READ THE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 1:1-12
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 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. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
SERMON NOTES
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GROUP STUDY
REVIEW
What does Peter mean when he refers to believers as “elect exiles”? How does this shape our identity as Christians today?
According to the sermon, what are the four aspects of Christ’s Election as described in 1 Peter 1:2?
What are the four key effects of Christ’s election mentioned in verses 2-12, and how do they impact the life of the believer
REFLECT
How does knowing that you are “elect in Christ” change the way you see your suffering, trials, or anxiety?
Do you usually think of election as primarily about your status, rather than about Christ’s sufficiency? What shifts for you when Jesus is placed at the center of this doctrine?
Where in your life are you tempted to forget that you are an “exile”? In what ways might you be living as if this world is your true home?
Peter says we can have joy that is “inexpressible and filled with glory.” What does joy look like in your current season of life?
How does it feel to know that God’s plan to save you began before the foundation of the world? Does that bring you comfort, challenge, or questions? Why?
RESPOND
Is there an area of your life where you need to live more distinctly as an “elect exile”—in holiness, love, or obedience? What’s one step you can take this week?
Who in your life needs to hear the message that Jesus was chosen, died, rose again, and loves them? Will you share that this week?
Take time today to look to Jesus – the Elect One. Pray Hebrews 12:2 aloud and ask God to help you fix your eyes on Christ, no matter what distractions or struggles come.