May 3, 2020 –Salvation Sermon by Rev. Jessica Johnson
Salvation – 1 Peter 1:3-12
Lectionary Readings for May 3, 2020
Introduction
The Apostle Peter wrote 1 Peter to those who were socially marginalized for both their social situation and their spiritual beliefs. However, it was primarily their Christian beliefs that kept them on the fringes of society. A life spent obediently following Jesus Christ will eventually put someone at odds with their culture. In some places, this happens more than others, and social marginalization can go from subtle persecution to full outright persecution. When Peter wrote this, Nero was emperor. Nero, especially after a fire burnt down a good bit of Rome, persecuted Christians and had them executed. He used this new sect of believers as a scapegoat for the fire. Nero was known for both his extravagance, especially his building projects, and for his tyranny. During his reign, it is believed that both the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul were martyred for their faith, but it was a few years after 1 Peter was written.
Peter writes to the Christians to remind them that no matter what is going on in the world that they were children of God. He wanted to encourage them in their faith during a time of persecution and social ostracization. Peter did that by first reminding them of where it all began, the source of their salvation in Jesus Christ. I would love for you to read with me as I read 1 Peter 1:3-12 ESV. As I read, I will warn you that this is basically written as one very long run-on sentence, however, it is elegantly written.
1 Peter 1:3-12 ESV
Born Again to a Living Hope
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.
Hope of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:3-5
In verses 3-5, Peter writes of the hope of salvation. Jesus rose from the dead, and this is the source of our hope. We are promised an inheritance simply because we are God’s children. This inheritance cannot be diminished or destroyed or revoked. It is there waiting for us. These words from Peter remind me of Paul’s words in his letter to the Romans. Romans 8:18 ESV states: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” We can hope in the future despite whatever sufferings and troubles we are having now. There is always hope in God.
Peter also assures us of God’s mercy and power in the resurrection of Christ. Jesus died so that we wouldn’t have to. The death of Jesus Christ was an act of justice, because the price of sin is death. God is just and our sins, the sins of all people, needed to be accounted for. But the death of Christ was also an act of mercy, because God allowed Jesus to die in our place. The resurrection of Jesus is demonstrates mercy as well, because Jesus defeated death and rose again. In that act, we are given hope. We are given hope of life after death. We are also given hope, because the resurrection demonstrates the power of God. Peter encourages them (and us) by pointing out that they are shielded and protected by God and His power, the same power that He used by resurrecting Jesus Christ.
Expectation of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Peter frames the rest of his message with these assurances of hope and God’s power protecting them, because he knows that they are facing all kinds of grief, suffering, and trials for their faith. In verses 6-7, Peter tells them that even in their suffering that they can be encouraged and rejoice in it. The faith of the people is being refined and purified under this time of testing. The Church may even experience a bit of pruning where those who have an authentic faith will remain standing, but those with only a nominal faith may drift away.
Christianity by its very nature is counter-cultural. There will always be times when it comes head to head with culture. Our faith and belief system will rub people the wrong way. Peter points out certain expectations that come with salvation. First, there will be times of suffering for our faith. Second, we can expect Jesus Christ to return again. His coming was promised before, and He came. He has promised to come again, and Jesus will come again. Peter once again entwines a message of hope within his thoughts on suffering. There is always hope, and it is an assured hope. A third expectation is that our faith will be refined and strengthened in the face of opposition. It is possible that people will fall away from the faith during this refinement. However, I know that every time my faith has been challenged by someone or something that it has grown stronger. I have had to research the issue at hand, dig deep into what it is I really believe, and my faith has been stronger for it. My theology has been become more refined not just during times when someone opposes my beliefs, but also during times of tragedy in my life.
When commitment to holy living, obediently following Jesus Christ encounters the unbelief in the gospel and permissiveness or tolerance in our culture, then sparks are bound to happen. However, the church does not always act as a boiling point. For example, Western society has tried to reduce Christianity to a mere system of morals and ethics, or it has turned into a system of ethics based on so-called “tolerant love”. But both of those views minimize what Christianity is. It will always find its foundation in the message of salvation. Everything points back to Christ.
Source of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:8-9
And that is Peter’s next point in verses 8-9: Jesus Christ is the source of salvation. In our relationship with Jesus, we rejoice at His existence. We believe in Jesus and follow Him. We love Him. Yet, we do not see Him. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is based upon our faith, and our faith is based upon Jesus Christ. Faith is believing without seeing, but that does not mean that it is blind. While I have not seen Jesus Christ in person, there is proof and witness of His existence. While I do not see Him in bodily, physical form, I have felt His presence in my life.
We live in a pluralistic society. The people of the New Testament did as well. There were competing worldviews, philosophies, and ways of thought. But there is only one way to salvation and that is through Jesus Christ. John 10:1-10 talk about Jesus as the shepherd and gatekeeper. Look specifically at John 10:7-10 which states:
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Jesus came so that we may have life. Jesus came so that we may have salvation.
Fulfillment of the Prophecy of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:10-12
Looking back at 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter points out that this route of salvation through Jesus Christ was just as the Old Testament prophets foretold. Jesus was the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. He came to save us all. Salvation is the foundation for all we do. Social works are important, but not the most important. Salvation must be central. We cannot forget our purpose (to glorify God) and our mission (to spread the Gospel) amidst “doing good”. Just like the Old Testament prophets were serving current and future generations, we must continue to spread the good news for our current generation as well as future generations. The good news that Jesus came and died and then rose again, defeating death, all for our salvation. All so we could have life and a future.
Salvation – 1 Peter 1:3-12
Lectionary Readings for May 3, 2020
- Acts 2:42-47
- Psalm 23
- 1 Peter 2:19-25
- John 10:1-10
Introduction
The Apostle Peter wrote 1 Peter to those who were socially marginalized for both their social situation and their spiritual beliefs. However, it was primarily their Christian beliefs that kept them on the fringes of society. A life spent obediently following Jesus Christ will eventually put someone at odds with their culture. In some places, this happens more than others, and social marginalization can go from subtle persecution to full outright persecution. When Peter wrote this, Nero was emperor. Nero, especially after a fire burnt down a good bit of Rome, persecuted Christians and had them executed. He used this new sect of believers as a scapegoat for the fire. Nero was known for both his extravagance, especially his building projects, and for his tyranny. During his reign, it is believed that both the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul were martyred for their faith, but it was a few years after 1 Peter was written.
Peter writes to the Christians to remind them that no matter what is going on in the world that they were children of God. He wanted to encourage them in their faith during a time of persecution and social ostracization. Peter did that by first reminding them of where it all began, the source of their salvation in Jesus Christ. I would love for you to read with me as I read 1 Peter 1:3-12 ESV. As I read, I will warn you that this is basically written as one very long run-on sentence, however, it is elegantly written.
1 Peter 1:3-12 ESV
Born Again to a Living Hope
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.
Hope of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:3-5
In verses 3-5, Peter writes of the hope of salvation. Jesus rose from the dead, and this is the source of our hope. We are promised an inheritance simply because we are God’s children. This inheritance cannot be diminished or destroyed or revoked. It is there waiting for us. These words from Peter remind me of Paul’s words in his letter to the Romans. Romans 8:18 ESV states: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” We can hope in the future despite whatever sufferings and troubles we are having now. There is always hope in God.
Peter also assures us of God’s mercy and power in the resurrection of Christ. Jesus died so that we wouldn’t have to. The death of Jesus Christ was an act of justice, because the price of sin is death. God is just and our sins, the sins of all people, needed to be accounted for. But the death of Christ was also an act of mercy, because God allowed Jesus to die in our place. The resurrection of Jesus is demonstrates mercy as well, because Jesus defeated death and rose again. In that act, we are given hope. We are given hope of life after death. We are also given hope, because the resurrection demonstrates the power of God. Peter encourages them (and us) by pointing out that they are shielded and protected by God and His power, the same power that He used by resurrecting Jesus Christ.
Expectation of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Peter frames the rest of his message with these assurances of hope and God’s power protecting them, because he knows that they are facing all kinds of grief, suffering, and trials for their faith. In verses 6-7, Peter tells them that even in their suffering that they can be encouraged and rejoice in it. The faith of the people is being refined and purified under this time of testing. The Church may even experience a bit of pruning where those who have an authentic faith will remain standing, but those with only a nominal faith may drift away.
Christianity by its very nature is counter-cultural. There will always be times when it comes head to head with culture. Our faith and belief system will rub people the wrong way. Peter points out certain expectations that come with salvation. First, there will be times of suffering for our faith. Second, we can expect Jesus Christ to return again. His coming was promised before, and He came. He has promised to come again, and Jesus will come again. Peter once again entwines a message of hope within his thoughts on suffering. There is always hope, and it is an assured hope. A third expectation is that our faith will be refined and strengthened in the face of opposition. It is possible that people will fall away from the faith during this refinement. However, I know that every time my faith has been challenged by someone or something that it has grown stronger. I have had to research the issue at hand, dig deep into what it is I really believe, and my faith has been stronger for it. My theology has been become more refined not just during times when someone opposes my beliefs, but also during times of tragedy in my life.
When commitment to holy living, obediently following Jesus Christ encounters the unbelief in the gospel and permissiveness or tolerance in our culture, then sparks are bound to happen. However, the church does not always act as a boiling point. For example, Western society has tried to reduce Christianity to a mere system of morals and ethics, or it has turned into a system of ethics based on so-called “tolerant love”. But both of those views minimize what Christianity is. It will always find its foundation in the message of salvation. Everything points back to Christ.
Source of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:8-9
And that is Peter’s next point in verses 8-9: Jesus Christ is the source of salvation. In our relationship with Jesus, we rejoice at His existence. We believe in Jesus and follow Him. We love Him. Yet, we do not see Him. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is based upon our faith, and our faith is based upon Jesus Christ. Faith is believing without seeing, but that does not mean that it is blind. While I have not seen Jesus Christ in person, there is proof and witness of His existence. While I do not see Him in bodily, physical form, I have felt His presence in my life.
We live in a pluralistic society. The people of the New Testament did as well. There were competing worldviews, philosophies, and ways of thought. But there is only one way to salvation and that is through Jesus Christ. John 10:1-10 talk about Jesus as the shepherd and gatekeeper. Look specifically at John 10:7-10 which states:
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Jesus came so that we may have life. Jesus came so that we may have salvation.
Fulfillment of the Prophecy of Salvation – 1 Peter 1:10-12
Looking back at 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter points out that this route of salvation through Jesus Christ was just as the Old Testament prophets foretold. Jesus was the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. He came to save us all. Salvation is the foundation for all we do. Social works are important, but not the most important. Salvation must be central. We cannot forget our purpose (to glorify God) and our mission (to spread the Gospel) amidst “doing good”. Just like the Old Testament prophets were serving current and future generations, we must continue to spread the good news for our current generation as well as future generations. The good news that Jesus came and died and then rose again, defeating death, all for our salvation. All so we could have life and a future.
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