1 Peter 1:13-2:3 – Be Who You Are

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Introduction: Be a Baby

This summer we’re doing an 8 week series on Peter’s letter.  In our introductory sermon we noticed how Peter keeps emphasizing our double-identity: we are chosen by God our Father. But we are also aliens in the world. The world should find us strange, odd, curious, weird. Not that I’m asking us to be especially weird. At least, I don’t really want ME to be weirder than I already am.  

But if we are following Jesus we will be out of sync with our culture, with our neighbours, with our colleagues.  Our values and our goals and our whole perspective on life will be weird to others, and that should not surprise or alarm us. Our way of looking at popularity, at our jobs, at money, at other people, and even the way we see ourselves… is going to be odd, if we are following Jesus.   

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1 Peter 1:1-12 – The Born Identity

1 Peter 1:1-12
Sermon by Tim Kuepfer

Introduction: Chosen?

Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect.... chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father... God’s chosen. 

So, is that also me? Am I one of God’s chosen ones? Am I one of God’s elect?

Peter knows he is.  Jesus came right up to him, personally, on the shore of Lake Galilee, looked into his eyes: “Follow me.”  What could Peter do? He chose to stand up, leave his nets, leave his family... and follow. He was called. He was chosen.  “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, God’s elect, God’s chosen.”

But Jesus hasn’t exactly done that for you… or me, right?  Peter even points out the difference in verse 8: “Though you have not seen him (as I have), you still love him.”  

Yes, but… what if I’m not chosen. Peter knows Jesus chose him and loves him.  The big question Jesus asked Peter over and over was, “Do you love me?” 

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