To encourage us with the knowledge that, even though we are “strangers” to the present world-system, we are eternally-loved friends of God.
As New Testament Christians faithfully serve God, we often find ourselves at odds with the world. Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians undergoing just such struggles, and he began it by noting that, while they were strangers in the world, they were God’s special friends. These two themes run through his letter.
“To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”
STRANGERS IN THE WORLD – 1:1:
The term “aliens” was a familiar term to the Jews. The Jews outside Palestine where known as the Dispersion or Diaspora (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.
Peter applies “aliens” here to Christians. Christians are also strangers in the world but not without purpose. They are commissioned strangers: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (2:9). They have a mission in their hostile environment, and they should be aware of that mission at all times.
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.
Christians are to be ready strangers: “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong” (3:13-17).
When Christians suffer, yet do right, they 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.
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.
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.
God planned and foreknew the way of their salvation (1:9-12).
God planned and foreknew their conversion from among the Gentiles (2:9-10).
God knew and planned before their begetting (1:3).
God planned before and knew their preservation by His power through faith (1:4-9).
God planned and foreknew their full maturity or perfection (5:9-10).
God planned and foreknew their final inheritance in heaven (1:3-5).
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. Let us be strong therefore to serve God well, no matter what the cost! With God on our side, we will be eternal winners.
late Wayne E. Holland
a sermon preached in:
Hayesville, NC 7/25/82
Roxboro, NC 11/16/88
Henderson, NC 6/28/98