Join us as we dig into the book of 1 Peter, our current sermon series:
Back in the first century the apostle Peter wrote to encourage Christians living throughout Asia Minor (in what is modern day Turkey). These believers in Jesus found themselves exiles in this world because of their heavenly citizenship. As the Holy Spirit set apart God’s elect, they found they were often viewed with suspicion and hostility by their unbelieving neighbors. Christians could lose friends, jobs, and more because of their faith. Without the encouragement of fellow saints, believers may become discouraged and even doubting their faith when it results in such hardship.
The same is true today. As biblical Christianity becomes less palatable to our culture, the more we need to hear the encouragement and instruction that the Apostle Peter gave his original audience. If we are maligned for believing in a creator, for trusting in Jesus as the only way to the Father, for holding to and advocating for biblical morals and ethics, we need to remember that being exiles in this world is the lot of those belonging to a kingdom not of this world. Rather than giving rise to discouragement or doubts, our exile experience should remind us that, while rejected by this world, we are chosen by God. Even though we are despised by the people of this world, we are loved by our Heavenly Father.
Finding our identity in our relationship with God through His Son Jesus not only strengthens us to face the trials of this life, but it calls us to live a life that honors the one who saved us. We want to please Him. As God’s chosen people we are called to prove the truth of the gospel to others. Even as some will despise us, others will see our holy lives and become convinced of the truth of the gospel. We are exiles in this world, but we live in the hope of our future salvation. It gives us strength to endure the trials, and the courage to live holy lives.
