Stranger 101: An Orientation
1 Peter 1:1-2
Chris Seidman
Part of Stranger—1 Peter
October 11, 2020

Stranger 101: An Orientation

October 8 and 11, 2020

This is a series that will call us to embrace, and not erase, that feeling of being out of place in this world as followers of Jesus.


We must be willing to feel out of place at times so that others can find their place in Christ.


1 Peter 1:1-2 (NIV)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.


1 Peter 1:1 (NIV)
… God’s elect … .


1 Peter 1:1 (NIV)
… God’s elect, exiles … .


1 Peter 4:4 (NIV)
They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.


1 Peter 4:4 (other versions)
They think it strange … .

The Courage To Live As Strangers Comes From:

  • A constant awareness of whose we are and who we are


1 Peter 1:2 (NIV)
(They and we) … have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father … .


(They and we) … have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit … .

(They and we) … have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ … .


(They and we) … have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood … .


1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)
… you were redeemed … with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.


1 Peter 1:2 (NIV)
… Grace and peace be yours in abundance.


Through the blood of Jesus, we’re no longer estranged from God. That blessing is what makes us willing to be strange for God.

Opinions On How Believers Engage With The Culture:

  • Some believers pull back from the culture.

  • Others fight with the culture.

  • Some believers just give in to the culture.

Communion

  • Do you know someone whose strangeness drew you closer to Christ?
  • In what way are you feeling out of place as you are seeking to follow Jesus?