ, 00:43:51.840 --> 00:43:54.120 it should affect every single area 00:43:54.120 --> 00:43:55.320 of your life. 00:43:57.200 --> 00:43:57.980 Maybe you're here 00:43:57.980 --> 00:43:59.720 and you feel like you don't belong anywhere. 00:44:01.120 --> 00:44:02.420 You've tried to find identity 00:44:02.420 --> 00:44:03.880 of being part of a church. 00:44:04.000 --> 00:44:05.480 You've tried to find peace in this 00:44:05.480 --> 00:44:06.780 and purpose in this and this 00:44:06.780 --> 00:44:07.480 and it seems like you're going 00:44:07.480 --> 00:44:08.480 one to the other. 00:44:08.760 --> 00:44:09.780 Here's where you're going to find it 00:44:09.780 --> 00:44:10.660 in Christ alone. 00:44:12.040 --> 00:44:13.480 Maybe the step for you is 00:44:13.480 --> 00:44:14.620 just get it settled. 00:44:14.760 --> 00:44:16.960 Do I know Christ as my personal Savior? 00:44:17.920 --> 00:44:18.800 God loves you. 00:44:19.659 --> 00:44:20.460 How do you know He loves you? 00:44:20.599 --> 00:44:21.579 He's given you an opportunity tonight 00:44:21.579 --> 00:44:22.579 to hear the Gospel, 00:44:23.420 --> 00:44:24.539 to open the Word of God, 00:44:24.599 --> 00:44:25.900 to be reminded that Jesus Christ 00:44:25.900 --> 00:44:27.260 lived and died for you. 00:44:27.440 --> 00:44:27.920 Listen, you don't have to 00:44:27.920 --> 00:44:28.780 clean yourself up. 00:44:28.940 --> 00:44:30.079 You don't have to earn His favor. 00:44:30.300 --> 00:44:30.860 You don't have to keep 00:44:30.860 --> 00:44:31.659 searching for meaning. 00:44:31.940 --> 00:44:33.800 The world is not here to define you. 00:44:34.059 --> 00:44:34.679 God is. 00:44:35.820 --> 00:44:36.940 And the cross says this, 00:44:37.039 --> 00:44:37.579 I love you. 00:44:38.440 --> 00:44:40.400 And I want you to be in my family. 00:44:42.000 --> 00:44:43.559 If God's speaking to your heart about that, 00:44:43.619 --> 00:44:44.539 don't ignore that call. 00:44:44.539 --> 00:44:48.599 Allow Him to speak truth in your life. 00:44:48.719 --> 00:44:49.219 Come to Him. 00:44:49.460 --> 00:44:50.019 Trust Him. 00:44:50.579 --> 00:44:51.179 Begin the journey. 00:44:53.000 --> 00:44:53.759 If you forgot anything, 00:44:53.900 --> 00:44:54.840 if you forgot everything else 00:44:54.840 --> 00:44:55.460 I said today, 00:44:56.259 --> 00:44:57.519 I just want to remind us, 00:44:57.559 --> 00:44:58.360 as Peter was reminding 00:44:58.360 --> 00:44:59.139 these listeners, 00:44:59.579 --> 00:45:01.320 don't live by the labels 00:45:01.320 --> 00:45:01.940 of the world. 00:45:03.199 --> 00:45:04.380 Live by the truth 00:45:04.380 --> 00:45:06.539 of what God says you are. 00:45:07.320 --> 00:45:08.639 Loved and chosen, 00:45:09.239 --> 00:45:10.980 you are His child. 00:45:11.539 --> 00:45:12.539 Praise the Lord for that. 00:45:12.539 --> 00:45:13.960 Would you stand with your heads bowed 00:45:13.960 --> 00:45:14.940 with your eyes closed? 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:14.940 00:45:14.940 --> 00:45:44.920 Thank you.