Pilgrims of the Dispersion 1 Peter 1:1

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Pilgrims Of The Dispersion (1:1)

Throughout the New Testament, various phrases are used to describe those people of God who make up the Lord's church. Individually, they are referred to as disciples, saints, believers, priests, Christians, etc. Collectively, they are called the church, the church of God, churches of Christ, the body of Christ, the temple of God, the family of God, etc. -- Each of these terms describe various relationships maintained by those who are Christians. An interesting phrase not commonly used in reference to the people of God is found in 1 Pe 1:1, where Peter addresses "the pilgrims of the Dispersion" 1 Pe 1:1 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners (pilgrims) of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”

A proper understanding of this phrase can be very beneficial, and give us insight into:

1) What the Christian life is.

2) An important responsibility expected of Christians.

3) Our true home, and goal in this life.

Let's start by defining "Pilgrims of the Dispersion". The word translated "Pilgrim" is interesting. Transliterated from Greek., it is parepidemos {par-ep-id'-ay-mos}which is a combination of three words:

para - "alongside of" epi - "upon"

demos - "used in Biblical Greek of the people of a heathen city" (Wuest)

Here, then, is how Thayer defines the word:

"one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives"

"a stranger"

"sojourning in a strange place, a foreigner"

"in the New Testament metaph. in reference to heaven as the native country, one who sojourns on earth

This is so of Christians (1 Pe 1:1)...of the patriarchs (He 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”)."

Another definition: "One who stays in a place as a stranger or visitor; to describe Christians whose final citizenship is in heaven and who are regarded as temporary dwellers on earth." (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible)

The meaning of the word "Dispersion". The Greek word is diaspora {dee-as-por-ah'}. It is noun form of the verb diaspeiro, which means "to sow, to scatter seed". The term is found in Jn 7:35 (“The Jews therefore said among themselves, Whither will this man go that we shall not find him? will he go unto the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?”), and there it refers to the Jews who were scattered among the Greeks as a result of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. This has caused some to conclude that Peter was writing to Jewish Christians who were living in the regions of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) - 1 Pe 1:1b "in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”. But there is good reason to believe that Peter was writing to ALL the Christians, both Jewish and Gentile, who were scattered throughout Asia Minor. There are several comments made in this epistle that cannot be understood in reference to the original recipients being Jews - for example, 1 Pe 1:14 “as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance:”, 18 “knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers;”, 20-21 “who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.” More likely, Peter employs terms once limited to the Jews, but now applicable to all who are in Christ:

1) For example, terms like "elect" (1:2), "holy nation" (2:9), "people of God" (2:10)

2) Even as Paul did: "circumcision" (Ph 3:3), "Israel of God" (Ga 6:16)

If this be so, then Peter implies by using the term "pilgrims of the dispersion" that all Christians are:

1) Pilgrims living in a world not their own.

2) Like scattered seed, spread out among those in the world.

With this understanding of the phrase, "pilgrims of the dispersion," we can now draw insights that are implied by it. This phrase reveals what the Christian life rally is. It is but a JOURNEY, begun when we first became Christians, ending only when we reach our true destination. This ought to affect our entire perspective on life for it is not an end in itself. It is only a temporary trip toward our final destination. Our homes, our jobs, etc., take on a different meaning when viewed in this light. This ought to affect our perspective on death. Not the end of life, but the end of our journey! Not the end of life, but the beginning of eternity in our true home! Having defined what Peter means by "pilgrims of the dispersion," will now turn or attention to the journey and look at some responsibilities as pilgrims when we continue this lesson.

Continuing to Grow - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Continuing To Grow - Cont.

Having looked at some hindrances to spiritual growth such as discouragement and the law of interference, we will now look at some ways to overcome these hindrances. In an effort to prevent succumbing to these hindrances, here are some suggestions for continuing your spiritual growth. Become active in the work of the congregation. Begin immediately! It is important not to delay (remember the "hindrances"). There is work for everyone, and it is best to start with something you are able to handle. Even the most humble service can be a source of joy for those who are doing it to please God - Psa 84:10 "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."; Jn 13:12-17 "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

Offer your services to the elders! These men will be glad to find work for you to do in keeping with your ability. Sometimes they hesitate to call on people for work if they are not sure the people are

willing. But let them know that you have the attitude of Isaiah: "Here am I! Send me." - Isa 6:8. Look for work needing to be done! The best servant is one who can see things to be done and does them without having to be told every step to take. Most of us are good critics; here is how we can put that ability to good use:

1) Whenever we see something we want to criticize, take that as an opportunity to show (not tell) how it should be done.

2) Someone else's failure is often our opportunity to be of service.

3) In other words, "Don't criticize, energize!"

Start a program of regular private devotions. Spend time each day alone with God, engaged in prayer, Bible study, singing praises. Such time consistently spent will supply the spiritual nourishment necessary for spiritual growth. Many Christians do not grow because they try to exist on a "spiritual starvation diet"!

Participate in an informal Bible study group. Meet weekly with other Christians in an informal setting to study the Bible together. This provides opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement which leads to even more knowledge and spiritual growth.

Become involved in leading people to Christ. Begin implementing the suggestions in the lesson on increasing opportunities to share the gospel. Even if you don't do the actual teaching, you can do what Andrew and Philip did: lead a friend to Christ! - Jn 1:40-46. Those involved in leading others to Christ rarely ever stop growing in Christ themselves!

Practice constant self-examination. The Scriptures call us to examine ourselves in our relation to Christ - 2 Co 13:5 "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" Here are some questions we should often ask ourselves:

Do I have a better Bible knowledge than one year ago?

Am I as interested in Jesus Christ today as when I was baptized?

Have I helped someone else to become a Christian?

Am I enjoying life as a child of God?

Am I improving my life, my disposition, and becoming more like Christ?

Do I set a good example for other Christians?

Am I growing in such activities as Bible study, prayer, worship?

Self-examination is not an easy process, but true spiritual growth is impossible without it!

Though we have come to the end of this series of studies, if we implement the suggestions in this lesson and those preceding, we will successfully embark on a spiritual journey with Christ that will last through eternity! It is sad that many Christians are often just religious enough to be miserable; but their life is intended to be one filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more! - Ga 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." It is my prayer that these lessons may be useful in helping you to truly experience the abundant life that Jesus provides! - Jn 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." (1 Th 5:23-24)

This material is from an outline series from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download additional material for church or personal use. The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style.

To God Be The Glory! This series of lessons has been presented in textual format from these outlines with little to no changes in content. Any changes made were done to make the text read smoothly. (JMN)

Continuing to Grow

A Closer Walk With God

Continuing To Grow

Growth is necessary in all areas of life: business, science, industry, etc. This is especially true in our lives as Christians - Ep 4:14-15 "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"; 1 Pe 2:2 "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation--"; 2 Pe 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."; 2 Th 1:3 "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." But spiritual growth must be well-rounded, balanced growth... The Christian must grow in knowledge, in zeal, in faith, in Christ-like character, in good works. The Christian must not be full of knowledge while his disposition remains un-Christlike. This final lesson is intended to help us continue growing ever closer to God and more productive in our service to Jesus Christ.

It is beneficial to be aware of those things which act as hindrances to growth. One of those hindrances is lack of effort. Growing in Christ is not automatic. One may still be a "babe" after many years - He 5:13 "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."; 1 Co 3:1,2 "But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,". Growth requires effort, but those who are spiritually lazy will simply follow the course of least resistance; such will forever remain "babes" , if they do not fall away altogether.

Another hindrance is discouragement. Some people make a good beginning, but get discouraged and quit. Reasons may vary: church troubles, personal problems, lack of encouragement from others, etc. But consider the example of the apostle Paul: few of us would ever have the problems he had - 2 Co 11:24-29 "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?" Yet he did not "lose heart" (become discouraged) - 2 Co 4:8-9 "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;" Why? Because he knew his labor was not in vain - 2 Co 4:16-5:1 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." And so he encourages us not to grow weary in doing good - Ga 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."; 1 Co 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

The law of disuse hinders our growth. A knife stays bright when used, but unused it becomes rusty. So it is with Christians, we lose what knowledge, ability, and opportunity we have when we do not use them! To use another metaphor, unless we are earnest in our endeavor, we will simply "drift away" from the Lord - He 2:1 "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."

There is also the law of interference. Crops, trees and flowers do not grow well when crowded. So our spiritual growth will be hindered if we allow others to crowd out our spiritual life. Businessmen may become to busy to attend to God's business. A woman may get so occupied with housekeeping that she has little time for God. Young people may be so busy with school activities that prayer, worship, good works and Bible study are crowded out. Preachers might get so tied down with meetings, administrative duties, etc., that they too do not have time to spend alone with God. Jesus warned about the danger of interference - Mk 4:18-19 "And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

In an effort to prevent succumbing to these hindrances, When we continue this lesson we will offer some suggestions for continuing your spiritual growth, overcoming the aforementioned hindrances.

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Increasing Opportunities To Share The Gospel - Cont.

We continue this lesson in a second part. Having looked at a couple of things to do with our list of souls we would like to see saved we will look at some additional action steps we will need to take.

Do the things which demonstrates your love for them. The importance of this suggestions is that "People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care!" A demonstration of love will make a person more likely to be receptive to the gospel of love when it is shared! - 1 Pe 2:12 "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Some "action" steps we can take is to invite them into your home for a dinner or snack. Visit them, especially in times of trial or sickness. Do things with them on a social level.

Invite those on your list to attend services. Some reasons we wanr them to attend services is that they will (or should) have an opportunity to see a caring congregation in action. Combined with your own demonstration of love as an individual the demonstration of love by others should make a lasting impression. They will more likely have an opportunity to be presented with the gospel of Christ (more on this, shortly).

As you prepare to invite these souls, be sure to pray, asking for "wisdom" to invite them in the best manner. Asking for "boldness" to offer the invitation to attend. Whether invited by you, someone else, or are walk-ins greet them, let them know they are welcome. Invite them home or out for a dinner or snack. Call or visit them, after they have attended - He 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."; Ro 12:13b "and seek to show hospitality." In doing this, you are preparing their hearts for the gospel. For by demonstrating love as a congregation of Christians they will be more likely to believe in the love of God demonstrated in the life of Christ! - 1 Pe 2:11-12 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

See that they have an opportunity to hear the gospel. Ideally, this will come after witnessing a demonstration of the gospel "in our lives" by our love, hospitality, etc. Both as individuals and as a congregation. If you feel confident in teaching others, then approach them yourself and suggest a home Bible study with them (using aids like video tapes, charts, or simply an open Bible). Or that they study on their own with the aid of a Bible correspondence course. If you do not feel you are capable to approach them concerning a study, or in conducting the study yourself bring it to the attention of members who are able and willing to teach. Provide opportunities for the teacher and the prospect to become better acquainted, and the teacher can take it from there.

These suggestions are offered with a firm conviction that if they will be carried out, opportunities to share the gospel and save souls will be greatly increased! With the hope that you will accept the challenge to implement these suggestions. This approach is not only the most successful in saving and keeping souls, it is also one of the most natural and easiest ways to reach the lost for Christ! Remember the survey by The Institute For American Church Growth? One does not even have to be able to teach to be effective in leading others to Christ! One simply has to be a friend to Christians and to the lost! And even if we do not convert a single soul we will have fulfilled our obligation to share Christ with others. We will have done it in such a way as to become better Christians, a better congregation, better friends, better neighbors, better coworkers, etc.!

Here are some suggestions for implementation by a congregation or a feww interested individuals.

Have those interested in being involved meet together on a weekly basis.

Encourage one another to set goals for the coming week. Share ideas for goals; for example...

1) Having over or visiting one person or family from the congregation.

2) Making a list of souls for which to begin praying.

3) What you plan to do to demonstrate your love and concern for those on your list.

4) Who you will invite to services.

5) What visitors you will call, visit, etc.

6) Who you will offer to have a study, or put in contact with someone who will follow-up with a study.

Write the goals for the coming week down. Pray about them, together and on your own throughout the week.

At each weekly meeting share and discuss how the goals are being met. Set new goals for the coming week. Write them down, pray about them.

This simple program should easily increase opportunities to share the gospel and bring many souls to Christ!