“We live in a time of exile. At least those of us do who hold to traditional Christian beliefs…The Western public square is no longer a place where Christians feel they belong with any degree of comfort. For Christians in the United States, this is particularly disconcerting. In Europe, Christianity was pushed to the margins for a couple of centuries—the tide of faith retreated slowly. In America, the process seems to be happening much more rapidly.” (Carl Trueman)
1 Peter 1:1-2
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Living In Between Means Understanding
1. Who We Are: Exiles Far From Home
1 Peter 1:1
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Hebrews 11:13-16
… they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland…But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
2. What God Has Done
1 Peter 1:1-2
To those who are elect exiles…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood…
• The Father chose us.
To those who are elect exiles…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…
Deuteronomy 7:6-8
…The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you…
• The Spirit lives inside us.
… in the sanctification of the Spirit…
Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
• The Son died for us.
… for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood…
Psalm 90:1
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.” (Augustine)
3. How Are We Sustained
1 Peter 1:2
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Resources Cited
Chapell, Bryan, and Dane Ortlund, eds. Gospel Transformation Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013.
Doriani, Daniel M. 1 Peter. Edited by Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani. Reformed Expository Commentary. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2014.
Keller, Tim. Our Identity: Joyful Exiles. https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/our-identity-joyful-exiles/
Lewis, CS. The Weight of Glory. June 8,1941.
Trueman, Carl. www.firstthings.com/article/2018/08/a-church-for-exiles
Vroegop, Mark. This Exiled Life. https://www.yourchurch.com/content/uploads/2023/11/0e5419681_1473430568_1welcome-to-the-exile-11-2.pdf