Bible Text: 1 Peter 1:1-5 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: 1 Peter, Chosen By God

1.  Peter describes the believer’s to whom he is writing as “strangers in the world.”  Peter’s point is that Christians are displaced persons whose eyes and thoughts should ever be turned toward Heaven.  The Jews had a practice which illustrated this point.  Whenever they were dispersed in foreign lands they would keep their eyes foxed toward Jerusalem by building their synagogues in such a way that when a worshipper entered they were facing toward Jerusalem (a reminder of their real home). (Barclay)

2.  This truth is illustrated in other New Testament books by other authors, such as: Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16: 13:14; Philippians 3:17-20; and Colossians 3:1ff. 

3.  Peter’s theme of suffering in the Christian life and how to respond to it is seen in his choice of vocabulary.  Eighteen times, using four different Greek words, Peter mentions suffering, enduring (the sufferings of Christ, the sufferings, grief, pain, and fiery testing of believers).  Six times he speaks of the life of submission; four times of doing good; and six times of conduct or behavior, the proper way of life for the believer. Our conduct as Christians, even in the face of suffering and persecution, should be one of submission and good deeds.

4.  Peter calls believers, “God’s elect.”  Greek ekletos describes something that is specially chosen.  This election is “not by chance or human decision but God’s sovereign unconditional choice.” (Raymer)

5.  “No believer should ever feel threatened by the doctrine of election, because it is always presented in Scripture as the ground of comfort.” (Murdock)