Our Identity

I Peter: 1-2January 6, 2013

1 Peter 1:1-2 (NRSV) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,  who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance.

3 Questions to ask about a letter:

1) Who is the author?2) Who is the audience?3) What is the purpose?

3 Questions to ask about a letter:

1) Who is the author?The Apostle Peter

3 Questions to ask about a letter:

1) Who is the author?2) Who is the audience?

General letter to all Christians who had been scattered into Asia Minor

3 Questions to ask about a letter:

1) Who is the author?2) Who is the audience?3) What is the purpose?

Purpose1 Peter 1:7 (NRSV) “so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire…”1 Peter 4:12 (NRSV) “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you…”

PurposeThe purpose of the letter is to teach us how to come out of the furnace like gold, and not be burned to a

crisp.Because we will go into the

furnace.

We come to God because He Is not because it works for us. We bend to truth whether or not it

benefits us.

“Where else can we go?”

We should all be asking questions about our identity1 Peter 1:1 (NRSV) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion…

“Diaspora”=Strangers with a Glorious

Purpose

Abraham, People out of Egypt, Tower of Babel, Babylon, Persia, Rome

“Diaspora”=

Do you feel scattered?

God shows His love to us in the scattering

1 Peter 1:2 (NRSV) …who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood…

How does God show His love to us in the scattering?

A. He loves us graciouslyB. He loves us purposefullyC. He loves us finally

A. He loves us graciously1 Peter 1:2 (NRSV) who have been chosen…

A. He loves us graciouslyIf you have issues with the doctrine of

being chosen, it is because you can imagine a more gracious God.

A. He loves us graciouslyWe should easily imagine a less

gracious God. Why have I been chosen?

A. He loves us graciouslyB. He loves us purposefully1 Peter 1:2 (NRSV) …sanctified by the Spirit…

Sanctified = Set apart for a glorious purpose

A. He loves us graciouslyB. He loves us purposefullyC. He loves us finally

(completely)1 Peter 1:2 (NRSV) …and to be sprinkled with his blood…

What was temporary has now been made final through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ

Do you understand your breach?

Do you understand the payment required?