A tale of two peoples

Text: , : Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

1. Introduction:

a. Beginning a series on the Apostle Peter’s epistles

b. This will be the series I will preach on when I’m in the pulpit.

c. This is God’s Word for you today, and He has chosen me to deliver it, as flawed as I am.

d. Key Verse for the epistle:

e. Peter’s reasons for writing:

i. God’s plan is intentional.

ii. Exhort the faithful to denial of the world, contempt of it, to be freed from carnal desires and earthly hindrances, and aspire to the celestial kingdom of Christ. Holiness.

iii. AD 63-67 Beginnings of Neronian persecution. Paul killed in AD 64 or so. Preparing the elect for suffering – how to respond. Suffering is normal.

iv. So that they may understand who they are in Christ and why they are in this situation and how they might respond.

f. Election is a controversial doctrine but it is central to this text and to God’s message for us today. I’ve been in churches where this subject was assiduously avoided. But in the context of this message, we cannot, nor should we avoid it.

2. Interrogative: What does election mean? What does it mean to be the people of God? Can we know if we are the elect? Chosen by God unto eternal life?

3. Exhortation/imperative: Yes. We can and will know by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We need to examine our lives, look at God’s providence, gain faith and confidence and follow Him.

4. Transition: Answer the question look at three aspects of it: the author, the recipients and the reason for the message.

5. First Point: The Author. Peter, a apostle of Jesus Christ. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ”

a. Explanation:

i. No one on earth better qualified to write this letter.

Chosen by the Master, along with 11 other apostles, to carry the message. Apostle, (Apostolos), a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”), (with miraculous powers): - apostle, messenger, he that is sent.

ii. Very human, very flawed, God prepared him, all the below formed a chronology of memories

iii. Born in Bethsaida with Phillip, Bartholmew and brother Andrew

iv. Fisherman in Capernaum. Selected to study under the Lord Jesus Christ, before He was known

v. Not the brightest

1. Mount of Transfiguration (James and John, Moses and Elijah)

2. Made an oath he could not keep

3. Stuck his foot in his mouth at the last supper

4. Denied Christ’s prophesy of His death.

vi. Great declaration – your are the Christ, the Son of God ( ) Christ declares this knowledge could only come from His Father, intimating work of the Holy Spirit.

vii. Denial – difference between Peter and Judas? Fled

viii. Redemption- Restoration by Christ

ix. Pentecost – power, sermon-eloquence, clarity, courage

x. Ministry.

xi. Wrote from Babylon – no evidence He made it to Rome, ever.

xii. Inspired by God ( ). God led Peter through His life experiences, to form Him to be the perfect instrument of His will.

b. Illustration: Moses, Noah, Abraham, the Judges, Paul, my life. All were inadequate to the task at hand, or woefully unqualified, until God made them qualified.

c. Argumentation: Hard-wired. Pre-determined. Genetics. In many ways, these are all ways to legitimize sin and a worldly lifestyle. Is this not a sort of secular predestination?

d. Application: One of the ways of discovering if we are elect may come through retrospection. A backwards, forensic look at our lives will reveal to us how God has been calling us. The Bible tells us that His will for us dates from before the beginning of time. Do you suppose Peters neighbors and relatives in Bethsaida and Capernaum would have expected him, of all people, to become an Apostle of the living Christ and one of the most influential men in history?

e. Exhortation: Examine your lives and see how God has interceded or intervened. Follow His word.

6. Second Point: The recipients: “To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosenaccording to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:

a. Explanation:

i. Elect,

ii. Strangers, aliens, Jews, “elect exiles”.

iii. Pontus, G4195 Galatia, G1053 Cappadocia, G2587 Asia, G773 and G2532 Bithynia. Many of these at Pentecost – Jews for the most part, but not exclusively

iv. According to the foreknowledge (prognosis) of God. Triune operation:

1. Father elects

2. Son reconciles – sprinkling of the blood.

3. Holy Spirit sanctifies

v. obedience to Jesus Christ – they are faithful and it shows in their works and obedience to His Word.

b. Illustration: Bill Thurlby

i. Childhood

ii. Arrest and conviction for pre-meditated murder

iii. Condemned man in a population of condemned men

iv. Seeking clemency (Mercy) – some get it. He is at the mercy of the governor. Few are pardoned.

v. Bill has no power over the governor, the governor is under no obligation

vi. Where it breaks down – pardoned men are released – when we are pardoned, God changes us, but we remain among the condemned. God has a purpose in this.

c. Argumentation: Arminianism – that God died for all of us, and some of us who are good enough are enlightened enough to turn to Him in faith, and so He favors us. This was me, this is most American Christians. We like to think that God saw some merit in us, that makes us “worthy” of saving.

d. Application:

i. Election is good news, because we are all condemned to begin with by our own sin. If you understand the gravity of your sins, understand your need of a redeemer and a saviour and turn to Christ, this occurs not because you had a great idea, we are too sinful to come to this conclusion on our own. Its because you were enlightened by the Holy Spirit, and that means you have been pardoned, God has shown you mercy and and you have eternal life. That’s not the case with everyone.

ii. Spurgeon: Whatever may be said about the doctrine of election, it is written in the Word of God as with an iron pen, and there is no getting rid of it; there it stands. To me, it is one of the sweetest and most blessed truths in the whole of Revelation; and those who are afraid of it are so because they do not understand it. If they could know that the Lord had chosen them, it would make there hearts dance with joy.

e. Exhortation: This is a message for depressed, dejected Christians, and it is a message of joy. We are children of the King with a glorious future. Serve God because He has already demonstrated His love to you, that while you were yet sinners, Christ died for you. If you have not turned to Christ in faith, He calls you. Leave the way of sin behind. This is the proof of your election.

2. Third Point: The reason for the message – God is blessing you, v. 2 “May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

3. .”

a. Explanation:

i. This is a time of wars, rumors of wars, turbulence, persecution and suffering, but God is going to bless them, This is the time of the Emperor Nero or Domitian – they hate Christians for not worshipping them, and for refusing to participate in the sinful, corrupt society that enables them (the leaders) to control their people. Subliminally, they fear this movement.

ii. Grace and peace.

- Grace - χάρις

charis

khar'-ece

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

= Peace-εἰρήνη

eirēnē

i-rah'-nay

Probably from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

iii. They are not going to receive grace and peace, they already have it. Peter is telling them that their grace and peace are to be multiplied. God is going to increase their peace and grace. They need to understand that they are already God’s people, whom He chose before the beginning of the world. They need have no fear – if God is for them, who can be against them?

iv. This is an exclusive message – He is not writing to unbelievers – He is writing to Christians. None of the assurances or encouragement Peter provides here apply to non-Christians.

b. Illustration: East European orphans. No expectation of blessings, unless adopted. If adopted by loving parents, they are then blessed, and they can expect their blessings to be multiplied over time. They have hope.

c. Argumentation: Some get this concept backwards. If I’m good enough, I’ll get blessings. If I appease God, He will bless me. We cannot do enough “good” to be righteous in God’s eyes. That only happens if we respond to His call, and turn to Him in faith. Then, and only then, can we expect grace and peace.

d. Application: This lesson is for Christians: the Lord wants us to focus on Him and our eternal destiny. We cannot ignore our present difficulties and circumstances, but need to seek insight from Him on how these difficulties and understandings are helping us in the long run, in our journey toward heaven. It is through these insights, that our grace and peace may be multiplied.

e. Exhortation: Amid the trial, turmoil and turbulence in our lives, as Christians let us rest certain that our reward is not here, but it is to come. We need to run the race.

4. Conclusions:

a. Lessons for Christians

i. an intro for what comes next

Joel H. Nadel

Sermon Title: A tale of two peoples

1. Peter

2. the recipients

Text: - Blessed are they, which do hunger, and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

I. Introduction:

3. the purpose

a. This message is about two different kinds of people; an earthly people and a heavenly people.

iii. What comes next in this book:

b. The keys to success and happiness, according to worldly beliefs.

1. Praise be to God for our role in His plan

i. Boldness

2. Our purpose in God’s plan – a royal priesthood for mankind.

ii. Pride

3. Trials are coming, but God will see us through.

b. Gospel appeal

iii. Riches and material goods

iv. Haughty intellect

i. Concerned you are not part of the elect? I would be too. Those who are not a part of the elect will suffer the wrath of God for all eternity. But there is good news.

ii. You are not here by accident. God wanted you to hear this message and think about these things.

v. Never back down

iii. Fear is a Godly emotion, particularly if you fear a thrice holy, almighty God – Turning to Christ because of your guilt and you fear the penalty of your sins is a legitimate reason to turn to Him. He loves you, He is holy, and he can you holy as well, through the blood shed by Christ Jesus. If you have not already done so, flee to Christ, and be assured of your salvation – your eternity with God in heaven.

vi. Win at all costs

vii. Self-reliance

Pray.

viii. Self-gratification with things, people

ix. Fight to win

x. Beauty, attractiveness and popularity

xi. Examples: Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Donald Sterling(LA Clippers owner), etc – discuss their riches and their miseries.

c. The keys to success and happiness, according to Christ:

i. Read

ii. Context:

1. Early in Christ’s ministry (Galilee), just selected His apostles

2. Has already established His teaching, preaching, healing ministries.

3. Christ’s teaching and preaching have resulted in a sizable following already.

4. This teaching is directed primarily at the apostles, though there are onlookers.

iii. Christ’s primary message: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

iv. Elaborates on the first part of that message – Repent!

v. Instruction on requirements to get into that kingdom

vi. Calvin: Jesus teaches that we must not focus on the flesh but on our standing before the Lord, in understanding our happiness. Christ teaches that our blessings are in our glorious future. For this reason, we should not be concerned by the reproach of the world.

d. Christ’s message here addresses who the candidates for heaven are, their character, and what they can expect in the Christian life. We will also look at those who are not heaven bound, their character, and what they can expect in their lives.

e. The question you must answer today – into which camp do you fall? This sermon gives us all cause for introspection.

II. Candidates for heaven and hell (vv 3-6)

a. Candidates for Heaven: Blessed or happy who 1) are poor in spirit, 2) mourn, 3) are meek, 4) hunger and thirst after righteousness.

b. What puts them in this condition?

i. Recognition, admission, despair of their own sinful and depraved state

ii. Work of the Holy Spirit – we do not come to these realizations on our own –

d. Why should they be happy? Seems contradictory

1. theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

2. they shall be comforted by the Lord Himself

3. they shall inherit the earth (more about that later)

4. they shall be filled/satisfied/

5. Calvin: Mourning/tribulations prepare us for eternal joy.

6. ,; , and ,: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

e. Candidates for hell: Opposite of those headed to heaven. They are seeking gratification in earthly, worldly, temporary pleasures. They would be 1) prideful in spirit, 2) mirthful and foolish, 3) proud, 4) seeking after all manner of self-gratification.

i. All their gratification is of a temporary, earthly nature.

ii. They will never find true happiness –

1. they will never see heaven

2. they will suffer eternity in hell with no comfort

3. they will inherit nothing – all they have they will lose when they die

4. they will suffer eternal loss, pain and sadness

III. Character of the children of God and the children of the world(vv 7-9)

a. The children who turn to Christ in faith will find themselves becoming merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers.

i. The Holy Spirit performs a work of sanctification in all His children which will ultimately produce these Christlike character traits.

ii. These character traits have eternal rewards which are cause for happiness/blessings:

1. Mercy for mercy

2. purity of heart = see God/fellowship with the Lord

3. peacemakers = adoption by the Lord as His children

b. Those who follow the ways of the world can expect to end up in a condition opposite to those who follow Christ:

i. becoming hardened, cynical, bitter

ii. letting their more sinful thoughts control their actions

iii. finding themselves more prone to conflict, anger, frustration.

iv. Rhetorical: Where are you today? Do you find yourself tending toward the first category (merciful, purity of heart, etc) or the second (hardened, cynical, etc…)

v. Examples from Nursing Home ministry

IV. Results and Rewards (vv 10-12)

a. Both types of people will receive their rewards. Those who follow Christ will see some blessings now, but their real blessings will come in eternity. Those who remain in the world will amass their earthly goods and treasures, but lose them when they meet the Lord at the judgement.

b. The children of God can expect to be slandered, reviled and suffer persecution as followers of Christ as long as they are in the world.

i. They are different – don’t follow the ways of the world

ii. “Christ knew that there is no class of men more envenomed than hypocrites, and foresaw with what furious madness the enemies of the Gospel would attack this small and despised flock”. – Calvin

iii. - And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

iv. The world hates them because the world is ashamed of it’s sin.

v. The biblical history of the prophets is replete with persecution for righteousness sake, but the Lord takes care of His own.

c. Those who follow the ways of the world can expect only the best that the world can offer them.

i. They may receive material goods, but also will suffer from greed, jealousy and the fear that those goods may be lost or taken away.

ii. Their relationships are shallow, earthly, superficial, transactional.

iii. In the end they will be judged by a thrice holy God and damned - elaborate.

d. Are the treasures of this world worth the blessings of heaven? This is a question each of us faces.

V. Evangelistic appeal:

a. Christ did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentence ()

b. Where are you today? Among which people do you count yourself, the children of God or of the world?

i. What is your hope for eternity?

c. Christ’s gift of salvation is open to all who will turn to Him in faith.

d. , . Briefly explain God’s sacrifice of His son and relate that to those who are poor in spirit, mournful, meek; who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

e. Are you in need of spiritual healing? Are you burdened by the guilt of past sins and transgressions? Turn to Christ and He will forgive those sins and begin the process of healing that you so desperately need.