"The Writer, The Readers, and the Reason" - 1 Peter 1:1-2 (Larry Malament)

Sermon Quotes:

Edmond Hiebert: “1 Peter was not written to expound momentous doctrinal truths; rather, it is a practical appeal to courage, purity, and faithfulness to Christ in the midst of suffering for his name’s sake. It is full of that comfort which only a true Christian, rich in faith and rich in love, can give to the suffering. Peter’s primary purpose was not to teach Christian doctrine but to strengthen Christian faith.”

1 Peter 4:12 - “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."

• The writer – 1:1       
• The readers – 1:2a
• The reason – 1:2b (5:12)   

Ephesians 1:4-5 - “Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us…”      

1 John 1:7,9 - “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin…if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 

Edmond Hiebert: “The sign and proof of being among the 'elect' is not an empty prating (babbling) of how secure we are once we have believed, but rather how sensitive we are to the principle and practice of obedience to the Savior we have trusted.”

David Helm: “We have a lot in common with Peter’s first readers. In Christ we are God’s chosen, his elect in all the earth. And yet we are living our lives out in a complex and often confusing context. We are capable of waking up each morning in joyful praise and going to bed dejected in spirit.”

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”

CJ Mahaney: "Our study and application of this letter is meant to multiply, not add, but multiply our experience of grace and peace and strengthen our hearts as exiles, particularly when we are opposed and persecuted, for we don’t belong here-we are just passing through as we make our way to our true heavenly home."