"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Joy Inexpressible And Full Of Glory (1:6-9)
One of the many blessings available to the "elect" (chosen) of God is a very special kind of joy.... For reasons we shall notice in our lesson, Christians are able to "greatly rejoice" (lit., "leap for joy") - 1 Pe 1:6 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,”. They have access to joy that is "inexpressible and full of glory" - 1 Pe 1:8 “whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” A joy so great, so glorious, that it is impossible to truly express with words!
In this lesson, we shall focus our attention on Peter's remarks in 1 Pe 1:6-9 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”; concerning this "inexpressible joy" that Christians are blessed to have.
Notice first that in verse 6 Peter begins by saying "IN THIS you greatly rejoice..." He is referring to those things which serve as the basis for inexpressible joy. There are "past" grounds for rejoicing. We have been "set apart" by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit - 1:2. We have been "sprinkled" with the blood of Jesus Christ - 1:2. We have been "born again" to a living hope - 1:3.
There are "present" grounds for rejoicing as well. We are God's "elect" - 1:2. We are "kept" by the power of God through faith - 1:5 “who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” There are also "future" grounds for rejoicing. We have an "inheritance" reserved for us in heaven - 1:4. We look forward to the "salvation" which will be revealed in the last time - 1:5, note 1:9 “receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” All these blessings (past, present, future) serve as the basis for inexpressible joy. Because of them, we can "greatly rejoice!"
Exactly how great is this joy? In verses 6-7, Peter explains the exceeding greatness of this joy. It enables us to rejoice even in trial (1:6) “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,”. No matter what degree of suffering one may experience, in Christ there is joy to match it. As Peter explains in 1 Pe 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.” As he and the rest of the apostles exemplified in Ac 5:40-41 “And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” How can Christians find joy in such trials? Informed Christians understand the purifying nature of such trials - 1 Pe 1:7 “that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:”; 2 Co 4:17-18 “For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Knowing what trials can produce, it is possible to be joyful in trials - Ja 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.”, 12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.”; Ro 5:1-5 “Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.”
What kind of trials? The word "various" includes all kinds. Primarily, it includes those which come as a result of living for Christ - Mt 5:10-12 “Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.” But we can also rejoice in the everyday afflictions of life. Such as, sickness, heartbreak, frustration, approaching death. For these things also provide an opportunity to test our faith, hope, love, longsuffering and patience. If one is able to rejoice even in the midst of such trials, surely they have a joy "inexpressible and full of glory"!
But how can Christians be sure to possess this joy? For it must be admitted that all do not, and there are times when even the best of us do not. In verse 8, Peter alludes to two things which I suggest are necessary to possessing this inexpressible joy.
We must love Jesus, "whom having not seen you love". Jesus is the ultimate source for being able to rejoice in all things - Ph 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.” He has promised that if we truly love Him, He and His Father will be with us - Jn 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” If Jesus is with us, we can receive that joy which is inexpressible! - Jn 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”; 16:33 “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” But can we who have never seen Jesus, love Him? Yes! - 1 Pe 1:8 “whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” How can we come to love Him who we have not seen? Through a devotional study of:
1.) The Old Testament, with its prophecies of the Messiah
2.) The Gospels, with their description of His life, teachings, compassion, suffering, death, and glorious resurrection
3.) The Acts, with its action-packed portrayal of the Lord working together with His church
4.) The Epistles, where we learn of many blessings found in Christ, and of His ministry as High Priest interceding in our behalf
5.) The Revelation, in which we learn of the glorious victory to be won by the Lamb and His followers
We must also believe in Jesus. "Though now you do not see Him, yet believing...". Through believing in Jesus we can "rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory". But such faith is more than a mental assent, or academic knowledge of Jesus. It involves the key element of faith itself, which is "trust". Trusting in His commands to be for our ultimate good. Trusting is His promises to fulfilled. The kind of trust that prompts us to obey Jesus wholeheartedly. This kind of faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17 “ So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
When we have this kind of faith in Jesus, and when we truly love Him with our whole being.... A blessing we receive is that "joy inexpressible and full of glory"! A blessing that can sustain us till we reach the end (goal) of our faith: salvation! - 1 Pe 1:9 “receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” That is because this "inexpressible joy" is based upon many other blessings: past, present, and future. It enables us to joyfully persevere through all kinds of trials in this life. But again, this blessing is only for those who truly love Jesus and believe in Him...
Do you love Jesus? If you do, you will keep His commandments - Jn 14:15 “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.”, 23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Do you believe in Jesus? If you do, you will do what He says - Lk 6:46 “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Are there commandments of Jesus you have not yet obeyed? If so, why not obey them today so that this "inexpressible joy" can be yours as well!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A "Living" hope (1 Peter 1:3-5)
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
A "Living" Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5)
In our study of Peter's epistle so far, we have noticed that as far as the world is concerned, Christians are but "pilgrims". But as far as God is concerned, we are His "elect". As the "elect" (chosen) of God, we are the recipients of many blessings that God offers to all who will obey and follow Christ. One of these blessings is described in 1 Pe 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Here we learn that God has caused us to be born again unto "a living hope". An understanding of this "living" hope can help Christians who are "pilgrims" be more joyful during their sojourn in this life. Therefore, in this lesson we shall examine what Peter says about the Christian hope that makes it a "living" hope.
Verse 3 begins with Peter praising God, and this leads us to the first reason our hope is a "living" hope, because God is merciful. The basis for our hope lies in the abundance of God's mercy; mercy bestowed while we were yet sinners - Ro 5:6 "For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly.", 8 "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Mercy bestowed upon the conditions of faith, repentance, and baptism - Ac 2:36-38 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Mercy bestowed continually upon Christians as they repent of and confess their sins - 1 Jn 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Because of God's "abundant mercy", then, we who are sinners can have a "living" hope!
But according to verse 3 there is another reason to have hope. Because Jesus is alive! The resurrection of Jesus is crucial to our hope. If Christ is not risen, then the apostles were liars, and our faith is vain! - 1 Co 15:14-15 "and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain. Yea, we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised." If Christ is not risen, we are still held guilty for our sins, no forgiveness has occurred! - 1 Co 15:17 "and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins." If Christ is not risen, those who have died as Christians have perished, they are lost! - 1 Co 15:18 "Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished." If Christ has not risen, then we do not have a "living" hope, instead we are to be pitied by others! - 1 Co 15:19 "If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable."
But through Jesus' resurrection, we have been "born again" to a living hope! Peter may have reference not to the process of conversion (though he does in 1 Pe 1:23), but to the renewed hope produced by the resurrection of Jesus. For example, after Jesus' death and prior to His resurrection, the disciples were despondent. But after the resurrection of Jesus, His disciples were "born again" in regards to their hope. As Guy N. Woods says in his commentary: "The reference here is...to the re-establishment of the faith of the disciples by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead." Surely the fact that Jesus did rise gives us reason for a "living" hope. God would not raise a liar, so anything Jesus said about our hope is true - note, Jn 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;". Since Jesus rose from the dead, we have a firm hope that we too will one day rise from the dead - 1 Co 15:20-23 "But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming." By the abundant mercy of God, and upon the basis of Jesus' own resurrection, then, we have been "born again" to a living hope!
But there are two more reasons discussed in verses 4-5 as to why our hope can be described as "living". One is because of the nature of our inheritance! The degree of hope we have is directly related to the inheritance we have. If our inheritance is a good one, our hope is strong, or "living". If our inheritance is a poor one, then our hope is weak, or "dead".
This is as Peter described in verses 4-5 "unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." It is "incorruptible. The Greek word is aphthartos {af'-thar-tos}, meaning "not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable". Unlike the present heavens and earth in which now live, and which will one day be destroyed - 2 Pe 3:10-13 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
Our inheritance is to be undefiled. The Greek word is amiantos {am-ee'-an-tos}, meaning "not defiled, unsoiled". It is unlike the earthly Canaan, which could be and was defiled by its inhabitants. Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed to enter - Re 21:27"and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life."
Our inheritance does not fade away. The Greek word is amarantos {am-ar'-an-tos}, meaning "unfading, perennial". The word is a variation of "amaranth" which was the name of a mythical flower whose bloom was perpetual and whose loveliness never faded. Such is our heavenly reward: it will not rust, fade, or wither like so many things do here on earth.
Our inheritance is reserved in heaven. The word "reserved" comes from tereo {tay-reh'-o}, meaning "to watch, to observe, to guard, protect, to reserve, set aside". Therefore, our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven itself! No one, not even Satan himself, can steal it from you!
Since this is the nature of our "inheritance" upon which our hope rests, we can see why our hope is described as a "living" hope.There is one more reason to call our hope a "living" hope: not only is our inheritance safely guarded in heaven, but also because we are guarded. Christians are "kept" for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. The word "kept" is from phroureo {froo-reh'-o}, and is a military term. It means "to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight". "While our inheritance is being kept guarded in heaven under the watchful eye of God, we are being garrisoned about by God's protecting care for it." (WUEST)
Note that being "kept" involves two things. First, The Power of God! We have the help of God Himself, who knows how to help those in temptation. He knows how to deliver them out of temptation - 2 Pe 2:9 "the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;" He knows how to enable them to bear with the temptation - 1 Co 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it." He supplies the armor necessary to withstand in the evil day - Ep 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand."
Also, Our Faith! To be safely guarded by God's protective care requires faith on our part. The only way we can ever lose our inheritance reserved in heaven is to become unfaithful to the Lord! - Re 2:10 "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." While the Bible teaches the security of the "believer" It also teaches that a "believer" can become an "unbeliever" - He 3:12-13 "Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin:" And it teaches that "unbelievers" have no hope - He 3:14-4:3. As long as we remain "faithful", then, we have the assurance of God's protective care to guide us until we receive that inheritance reserved in heaven for us!
In this passage (1 Pe 1:3-5), there are four reasons why the hope of the Christian is called a "living" hope: because God is merciful! Because Jesus is alive! Because of the nature of our inheritance!Because we are safely guarded! A "living" hope can be a source of great joy in the lives of Christians; it certainly was to the original recipients of Peter's epistle:
"In this (the living hope that pertains to the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials." - 1 Pe 1:6
Do you have this "living" hope? You do if you have received God's mercy offered in Christ, and are remaining faithful to the Lord. If you have not received this mercy, or have neglected it through unfaithfulness, why not come to the Lord according to His conditions found in His Holy Word? - please read Ac 2:38; 1 Jn 1:9
This lesson has been composed in part from a lesson series on 1st Peter by Mark A. Copeland and used as permitted by him at The Executable Outlines Series website.
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2000
A "Living" Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5)
In our study of Peter's epistle so far, we have noticed that as far as the world is concerned, Christians are but "pilgrims". But as far as God is concerned, we are His "elect". As the "elect" (chosen) of God, we are the recipients of many blessings that God offers to all who will obey and follow Christ. One of these blessings is described in 1 Pe 1:3-5 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." Here we learn that God has caused us to be born again unto "a living hope". An understanding of this "living" hope can help Christians who are "pilgrims" be more joyful during their sojourn in this life. Therefore, in this lesson we shall examine what Peter says about the Christian hope that makes it a "living" hope.
Verse 3 begins with Peter praising God, and this leads us to the first reason our hope is a "living" hope, because God is merciful. The basis for our hope lies in the abundance of God's mercy; mercy bestowed while we were yet sinners - Ro 5:6 "For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly.", 8 "But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Mercy bestowed upon the conditions of faith, repentance, and baptism - Ac 2:36-38 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Mercy bestowed continually upon Christians as they repent of and confess their sins - 1 Jn 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Because of God's "abundant mercy", then, we who are sinners can have a "living" hope!
But according to verse 3 there is another reason to have hope. Because Jesus is alive! The resurrection of Jesus is crucial to our hope. If Christ is not risen, then the apostles were liars, and our faith is vain! - 1 Co 15:14-15 "and if Christ hath not been raised, then is our preaching vain, your faith also is vain. Yea, we are found false witnesses of God; because we witnessed of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead are not raised." If Christ is not risen, we are still held guilty for our sins, no forgiveness has occurred! - 1 Co 15:17 "and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins." If Christ is not risen, those who have died as Christians have perished, they are lost! - 1 Co 15:18 "Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ have perished." If Christ has not risen, then we do not have a "living" hope, instead we are to be pitied by others! - 1 Co 15:19 "If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable."
But through Jesus' resurrection, we have been "born again" to a living hope! Peter may have reference not to the process of conversion (though he does in 1 Pe 1:23), but to the renewed hope produced by the resurrection of Jesus. For example, after Jesus' death and prior to His resurrection, the disciples were despondent. But after the resurrection of Jesus, His disciples were "born again" in regards to their hope. As Guy N. Woods says in his commentary: "The reference here is...to the re-establishment of the faith of the disciples by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead." Surely the fact that Jesus did rise gives us reason for a "living" hope. God would not raise a liar, so anything Jesus said about our hope is true - note, Jn 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;". Since Jesus rose from the dead, we have a firm hope that we too will one day rise from the dead - 1 Co 15:20-23 "But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming." By the abundant mercy of God, and upon the basis of Jesus' own resurrection, then, we have been "born again" to a living hope!
But there are two more reasons discussed in verses 4-5 as to why our hope can be described as "living". One is because of the nature of our inheritance! The degree of hope we have is directly related to the inheritance we have. If our inheritance is a good one, our hope is strong, or "living". If our inheritance is a poor one, then our hope is weak, or "dead".
This is as Peter described in verses 4-5 "unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." It is "incorruptible. The Greek word is aphthartos {af'-thar-tos}, meaning "not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable". Unlike the present heavens and earth in which now live, and which will one day be destroyed - 2 Pe 3:10-13 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
Our inheritance is to be undefiled. The Greek word is amiantos {am-ee'-an-tos}, meaning "not defiled, unsoiled". It is unlike the earthly Canaan, which could be and was defiled by its inhabitants. Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed to enter - Re 21:27"and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life."
Our inheritance does not fade away. The Greek word is amarantos {am-ar'-an-tos}, meaning "unfading, perennial". The word is a variation of "amaranth" which was the name of a mythical flower whose bloom was perpetual and whose loveliness never faded. Such is our heavenly reward: it will not rust, fade, or wither like so many things do here on earth.
Our inheritance is reserved in heaven. The word "reserved" comes from tereo {tay-reh'-o}, meaning "to watch, to observe, to guard, protect, to reserve, set aside". Therefore, our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven itself! No one, not even Satan himself, can steal it from you!
Since this is the nature of our "inheritance" upon which our hope rests, we can see why our hope is described as a "living" hope.There is one more reason to call our hope a "living" hope: not only is our inheritance safely guarded in heaven, but also because we are guarded. Christians are "kept" for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. The word "kept" is from phroureo {froo-reh'-o}, and is a military term. It means "to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight". "While our inheritance is being kept guarded in heaven under the watchful eye of God, we are being garrisoned about by God's protecting care for it." (WUEST)
Note that being "kept" involves two things. First, The Power of God! We have the help of God Himself, who knows how to help those in temptation. He knows how to deliver them out of temptation - 2 Pe 2:9 "the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;" He knows how to enable them to bear with the temptation - 1 Co 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it." He supplies the armor necessary to withstand in the evil day - Ep 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand."
Also, Our Faith! To be safely guarded by God's protective care requires faith on our part. The only way we can ever lose our inheritance reserved in heaven is to become unfaithful to the Lord! - Re 2:10 "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." While the Bible teaches the security of the "believer" It also teaches that a "believer" can become an "unbeliever" - He 3:12-13 "Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin:" And it teaches that "unbelievers" have no hope - He 3:14-4:3. As long as we remain "faithful", then, we have the assurance of God's protective care to guide us until we receive that inheritance reserved in heaven for us!
In this passage (1 Pe 1:3-5), there are four reasons why the hope of the Christian is called a "living" hope: because God is merciful! Because Jesus is alive! Because of the nature of our inheritance!Because we are safely guarded! A "living" hope can be a source of great joy in the lives of Christians; it certainly was to the original recipients of Peter's epistle:
"In this (the living hope that pertains to the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials." - 1 Pe 1:6
Do you have this "living" hope? You do if you have received God's mercy offered in Christ, and are remaining faithful to the Lord. If you have not received this mercy, or have neglected it through unfaithfulness, why not come to the Lord according to His conditions found in His Holy Word? - please read Ac 2:38; 1 Jn 1:9
This lesson has been composed in part from a lesson series on 1st Peter by Mark A. Copeland and used as permitted by him at The Executable Outlines Series website.
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2000
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The elect of God (1 Peter 1;2) Cont.
The "Elect" Of God (1:2) - Cont.
Peter in this epistle will later expound upon the need for obedience. As obedient children of God, we are to be holy - 1 Pe 1:14-16 “as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance: but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.”
We are even to submit to civil authorities, that we might silence the ignorance of foolish men - 1 Pe 2:13-16 “Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.” Peter implies grave consequences to those "who obey not the gospel of God" - 1 Pe 4:17 “For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” Peter also tells servants and wives to be obedient, but this should suffice to impress upon us that the privilege of being God's "elect" involves the responsibility of being obedient to the will of the Lord.
Finally, being the "elect" of God also means we have the blessings of forgiveness! We enjoy the "spinkling of the blood of Christ Jesus. This is a clear reference to the blessing of forgiveness of sins made possible by the death of Christ. The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed when we first become Christians upon our baptism into Christ - Ac 2:38 “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.” The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed as we confess sins throughout our daily walk with God -1 Jn 1:7-9 “but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This blessing is only one of several mentioned in Peter's epistle. He later speaks of "an inheritance" - 1 Pe 1:4 “unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”. And the "salvation of souls" - 1 Pe 1:9 “receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” He describes Jesus as the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" - 1 Pe 2:25 “For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” He also refers to the care of God - 1 Pe 5:7 “casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”
We hope to examine some of these blessings for God's "elect" in greater detail in future lessons. But what we have seen from 1 Pe 1:2 is that while Christians may indeed be "pilgrims", strangers living in a world not their own, they are not to be pitied! For by the grace of God and their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are God's "elect", His "chosen ones", and as such they are:
1) Part of God's predetermined plan
2) Chosen through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit
3) Given responsibilities in keeping with the fact they are the children of God
4) Recipients of the richest blessings God has to offer (such as forgiveness of sins)
It is surprising, then, that Peter would address such people with: "Grace to you and peace be multiplied"? Certainly those who are God's "elect" receive in multiple measure the saving grace of God and the peace which accompanies such unmerited favor!
How about you? Are you one of the "elect" of God? You are if you have answered the call of the gospel through the obedience of faith (see Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38-41)! If you have not yet rendered obedience to the gospel, then please do so today, especially in view of the following statements by Peter and Paul:
"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" - 1 Pe 4:17
"and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed." - 2 Th 1:7-10
Peter in this epistle will later expound upon the need for obedience. As obedient children of God, we are to be holy - 1 Pe 1:14-16 “as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance: but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.”
We are even to submit to civil authorities, that we might silence the ignorance of foolish men - 1 Pe 2:13-16 “Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.” Peter implies grave consequences to those "who obey not the gospel of God" - 1 Pe 4:17 “For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” Peter also tells servants and wives to be obedient, but this should suffice to impress upon us that the privilege of being God's "elect" involves the responsibility of being obedient to the will of the Lord.
Finally, being the "elect" of God also means we have the blessings of forgiveness! We enjoy the "spinkling of the blood of Christ Jesus. This is a clear reference to the blessing of forgiveness of sins made possible by the death of Christ. The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed when we first become Christians upon our baptism into Christ - Ac 2:38 “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”; 22:16 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.” The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed as we confess sins throughout our daily walk with God -1 Jn 1:7-9 “but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This blessing is only one of several mentioned in Peter's epistle. He later speaks of "an inheritance" - 1 Pe 1:4 “unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”. And the "salvation of souls" - 1 Pe 1:9 “receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” He describes Jesus as the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" - 1 Pe 2:25 “For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” He also refers to the care of God - 1 Pe 5:7 “casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”
We hope to examine some of these blessings for God's "elect" in greater detail in future lessons. But what we have seen from 1 Pe 1:2 is that while Christians may indeed be "pilgrims", strangers living in a world not their own, they are not to be pitied! For by the grace of God and their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are God's "elect", His "chosen ones", and as such they are:
1) Part of God's predetermined plan
2) Chosen through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit
3) Given responsibilities in keeping with the fact they are the children of God
4) Recipients of the richest blessings God has to offer (such as forgiveness of sins)
It is surprising, then, that Peter would address such people with: "Grace to you and peace be multiplied"? Certainly those who are God's "elect" receive in multiple measure the saving grace of God and the peace which accompanies such unmerited favor!
How about you? Are you one of the "elect" of God? You are if you have answered the call of the gospel through the obedience of faith (see Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38-41)! If you have not yet rendered obedience to the gospel, then please do so today, especially in view of the following statements by Peter and Paul:
"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" - 1 Pe 4:17
"and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed." - 2 Th 1:7-10
Saturday, January 09, 2010
The Elect of God (1Peter 1:2)
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
The "Elect" Of God (1:2)
In our previous study, we noticed that Peter referred to Christians as "pilgrims of the Dispersion". This description implies that Christians are but strangers, foreigners, sojourning in a land not their own, and scattered about like seed. With their citizenship in heaven, they may be "in" this world, but they are not to be "of" this world. Therefore, one of their important duties is to be "separate" - 1 Pe 2:11 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."
One might think that since Christians are "scattered strangers" in this world, they are to be pitied. Not so, for though they are strangers in the world, they are the "ELECT" of God - 1 Pe 1:2“according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” The word "elect" simply means "chosen" and is thus translated in 1 Pe 2:9-10 “But ye are an elect race (chosen, KJV), a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” There we learn that Christians are "a chosen generation"; i.e., they are truly God's chosen people!
In this lesson, we shall consider what it means for Christians to be "The ELECT Of God". Using the comments of Peter in 1 Pe 1:2 as an outline for this study, we see first that as the ELECT of God we are a part of God's predetermined plan. Peter says, "elect according to the foreknowledge of God". The word "foreknowledge" comes from "prognosis" {prog'-no-sis}. It means "forethought, pre-arrangement". For example, being the "elect" (chosen) of God is in keeping with God's plan which He designed beforehand. As B. W. Johnson says in his "People's New Testament" commentary: "Their election and salvation was in accordance with God's predetermined purpose to save men through the gospel, and hence, according to foreknowledge."
Paul expounds upon this "pre-arrangement" in Ephesians. God planned it before the world began - Ep 1:4 “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:”. It anticipated the "chosen" being holy and without blame - Ep 1:4b “that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:”. It looked forward to the "elect" being adopted as sons - Ep 1:5a “having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself”. This plan is according to God's good pleasure - Ep 1:5b “according to the good pleasure of his will,”. This plan has a goal that the "elect" walk in good works - Ep 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.”
Was this "election" individual or corporate? I understand election by God to have been general, not particular; corporate, not individual. That it would be "the body of Christ, the church as a whole".... Which God chose to be the recipients of His divine and gracious purposes and which He planned beforehand (foreknowledge) to carry out in Christ Jesus. While in the "corporate" sense this choice is unconditional and final, as "individuals" we must be "diligent to make your calling and election sure" - 2 Pe 1:10. Just as Israel (as a nation) had been chosen by God to receive His blessings during the Old Testament period, but individually, the Israelites also had to make "their calling and election sure". So by being in Christ, we are God's "elect", and involved in a plan which was in the mind of God before time began and which is still in the process of being worked out! The implication of this is that those who are God's "elect" are very special to God.
As we return to 1 Pe 1:2, we learn also that we become God's "elect" through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Sanctification, the process by which we are "set apart" for God's purpose, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. There are several passages that describe the connection between the Holy Spirit and our sanctification - Ro 15:16 “that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”; 1 Co 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.”; 2 Th 2:13 “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
How the Holy Spirit accomplishes this "sanctification is through the Word of God. It was God's will that the Holy Spirit would reveal the Word to the apostles - Jn 16:12-13 “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come.” Through this revealed Word, we are "sanctified" (set apart) - Jn 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.” Therefore, when people obey the Word of God which has been revealed by the Holy Spirit, they become "chosen...to salvation" through:
1) "sanctification of the Spirit" (the Divine side of conversion, as the Spirit has revealed the Word and convicts men of sin through it).
2) "and belief of the truth" (the human side of conversion, as they believe it) - 2 Th 2:13-14 “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Having been "sanctified" (set apart) by belief in the truth, and as God's "elect" now a part of His eternal plan, you might expect such privileges would call for certain responsibilities. Indeed it does, for as God's "elect" we have the responsibility of obedience. We saw earlier in Ep 2:10 that it was part of God's plan before time began that the people of God would "walk in good works". This is all part of God's wonderful grace as defined by Paul in Ti 2:11-14 “For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.” We do not earn salvation by such good works (Ti 3:5 “not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,”), but nonetheless we are to be diligent in doing them - Ti 3:1 “Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,”, 8 “Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:”, 14 “And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Peter in this epistle will later expound upon the need for obedience.
The "Elect" Of God (1:2)
In our previous study, we noticed that Peter referred to Christians as "pilgrims of the Dispersion". This description implies that Christians are but strangers, foreigners, sojourning in a land not their own, and scattered about like seed. With their citizenship in heaven, they may be "in" this world, but they are not to be "of" this world. Therefore, one of their important duties is to be "separate" - 1 Pe 2:11 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul."
One might think that since Christians are "scattered strangers" in this world, they are to be pitied. Not so, for though they are strangers in the world, they are the "ELECT" of God - 1 Pe 1:2“according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” The word "elect" simply means "chosen" and is thus translated in 1 Pe 2:9-10 “But ye are an elect race (chosen, KJV), a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” There we learn that Christians are "a chosen generation"; i.e., they are truly God's chosen people!
In this lesson, we shall consider what it means for Christians to be "The ELECT Of God". Using the comments of Peter in 1 Pe 1:2 as an outline for this study, we see first that as the ELECT of God we are a part of God's predetermined plan. Peter says, "elect according to the foreknowledge of God". The word "foreknowledge" comes from "prognosis" {prog'-no-sis}. It means "forethought, pre-arrangement". For example, being the "elect" (chosen) of God is in keeping with God's plan which He designed beforehand. As B. W. Johnson says in his "People's New Testament" commentary: "Their election and salvation was in accordance with God's predetermined purpose to save men through the gospel, and hence, according to foreknowledge."
Paul expounds upon this "pre-arrangement" in Ephesians. God planned it before the world began - Ep 1:4 “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:”. It anticipated the "chosen" being holy and without blame - Ep 1:4b “that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:”. It looked forward to the "elect" being adopted as sons - Ep 1:5a “having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself”. This plan is according to God's good pleasure - Ep 1:5b “according to the good pleasure of his will,”. This plan has a goal that the "elect" walk in good works - Ep 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.”
Was this "election" individual or corporate? I understand election by God to have been general, not particular; corporate, not individual. That it would be "the body of Christ, the church as a whole".... Which God chose to be the recipients of His divine and gracious purposes and which He planned beforehand (foreknowledge) to carry out in Christ Jesus. While in the "corporate" sense this choice is unconditional and final, as "individuals" we must be "diligent to make your calling and election sure" - 2 Pe 1:10. Just as Israel (as a nation) had been chosen by God to receive His blessings during the Old Testament period, but individually, the Israelites also had to make "their calling and election sure". So by being in Christ, we are God's "elect", and involved in a plan which was in the mind of God before time began and which is still in the process of being worked out! The implication of this is that those who are God's "elect" are very special to God.
As we return to 1 Pe 1:2, we learn also that we become God's "elect" through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. Sanctification, the process by which we are "set apart" for God's purpose, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. There are several passages that describe the connection between the Holy Spirit and our sanctification - Ro 15:16 “that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”; 1 Co 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.”; 2 Th 2:13 “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
How the Holy Spirit accomplishes this "sanctification is through the Word of God. It was God's will that the Holy Spirit would reveal the Word to the apostles - Jn 16:12-13 “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come.” Through this revealed Word, we are "sanctified" (set apart) - Jn 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.” Therefore, when people obey the Word of God which has been revealed by the Holy Spirit, they become "chosen...to salvation" through:
1) "sanctification of the Spirit" (the Divine side of conversion, as the Spirit has revealed the Word and convicts men of sin through it).
2) "and belief of the truth" (the human side of conversion, as they believe it) - 2 Th 2:13-14 “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Having been "sanctified" (set apart) by belief in the truth, and as God's "elect" now a part of His eternal plan, you might expect such privileges would call for certain responsibilities. Indeed it does, for as God's "elect" we have the responsibility of obedience. We saw earlier in Ep 2:10 that it was part of God's plan before time began that the people of God would "walk in good works". This is all part of God's wonderful grace as defined by Paul in Ti 2:11-14 “For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.” We do not earn salvation by such good works (Ti 3:5 “not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,”), but nonetheless we are to be diligent in doing them - Ti 3:1 “Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,”, 8 “Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:”, 14 “And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.” Peter in this epistle will later expound upon the need for obedience.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Pilgrims of the Dispersion - Cont.
Pilgrims Of The Dispersion (1:1) - Cont.
Having defined what Peter means by "pilgrims of the dispersion," we will now turn or attention to the journey and look at some responsibilities as pilgrims. On this JOURNEY, we become like our spiritual father, Abraham. Notice He 11:8-10“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”, 13-16“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. For they that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own. And if indeed they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city.” this is our attitude towards this life then God is not ashamed to be called our God. And we can honestly sing songs like "This World Is Not My Home"
This phrase reminds us of an important responsibility. Our responsibility as "pilgrims" is to be SEPARATE - 1 Pe 2:11-12 “Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” We may be "in the world," but we are not to be "of the world" - Jn 17:15-16 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.”; 2 Co 6:14-7:1 “Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Remaining separate may cause some in the world to think we are strange, but - 1 Pe 4:3-4“For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” Jesus said this would happen, even as it did to Him - Jn 15:18-19 “If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
Figuratively speaking, we should be like those foreign refugees now in our country who resist giving up their heritage, their language; who resist attempts to "Americanize" them and destroy their cultural traditions. Can it be said of us who are Christians, that we are keeping ourselves SEPARATE from the world? Are we steadfast in our faith or are we allowing the world to influence our speech, dress and conduct? If so, then we are no longer "pilgrims," but "naturalized citizens" of this world! Remember John's warning in 1 Jn 2:15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
This phrase ought to remind us of our true home. Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly await our Savior - Ph 3:20-21 “For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.” We are to be looking for "a new heavens and a new earth" - 2 Pe 3:13-14 “But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.” That is where we will find our true home, the CITY.... "which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." - He 11:10,16. That is "the one to come" - He 13:14“For we have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come.” The city that "comes down out of heaven from God" - Re 21:1-22:5 -- That is where we, who are now simply strangers and foreigners scattered like seed in this world, will one day be gathered together! Those who are truly "pilgrims" will think often of their true home. When we live far away from family we think often of our roots of home. And so we will think often of our heavenly home, if we are truly "pilgrims of the Dispersion"!
Are we "pilgrims of the Dispersion"? We are, if as Christians we view our life here on earth as a journey in a foreign land! We are, if we keep ourselves separate from things in the world that would lead us away from God! We are, if we view as our true home, the heavenly city God has prepared from those who confess they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth!
But you are NOT a "pilgrim of the Dispersion" if you have not yet begun your spiritual sojourn by obeying the gospel of Christ! Having done so, you allow the attractions of the world to discontinue your journey and "settle down" in things which would separate you from God! Are YOU a "pilgrim of the Dispersion"?
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