To the Elect Sojourners, According to tthe Foreknowledge of God

Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Words have Meaning and Ideas have Consequences
• “Scripture Interprets Scripture”
• Review

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
2. Social Status – “Pilgrims,” Sojourners, Strangers, or Temporary Residents
3. Spiritual Status – “Elect” (v. 1b; Romans 9:11, 5; Ephesians 1:4; Matthew 24:24; Luke 18:7)
4. Three Prepositional Phrases (v. 2a)
   • “According to the Foreknowledge of God the Father” – The Cause of the Event Referenced - Two Aspects
   o The Meaning of the word “Foreknowledge”
   o The Dictionary Definition – Prescience is Not the Cause of What is Known
   o The Arminian View – Foreknowledge of Man’s Faith the Cause of Election (Contrary to Romans 9:6-29; 11:5; Isaiah 46:9-10)
   o The Biblical View - Two Uses: flowing from God’s Eternal Decree (Acts 2:23; 15:18; Romans 9:23; 11:2; 1 Peter 1:20) & the Basis for the Elect (Romans 3:9-18; Jeremiah 31:3; Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Hosea 13:5; Romans 8:29-30; Romans Chapters 9-11)
   o To What is this Phrase Referring – To the Situational Status of the Elect Pilgrims

Conclusion/Application

• The Meaning of a Passage, Verse, or Phrase Must be Understood in Light of the Whole Counsel of God, lest we fall into Idolatry
• Be Reassured that in all Trial and Distresses of this Life nothing Occurs, Except by God’s Predetermined Purpose and Foreknowledge – Let This also be Your Comfort in This Life.