Kept By The Power Of God Series

Introduction: The Two-Way Guarantee

Last time we gathered, we looked at the incredible promise of verse 4: that there is an inheritance in heaven—incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading—that is being reserved for you. It is guarded and kept safe.

But that can lead to an anxious question, can't it? It's wonderful that the inheritance is safe in heaven, but what about us? We are still down here, in a world of trial, temptation, and failure. What if we don't make it? What if we stumble and lose our way? Is the security of our salvation all up to us?

This is where verse 5 comes as a breath of heavenly assurance. Peter gives us the other half of this divine guarantee. The inheritance is kept for us in heaven, and praise God, we are kept for the inheritance here on earth.

I. The Divine Protection: "Kept by the Power of God"

The first thing we must see is who is doing the keeping. The verse says we are "kept by the power of God."

* A Military Guard: The word Peter uses for "kept" is a military term. It means "to be garrisoned" or "to be guarded." Imagine a city surrounded by an invincible, watchful army, protecting it from any and all attackers. This is the image of our spiritual lives. You are not left to defend yourself; you are under the constant protection of a divine garrison.

* An Unfailing Power: And what is the strength of this army? It is the very power of God—the dunamis, the omnipotent might that spoke the universe into existence, that parted the Red Sea, and that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. It is this limitless power that is actively guarding you. No demon in hell, no trial in this world, and no weakness in your own flesh is a match for the power of God.

Your salvation is not maintained by your own willpower or your ability to hold on. You are being held by a power infinitely greater than your own.

II. The Human Connection: "Through Faith"

God's power is the source of our protection, but how do we connect to it? The verse tells us: "through faith."

Faith is the channel through which the power of God flows into our lives to keep and sustain us. It's crucial to understand what this means.

* Faith is Not the Power Source: Our faith itself does not save or keep us. Faith is the empty hand we extend to God, and He fills it with His strength. A weak faith in a powerful God is infinitely more effective than a strong faith in a weak god. The object of our faith is what matters, and our object is the all-powerful God.

* Faith is an Ongoing Trust: This isn't just about a one-time decision you made years ago. It is the day-by-day, moment-by-moment act of trusting Him, relying on Him, and looking to Him. When you feel weak, your faith looks to His power. When you are tempted, your faith cries out for His protection.

Think of a child crossing a busy street holding their father's hand. The child's safety doesn't ultimately depend on the strength of their own little grip. It depends on the powerful, firm grasp of the father. Our faith is simply our willingness to put our hand in His and trust His grip to hold us fast.

III. The Ultimate Destination: "Unto Salvation Ready to be Revealed"

Finally, what is the purpose of this divine protection? Where are we headed? We are being kept "unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

* A Guaranteed Future: While we enjoy the reality of our salvation now, its full, glorious completion is still to come. Peter says this final salvation is "ready to be revealed." It is not something God is still working on. It's a finished reality in heaven, complete and perfect, waiting for the appointed day of Christ's return to be unveiled in all its glory.

* The Finish Line: God is not just interested in starting the race with you; He is committed to bringing you across the finish line. His power guards you through every step of the journey for the specific purpose of presenting you complete at the final day.

He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. The power of God ensures it.

Conclusion: Rest in His Keeping Power

So, Christian, do you live in fear that you might not make it? Do you rely on your own strength to persevere?

Let this verse sink into your soul. The same power that guards your inheritance in heaven is the power that guards you here on earth. It is a two-way guarantee, sealed by God Himself.

Rest in His keeping power. Trust not in the strength of your grip, but in the strength of His. He is guarding you, through your faith, all the way home to a salvation that is already prepared and waiting to be revealed.

Amen.