EXILES: Following Jesus in a Fallen World: Hope in the Fire
1 Peter 1:1-2a Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit.” (NIV)
1. Exiles Expect Trials
1 Peter 1:6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (NIV)
False Faith
1. A Borrowed Faith
2. A Comfortable Faith
3. A Transactional Faith
2. Exiles Are Refined by Trials
1 Peter 1:7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (NIV)
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV)
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
3. Exiles Learn to Trust What They Cannot Yet See
1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (NIV)
· The absence of visible evidence is not the absence of God’s presence.
4. Exiles Live with Future Hope
1 Peter 1:4 …an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (NIV)