THE WORLD'S STRANGERS -- GOD'S FRIENDS

Text:  I Peter 1:1,2

Purpose:  To encourage Christians with the knowledge that, though they are "strangers" to the present world-system, they are eternally-loved friends of God.

Introduction

As the believer serves God faithfully, he often finds himself at odds with the world. Peter wrote a letter of encouragement to Christians undergoing just such struggles, and he began it by noting that, while they are strangers in the world, they are God's special friends. These two themes run through his letter. We notice them in this lesson.

Body

I. Strangers in the world (1:1).

   A. The Jewish background of the term. The Jews outside Palestine were known as the Dispersion (scattered) Jews. In most places they were outcasts to their neighbors, closely bound to each other, and under severe pressure to sacrifice their faith for peace with their environment. The movie "Fiddler on the Roof " well illustrates this truth.

   B. Peter's application to Christians, also "strangers."

        1. Christians are also strangers in the world, but not without purpose. They are commissioned strangers (2:9). They have a mission in their hostile environment, and they should be aware of that mission at all times.

        2. Christians are to be holy strangers in carrying out their mission (2:11-15; 4:1-5). The holy life, even under stress, is an important attraction to others who are disposed to receive the gospel.

        3. Christians are to be ready strangers (3:13-17). When they suffer, yet do right, Christians are often given opportunity to bear witness to their hope in Christ. When God gives such an opportunity, believers are to be ready to speak -- with gentleness toward their hearers and reverence toward God. This point is developed at length in "The Context of Evangelism" in my book The Church That Pleases God.

       4. Christians may have to be suffering strangers (4:12-19). If it comes to this, they are to entrust their souls to God the faithful Creator, and persevere in well-doing.

II. Friends known eternally and well-loved by God.

   Although Christians are strangers in the world, they may take courage in the fact that they were known and loved by God from eternity, and that all aspects of their faith and life are under His benevolent control.

   A. God planned and foreknew the way of their salvation (1:9-12).

   B. God planned and foreknew their Savior (1: 18-20).

   C. God planned and foreknew their conversion from among the Gentiles (2:9, 10).

   D. God knew and planned before their begettal (1: 3).

   E. God planned before and knew their preservation by His power through faith (1:4-9).

   F. God planned and foreknew their full maturity or perfection (5:9, 10).

   G. God planned and foreknew their final inheritance in heaven (1: 3-5).

Conclusion

God's people are not at home in this world. They are outsiders to its values, goals and systems. But they are not the losers, for they are friends of God, known and loved by Him before the world began. Every aspect of their faith and salvation is under His power and will, and they may rely on Him in all circumstances with complete confidence. Let us be strong therefore to serve God well, no matter what the cost! With God on our side, we will be the eternal winners!

Back to Chapter 9 Forward to Chapter 11