Provisions For Survival Series

Introduction

I profess that I DO NOT like to watch the TV show, “Survivor”. I admit the concept, though with I’m sure some exaggerations, is pretty cool! It seems as 16 people are dumped out in the middle of nowhere with no food or water and have to figure out a way to survive on their own.

But according to Entertainment Tonight that’s not entirely true.

1) a supply of water to get started

2) a supply of canned goods and rice to eat.

3) a first aid kit (bandages, ointments, personal items

Despite the appearance that these people are left to fend for themselves, CBS has given them provisions for survival.

We do need certain provisions to survive. Food, water and air are essentials. It’s been found…

1) can live for about 40 days without food,

2) 3 days without water and

3) 8 minutes without air.

Today, verses 3-12 of chapter 1. 1 Peter -- written to Christians throughout the Roman Empire

• to encourage and warn them of the impending persecution likely to face

• because of the Emperor Nero who disliked them because of their refusal to bow down.

Last week, Peter (Vs. 1-2) laid the foundation for this letter and its message by

• Reminded these Christians of their unique identity in Christ

• Also of the divine salvation that they possess through Jesus Christ.

In verses 3-12, Peter continues to encourage by telling them that ;

• God has given provisions to help them survive what they are about to face.

• God also provides the provisions for surviving life to – US – one of the “elected” (vs 1).

ILLUSTRATION: “Our Daily Bread”: Missionary -- Hudson Taylor wrote this in his journal:

Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning... He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China; but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all... Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.

In times of difficulty, there are days – weeks – months – sometimes years that you don’t know how you will survive.

Peter’s encouragement to the Jewish Christians, also gives encouragement to those who have also become one of The Elected. A lesson telling us that God has provided provisions for you to survive life and its trials and challenges.

[SCR] READ TEXT – 1 Peter 1:3-12

… 4 DIFFERENT SUPPLIES given by God to help us survive life in the real world.

[SCR] I. A LIVING HOPE – (Vs. 3)

“Hope” is the key theme in I Peter. Hope for the future in spite of current sufferings they are facing and will face. The hope that Peter is DIFFERENT - the “hope of salvation”.

[SCR] Vs. 3) “given us a new birth into a living hope”

It’s not a HOPE that includes doubt like, “The weatherman says there’s an 40% chance of rain and I begin to hope it rain.” Today, while I hope it rains I have a lot of doubt that it will.

The “HOPE” Peter is describing is “an anticipation with pleasure” – a “conviction of faith”. Hope motivates us to keep going and not give up. Without hope we don’t want to do anything.

ILLUSTRATION: Peanut’s cartoon:

Lucy and Linus were sitting in front of the television set when Lucy said to Linus, "Go get me a glass of water." Linus looked surprised, "Why should I do anything for you? You never do anything for me." LUCY responds "On you 75th birthday, I’ll bake you a cake." Linus got up, headed to the kitchen and said, "Life is more pleasant when you have something to look forward to."

[SCR] Hope in Jesus Christ not only opens the door to receive a touch from God, Hope moves you through the door. Like LINUS, when you have hope you’re willing to get up and do something.

Peter describes this hope as “a living hope”.

[SCR] Notice last part of 3) “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Jesus died and was buried, but was raised to life and now lives. Because of HIS VICTORY OVER DEATH, WE (THE ELECTED) ALSO HAVE THIS LIVING HOPE!

God has provided us with a living hope, a hope for eternity, in the form of his Son, Jesus. God also provides us with 2nd supply to help us survive:

II. AN INVALUABLE INHERITANCE – [SCR] READ VERSE 4

ILLUSTRATION: INHERITANCES - Here’s a couple of interesting wills:

Mrs. Jones, 81, died without any survivors, that is, without any human survivors. She left three dogs to mourn her passing: Bozo, Dolly, and Skippy. She specified that her $72,800 should go for ‘the care and maintenance of the dogs.’ When the dogs are dead, what is left would be given to the Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. A veterinarian says the three canines are in ‘excellent health’ and the church may have to wait as long as twelve years to receive the money.