First Peter - To the Elect Sojourners

Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Three Parts to Peter’s Introduction to His Epistle

I. Wrote the Epistle (v. 1a):

1. “Peter” (John 1:44; Acts 1:15ff; 15:6ff; Galatians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:1)

2. “An Apostle of Jesus Christ” – Appointed to Speak and Write the Word of God, not Human Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

II. To Whom the Epistle Written – Described Three Ways, according to Their Current Status (v. 1b-2a)

1. Political (Geographical) Status – Scattered in the Northern Part of Asia Minor, Modern Day Turkey (Acts 2:41; 8:1; 11:19; James 1:1)

2. Social Status – “Pilgrims,” Sojourners, Strangers, or Temporary Residents (1 Peter 2:11, 9; Philippians 3:20; Hebrew 11:13)

3. Spiritual Status – “Elect” (v. 1b; Romans 9:11, 5; Ephesians 1:4; Matthew 24:24; Luke 18:7)

 Please Note: We Will Take up the Discussion of Verse 2a Next Week and Where it Properly Fits into the Introduction of Peter’s Epistle

III. Greeting or Salutation (v. 2b)
• “Grace to You,” and
• “Peace be Multiplied”

Conclusion/Application

• Receive by Faith the Epistle, as with the Rest of Scripture, as the “Word of God”
• God’s Election is Not bound by Our Circumstances, Nor By the Quality or Quantity of Our Faith – Praise the Lord!