Connected

Connected
Series: 1 & 2 Peter: Faithful Endurance 

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." 

Who – It is just about universally accepted as Peter being the author – some debate because of the style of Greek used – not a serious problem to his authorship and easily explained in that he likely dictated his letter to Silvanus who may have done the actual writing – 1 Peter 5:12 - By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

The recipient of this letter was much of the early Church in and around modern-day Turkey.  

What/Why – Our “what and why” are connected as this is a letter written to the early Church in or near Turkey – and it was written at a time when persecution was heating up. Dr. John MacArthur notes that the purpose of the letter was to teach them how to live victoriously during that time – 1. Without losing hope. 2. Without becoming bitter. 3. While trusting in the Lord. 4. While looking for His second coming.

Wayne Grudem adds: "Several subjects occur quite frequently in this short letter, such as holiness of life, the sufferings of Christ, suffering as a Christian, God’s sovereignty in salvation and life, the grace of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, the church as the new people of God, the reality of the unseen spiritual world, and trusting in God regarding daily circumstances."

When – The timing of the letter is significant and can be dated with a degree of precision.  Likely in A.D. 64-65, which is right around when Rome burned to the ground (which happened in July of 64).  This was a huge event, and I believe that he likely wrote the letter just before this happened being that it isn’t mentioned in the text.  I also think it is likely that Peter wrote this letter from Rome.

Where – If you have read ahead, you may be ready to argue with my assumption that Peter wrote this letter from Rome – 1 Peter 5:13  - "She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son."

So, wasn’t this letter written in Babylon? Yes, and no. Peter isn’t wrong about his location, but “Babylon” refers to Rome several times in the New Testament. With this in mind, Dr. Wayne Grudem wrote: "But the name ‘Babylon’ is used elsewhere in the New Testament as a reference to Rome (see Rev. 16:19, 17:5; 18:2; and note 17:9 as an identification of the ‘seven hills of’ Rome). Just as in the Old Testament Babylon was the centreof worldly power and opposition to God’s people, so in the time of the New Testament Rome was the earthly centre of a worldwide system of government and life which was set in opposition to the gospel. By referring to Rome as ‘Babylon’, Peter was carrying through the imagery of the church as the new people of God or the new Israel, which he uses throughout this letter (see commentary at 2:10)."

Moreover, there is historical evidence that Peter was at Rome at the end of his life. Also, Historical evidence shows the literal Babylon to be a place that was sparsely populated at the time of this writing with no evidence of a church or that Peter was there.  

With this historical context in mind, and the answers to the “Who, what, where, when and why” questions answered, let’s take the remainder of our time today looking at the greeting found in the first two verses of this letter. 

Main Idea: Being connected to God and to other Christians are among life’s greatest blessings.

I: We are connected by citizenship.

1 Peter 1:1 - Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

A. Peter begins his letter with his most important credential – he was an apostle… Apostle is an important and special role – the 12 apostles were basically on par with the Old Testament prophets as far as importance.  The 12 were called “Apostles of Jesus Christ” and it was an office that was limited to those men – in other words, “apostle” isn’t a role that is being filled today…
B. “Elect exiles” … The word “elect” (eklek-tos) means exactly what you would think it means – “chosen” (tension between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will…) and “exiles” (par-a-pee-de-mos) means sojourner or temporary resident.
This is used in the same way Abraham was a sojourner and Hebrews 11:13 explains that Abraham and the rest of the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11 were temporary residents on earth. Hebrews 11:13 - These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

So, by Peter’s use of “elect exiles” he isn’t discussing the dispersed Jews, he is likely referring to Christian’s real citizenship in Heaven.  

C. Wherever you are from, whatever your ethnicity, if you are a follower of Christ, you are a citizen of Heaven.
D. What are some of the ways you are living out your citizenship?

Main Idea: Being connected to God and to other Christians are among life’s greatest blessings.

II: We are connected in calling and participation.

1 Peter 1:2a - 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:

A. This partial sentence tells us four things about ourselves: We are known by God, we are called into sanctification, we are called to be obedient to Jesus, we have been saved through the blood of the Lamb.
B. We are known by God – “the foreknowledge of God the Father” … God knows us personally and always has.  He also knows the times we live in… Peter is letting his readers know that God knows you and exactly what you are up against…
C. We are called to be sanctified… In other words, don’t stay as you are! There is somewhat of a parallel verse found in (SLIDE) 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth."
D. We are called to be obedient…
E. We have been saved through the blood of the Lamb…
F. While each Christian life is unique, we are connected by many things that we have in common with one another… 

Main Idea: Being connected to God and to other Christians are among life’s greatest blessings.

III: We are connected in benefits.

1 Peter 1:2b - May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

A. While this is just part of a salutation, it is much more than an empty pleasantry…
B. “Grace and peace” are more than just the well-wishing of a religious leader, they are promises of God that we see throughout Scriptures.
C. While they offered to us through a great price, that price was paid by someone else…
D. We are connected by God’s grace… John 1:16 - For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
E. We are connected by the peace of God… John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
F. Are our lives marked by grace and peace? Both are offered to you!
 

Main Idea: Being connected to God and to other Christians are among life’s greatest blessings.

Conclusion: Are you enjoying the many benefits of being connected with God and with other Christians?

We have been given access to these benefits through the blood of the Lamb.  We didn’t pay the admission, God did.  We are the benefactors of a God who has never failed and never will.