Sermon Series Introduction 

Exiles. Sojourners. Foreigners. 

From the moment Jesus first uttered the words “the kingdom is at hand,” the church began to function as an exilic community–of the kingdom but in the world. Jesus’ ministry was destined to be counter-cultural. His message of rescue was met with hostility and, ultimately, a death sentence. Yet, the rescue would not be thwarted. Jesus rose from the grave and then, 40 days later, ascended into the heavens. But just before his departure, he commissioned his followers to take his gospel to the nations. 

In being sent, we are scattered. Yet, all the while, we are united with Him. And like our King, we are called to be counter-cultural, preaching hope and light into the darkness that has clouded this world.

Faith More Precious than Gold

The letter of 1 Peter addresses a people in exile. They’ve trusted in Christ, but this world is putting their faith to the test.

Even today, 1 Peter addresses the hard reality of living for Christ in an unchristian world. Christians may feel like outcasts as they constantly swim against the current of the culture. For some, societal expectations will intensify to become social pressures–or even ultimatums. 

The battlefront for the believer becomes twofold. On the one hand, our flesh tempts us to satisfy the desires of our past lives, and on the other, Satan begs us to join in with the revelry of the day. 

The question is this: “Will people of the faith be found faithful?”

Will we forsake the world’s pleasures, its acceptance, and its rewards?

Is following Jesus really worth enduring the world’s rejection, its beratement, and its injustice? 

As Paul reminds us elsewhere, there is strength in this faith by grace (2 Timothy 2:1-2). And Peter picks up the mantle: “… this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” (1 Peter 5:12) 

1 Peter is gritty. The letter assumes we are in the thick of life—its author understands our sojourning is hard, but all the while, we are encouraged to embrace the worthwhile calling of our Lord. 

A Chosen Race and Royal Priesthood

While the message of 1 Peter is one of care and perseverance, the letter itself is theologically rich.

Peter takes us on a tour of the Old Testament by quoting nine different passages* and alluding to countless more. In doing so, he points our attention to Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy—the true Messiah who conquered death—and likens Christians to ancient Israel.

Before Christ’s coming, identity loss had been the reality for God’s people. Though released from captivity, they never *really* returned from exile. Their spiritual identity was in question. Their God, silent. But at the incarnation of the Son, God decisively cleared his throat and then sang the ultimate battle cry at the empty tomb. 

Now, Christians—the nation of Israel reborn across multiple tongues and tribes—must cling to our Savior as the one who declares our identity. Like the people of promise in the Old Testament, we are chosen by God (1:1, 2:9, 5:13). 

As we study 1 Peter together as a church this spring, we’ll be reminded that our call is toward both hope (1:3) and holiness (1:14-19). We’ll be encouraged to pursue honorable conduct (2:12) and brotherly love (1:22, 3:8, 4:8). And as we sojourn together, may we strengthen one other to look toward an inheritance that is imperishable (1:4) and to embrace a faith that is more precious than gold (1:7).

You can pick up a sermon schedule bookmark in the Crosspoint foyer or download and print your own below. Follow along in your personal reading as you prepare for worship each week. 

Access all our sermon videos, audio, and notes here.

* Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 118:22, 34:12-16; Proverbs 3:34, 11:31; Isaiah 8:14, 28:16, 40:6-8, 53:9.