Be Hopeful 1 Peter Session 2 - It's Glory all the Way

 

The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is studying the book of 1 Peter.

The thing that separates Christianity from other religions is grace. It is simply God doing something for you with no strings attached. God’s grace is solely motivated by love: deep, abiding, unconditional, sacrificial love.

Peter wrote this letter to Christians who were going through various trials. The apostle knew that a severe “fiery trial” was just around the corner, and he wanted to prepare believers for it. God’s message to us is, “Be hopeful! Suffering leads to glory! God can give you all the grace you need to honor Him when the going gets tough! The future is still as bright as the promises of God, so—be hopeful!

In Session 2 we start to look at why we have hope. If we have hope, then we can walk in holiness and in harmony. if we focus on Christ, we can overcome, and God will transform suffering into glory. In this session we learn that:

Christians are born for glory, Christians are kept for glory, Christians are being prepared for glory, Christians can enjoy the glory now.

We are using for our study "Be Hopeful (1 Peter): How to Make the Best of Times Out of Your Worst of Times" by  Warren W. Wiersbe 

Peter wrote this letter to Christians who were going through various trials. The apostle knew that a severe “fiery trial” was just around the corner, and he wanted to prepare believers for it. After all, what life does to us depends on what life finds in us.

But God’s message to us is, “Be hopeful! Suffering leads to glory! I can give you all the grace you need to honor Me when the going gets tough! The future is still as bright as the promises of God, so—be hopeful!

First Peter is a letter of encouragement (1 Peter 5:12). We have noted that the theme of suffering runs throughout the letter, but so also does the theme of glory (see 1 Peter 1:7–8, 11, 21; 2:12; 4:11–16; 5:1, 4, 10–11). One of the encouragements that Peter gives suffering saints is the assurance that their suffering will one day be transformed into glory (1 Peter 1:6–7; 4:13–14; 5:10). This is possible only because the Savior suffered for us and then entered into His glory (1 Peter 1:11; 5:1). The sufferings of Christ are mentioned often in this letter (1 Peter 1:11; 3:18; 4:1, 13; 5:1).

But suffering does not automatically bring glory to God and blessing to God’s people. Some believers have fainted and fallen in times of trial and have brought shame to the name of Christ. It is only when we depend on the grace of God that we can glorify God in times of suffering. 

Peter also emphasized God’s grace in this letter. “I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” (1 Peter 5:12 NIV).

The word grace is used in every chapter of 1 Peter: 1:2, 10, 13; 2:19 (“thankworthy”), 20 (“acceptable”); 3:7; 4:10; 5:5, 10, 12. Grace is God’s generous favor to undeserving sinners and needy saints. When we depend on God’s grace, we can endure suffering and turn trials into triumphs. 

As we study 1 Peter, we will see how the three themes of suffering, grace, and glory unite to form an encouraging message for believers experiencing times of trial and persecution. These themes are summarized in 1 Peter 5:10

‭1 Peter 5:10 NIV‬ [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 

Everything begins with salvation, our personal relationship to God through Jesus Christ. If we know Christ as Savior, then we have hope! If we have hope, then we can walk in holiness and in harmony. if we focus on Christ, we can overcome, and God will transform suffering into glory.

Man’s glory simply does not last, but God's Glory is eternal, and He has deigned to share that glory with us! Peter shares four wonderful discoveries that he had made about the glory of God.

1.  Christians are born for glory (1:2-4)

2. Christians are kept for glory (1:5)

3. Christians are being prepared for glory (1:6-7)

4. Christians can enjoy the glory now (1:8-12)

Christians are born for glory

‭1 Peter 1:1-5 NIV‬ [1] 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, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.  [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers have been “born” to a living hope.

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

That hope includes the glory of God. But, what do we mean by “the glory of God”?

The glory of God means the sum total of all that God is and does. “Glory” is not a separate attribute or characteristic of God, such as His holiness, wisdom, or mercy. Everything that God is and does is characterized by glory. He is glorious in wisdom and power, so that everything He thinks and does is marked by glory.

When we were born the first time, we were not born for glory. 

‭John 3:3 NIV‬ [3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

When we were born the first time, we were not born for glory.

‭1 Peter 1:24 NIV‬ [24] For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,

Only the works we do for the glory of God will last and be rewarded

‭1 John 2:17 NIV‬  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 

Peter writes about two things that help us understand that when we were born again we were born for glory.

First our new birth 

‭1 Peter 1:2-3 NIV‬ [2] who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.  [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

This miracle all began with God.  “Foreknowledge” does not suggest that God merely knew ahead of time that we would believe, and therefore He chose us. In the Bible, to foreknow means “to set one’s love on a person or persons in a personal way.” 

‭John 10:14, 27 NIV‬

[14]  “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 

The plan of salvation includes more than the Father’s electing love; it also includes the work of the Spirit in convicting the sinner and bringing him to faith in Christ. 

‭2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 NIV‬ [13] But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. [14] He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also, the Son of God had to die on the cross for our sins, or there could be no salvation. We have been chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son, and set apart by the Spirit. It takes all three if there is to be a true experience of salvation.

Peter did not deny man’s part in God’s plan to save sinners and that is to share the good news

‭1 Peter 1:12, 23 NIV‬ [12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 

[23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 

The same God who ordains the end—our salvation—also ordains the means to the end—the preaching of the gospel of the grace of God.

Remember when we were born again we were born for glory, and because of that we have hope (confident expectation), so 

Peter describes that hope

‭1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV‬ [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 

To begin with, it is a living hope because it is grounded on the living Word of God and was made possible by the living Son of God who arose from the dead.

‭1 Peter 1:23 NIV‬ [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 

A “living hope” is one that has life in it and therefore can give life to us. Because it has life, it grows and becomes greater and more beautiful as time goes on. Time destroys most hopes; they fade and then die. But the passing of time only makes a Christian’s hope that much more glorious.

It is a living hope that also has an inheritance vs 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 

As the children of the King, we share His inheritance in glory

‭Romans 8:17-18 NIV‬

[17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  [18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.17-18.NIV

We are included in Christ’s last will and testament, and we share the glory with Him.

‭John 17:22-24 NIV‬ [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— [23] I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. [24]  “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

This inheritance unlike an earthly inheritance is incorruptible, which means that nothing can ruin it. Because it is undefiled, it cannot be stained or cheapened in any way. It will never grow old because it is eternal; it cannot wear out, nor can it disappoint us in any way.

What is this inheritance?

‭1 Peter 1:5, 9 NIV‬

[5] who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

[9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The believer is already saved through faith in Christ, but the completion of that salvation awaits the return of the Savior. Then we shall have new bodies and enter into a new environment.When we were born again, we exchanged the passing glory of man for the eternal glory of God!

2. CHRISTIANS ARE KEPT FOR GLORY (1:5)

Not only are we born for glory we are also kept for glory 

‭1 Peter 1:5 NIV‬ [5] who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 

The word translated “kept” is a military word that means “guarded, shielded.” The tense of the verb reveals that we are constantly being guarded by God, assuring us that we shall safely arrive in heaven. 

Believers are not kept by their own power, but by the power of God. Our faith in Christ has so united us to Him that His power now guards us and guides us. We are not kept by our strength, but by His faithfulness. How long will He guard us? Until Jesus Christ returns and we will share in the full revelation of His great salvation.

‭1 Peter 1:9 NIV‬  for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

If any believer were lost, it would rob God of His glory. God is so certain that we will be in heaven that He has already given us His glory as the assurance.

‭Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV‬

[13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. 

‭John 17:24 NIV‬ [24]  “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

 CHRISTIANS ARE BEING PREPARED FOR GLORY (1:6–7)

Christians are born for glory, kept for glory and we are being prepared for glory.  

‭1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV‬ [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. [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. 

All that God allows in our lives is preparation for what He has in store for us in heaven. He is preparing us for the life and service yet to come. Nobody yet knows all that is in store for us in heaven, but this we do know: Life today is a training ground.   This explains the presence of trials in our lives.

Peter used the word trials rather than tribulations or persecutions, because he was dealing with the general problems that  Christians face as they are surrounded by unbelievers.

Trials meet needs. 

There are times when God knows that we need to go through trials. Sometimes trials discipline us when we have disobeyed God’s will. At other times, trials prepare us for spiritual growth, or help to prevent us from sinning.

‭2 Corinthians 12:1-10 NIV‬ [1] I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. [2] I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. [3] And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— [4] was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. [5] I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. [6] Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, [7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

We do not always know the need being met, but we can trust God to know and to do what is best.

Trials are varied. 

Don’t think that because we have overcome one kind of trial that we will automatically “win them all.” Trials are varied, and God matches the trial to our strengths and needs.

Trials are not easy. 

Trials often bring grief or pain. To say they aren't is being deceitful.  To deny that our trials are painful is to make them even worse. Christians must accept the fact that there are difficult experiences in life and not put on a brave front just to appear “more spiritual.”

Trials are controlled by God. 

They do not last forever; they are “for a season.” 

Our trying experiences today are preparing us for glory tomorrow.  This explains why Peter associated rejoicing with suffering.

‭1 Peter 1:5-6 NIV‬ [5] who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. [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. 

The in this in verse 6 is the coming salvation mentioned in verse 5. So the trials of life test our faith to prove its sincerity. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted! Too many professing Christians have a “false faith,” and this will be revealed in the trials of life.   

Remember the parable where the seed or the word fell in different places. Let's loseeat the seed that fell on 

‭Matthew 13:5-6 NIV‬ [5] Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 

The seed that fell on shallow soil produced rootless plants, and the plants died when the sun came up.  The sun in the parable represents “tribulation or persecution.” The person who abandons his “faith” when the going gets tough is only proving that he really had no faith at all.